Alumni Association

The WILS Alumni Association supports Wisconsin Leadership Seminars by providing ongoing educational, leadership, and networking opportunities for alumni. It helps student and civic leaders stay connected with peers from past seminars. Membership is free and lifelong.

The Alumni sponsors several OUTSTANDING events during the year at various sites across the state, including:

Alumni Reunions – Twice a year, alumni gather for weekend reunions at different Wisconsin locations. Each event includes community service, a guest speaker, a local business tour, recreational activities, and plenty of fun!

Seminar Staff – Each year, over 80 alumni return to volunteer, playing a vital role in making the WILS Seminar a success.

Service and Fundraising Events – Alumni volunteer year-round to support WILS and other organizations through activities like nonprofit work, gardening, car washes, and concession stands.

Seminar Committees – Alumni can volunteer on five key committees that help prepare for the seminar: Seminar Planning, Recruitment, Registration, Social Media, and Staffing.

Board of Directors

Tyler Poker

President

Hi everyone! My name is Tyler Poker. I am a 22er from Baraboo, Wisconsin, and I am honored to be the 2025–26 Alumni Association President! Currently, I am a sophomore at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL, where I am a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the men’s golf team. This is now my fourth year on the board, which makes me feel pretty old, but I wouldn’t want it any other way! When I attended WILS in 2022, my life changed forever. I met friends whom I now consider family and grew more as a person than I ever could have imagined. Since that weekend, I decided that I wanted to give back and stay involved as much as I can. WILS truly is a lifelong experience if you let it be, and I am so grateful for the opportunities—such as serving on the board—that I have been given. By coming back and staying involved, I hope I can continue to help provide others with the same incredible experience, and I will continue to work hard to ensure that happens!

Maddie Meredith

Vice President

Hi, my name is Maddie Meredith and I attended WILS in 2023! At the moment, I am a Pioneer at Carroll University, where our seminar is hosted, but I am originally from the small town of Oakfield, WI. This is my first year on the board, but I am super excited to grow as a person and a leader throughout my role as Vice President! I firmly believe that everyone has a story to tell, a light to shine in the darkness, and a reason to be recognized for all that they do. WILS provides that sense of full worth and recognition for all of the good you help provide in this world; that’s why I strive to come back to WILS at every waking moment that I get.

River Curtis

Hello! My name is River Curtis, and I’m from the small town of Benton, Wisconsin. After being selected to attend seminar in 2024, I returned as a member of seminar staff in 2025 and am overjoyed to be Treasurer of the Alumni Association board this year! I’m a senior at Benton High School, and this is my first year on the board. I was drawn back to WILS because of the loving environment that is created at seminar. I wanted to give future student-leaders the same experience that I got in summer of 2024. I’ve met so many amazing people through WILS, and I will stay connected for as long as humanly possible because I love this community with all of my heart.

Brennan Martin

Treasurer

Hello!  My name is Brennan Martin.  I am from Ripon, Wisconsin, and I had the opportunity to attend WILS in 2023.  Since 2023, I have returned to seminar as a junior facilitator, last year I served on the board as treasurer, and I am excited to be back this year serving as secretary!  I am currently attending Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA where I am a Johnson and Bonner scholar, the achievement of which I attribute in large part to WILS.  WILS was truly a revelation for me in many ways.  It showed me that I don’t have to pretend to be someone else to be valued as a leader.  I also learned that you don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to you; you can forge your own path and help others while doing so.  WILS is still a huge part of my life for the continual growth it provides and the deep friendships I have made.  I strive to make our work during our annual seminar equally as impactful for all students who attend as it was for me.  Everyone has something special to offer, and sometimes you need a little Jim Love, Sarah Perkins, and a weekend full of WILS goofiness to realize what that is for you. 

Secretary

Nevaeh Clayton

Member at Large

Hello, my name is Nevaeh Clayton. I am beyond excited to be one of the Co-Members at Large this year! I attended seminar in 2023 and I am from Green Bay, Wisconsin (Go Pack Go). I am also currently a Student-Athlete at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I come back to WILS to give back everything it has given me. WILS has truly shaped me into the person I am today and has had such a powerful impact on my life. The seminars and reunions have given me lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences. I hope to give others the same opportunities and experiences that have meant so much to me, so they can enjoy WILS just as much as I do.

Adam Capatske

Member at Large

Jolly good day! My name is Adam Capatske, and I’m a 24er from Ellsworth, Wisconsin. This year, I’m thrilled to be your favorite of the two Co-Members at Large and return for my second year on the Alumni Board! Similar to everyone else on this board, I share a strong affection for WILS and always will. When asked about WILS, I continuously struggle to describe how incredible it is; however, without a doubt in mind, WILS is a family I’m proud to be part of. I hope that through this leadership position, I can assist in creating an unforgettable experience like I received.

Piper Ryan

Public Relations Director

Hi! My name is Piper Ryan and I am a 23er from Deerfield, WI. This is my third year on the board and I’m so excited to spend this term as your Public Relations Director! Currently, I attend UW Madison (roll badge!) where I study psychology and international studies while working as editor and graphic designer of the Journal of Undergraduate International Studies (JUIS)! I come back to WILS because every year I am reminded of what it’s like to find your purpose, yourself, and your community. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being a part of those moments, and being able to share them!

Whitney May

Media Coordinator

Hi! My name is Whitney May, and I am so excited to be this year’s media coordinator! I attended seminar in 2025, and am from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Back home, I enjoy spending my time with family and friends, and am involved in show choir, cross country, and many other groups such as NHS! This will be my first year on the WILS Alumni Board, and I am very excited to see what’s to come for this upcoming year! When I first came to WILS for this previous seminar, I learned how welcoming and kind the community truly is, and this is ultimately why I decided to come back to WILS. The feeling of being in an environment completely free of judgement is an amazing experience I wish for everyone! WILS has already given me so many amazing opportunities, and I am excited to see all of the next young leaders thrive here at WILS!

Shaunak Chaudhuri

First-Year Liaison

Hi! My name is Shaunak Chaudhuri (I go by Shawn), and I am ECSTATIC to be your First-Year Liaison this year! I am a current junior at Grafton Highschool, and I attended seminar last year!! At school, I participate in numerous clubs at my schools like FBLA, HOSA, Model UN, an Acapella group, and a robotics team! I love impacting and connecting with people as much as possible, which is why I came back to seminar this year! I can’t wait to speak to all of the new 26er’s this year, and get to know all of you guys. WILS has given me valuable friendships and has taught me valuable lessons! I’ve been able to apply so many of the things i learned at the last seminar in just the year since! I hope that leaders throughout Wisconsin apply these in their hometowns and other leadership roles as well!