Alverno College, for over 135 years, has strived to educate and empower women to realize their leadership, strength of voice and potential to lead in the working world. Alverno’s support of “The Future is Female” continues to showcase and exemplify these efforts by supporting the stories of grit, resilience and strength of character of present, past and future leading women in the Milwaukee community! #AlvernoStrong

For 20 years, Patty Pritchard Thompson has served as a professional Talent Acquisition Consultant as well as a Talent Coach. Through her work, Thompson helps job seekers and professionals find their voice in the job market by creating strong messaging and making connections.   

Thompson is also a volunteer for the Bay View Neighborhood Association as the Executive Producer of Chill on the Hill. This summer marks her 16th with the popular outdoor music series.

“53207 for life!” says Thompson, who was born, raised and currently lives on Milwaukee's South Side.

OnMilwaukee recently had the chance to chat with Thompson and ask her the eight questions that are routinely posed in the series. The women chosen for this series are from many different walks of life, but have numerous things in common, including vision, passion, compassion and contribution.

1. What does active listening mean to you? Do you consider yourself a good listener, and if so, how has this helped you in your personal and professional relationships?

Staying quiet and being the receiver of information. Let the speaker get all of the message out and then digest it before making any comments.

I do consider myself to be a good listener, but can always improve. As a Talent Coach, I have to listen to what my clients are telling me before I can be of any service to them. I need to have all of the data points before I can develop a solution that will help push them forward. 

2. What was the last subject you were curious about and then pursued to learn more? How did you pursue it?   

I am currently focused on becoming a better sailor. My husband and I own a boat and sail out of South Shore Yacht Club. I am a strong Crew member on the boat, but am determined to be more of a Skipper so I can help others to be better sailors. I am taking classes, attending seminars and actively training.   

3. If you can’t figure something out yourself, what source or person do you turn to first? How long do you wait before you ask for help?

I have a collection of incredibly smart women who I often turn to and ask questions. Depending on the topic, I may reach out to my sisters, my friends or my colleagues – all of whom I trust and rely on. I will try to find the answer myself, but if I’m not quickly successful, I’ll ask my gang.  

4. What are your personal values? Who and/or what inspired them and how do these values affect your decision-making process?  

Self-reliance, kindness and making an impact. I want to be able to stand on my own with the knowledge that I can’t completely be alone in the process. My mother was a fiercely independent woman who gave of herself greatly to others. Her voice is often in my head, and I’ve tried to learn from her spirit of volunteerism and her work ethic.  

5. Technology and online communication/meetings/social has definitely changed over the years. Do these things help or hinder your growth – or both? 

Both. I’ve discovered that I’m a much bigger fan of being in person, but the convenience and efficiency of being online has made my work easier. I could live with a little less social media and the noise it creates, but do enjoy the connection and reach it provides. 

6. Where is the farthest you’ve traveled and what is a thing or two you learned from the experience? And what surprised you?

I spent a glorious 10 days in Saipan (near Guam on the Mariana Trench) visiting a college friend and traveling with a work friend – both are part of my group of strong women friends referenced above. I learned that international travel is an adventure that requires great preparation and a spirit of adventure. I also learned that strong women exist all over the world, and was fortunate enough to meet a number of them in Saipan. 

I was surprised by the beauty of this far-off place. It was an incredibly lush island filled with historical significance from World War II, and it is a US protectorate, yet hardly anyone knows where it is.  

7. What are your favorite art forms? How do you challenge yourself to actively engage in the arts? 

Music. I’m a classical musician – I play the oboe. Plus I help to curate the bands for Chill on the Hill. The range of exposure is very wide. I challenge my classical self by going to Wind Ensemble camp each summer in Door County and playing my instrument with other band friends. I challenge my original music self by listening to local bands whose genre may not be my personal style, but will appeal to other guests of Chill on the Hill. 

8. How do you/your work move Milwaukee forward?  

My day job allows me to help people think bigger about themselves and empower them to tell their stories with confidence. My clients are making significant contributions to Milwaukee companies. My volunteer job allows people to be connected to their neighbors and their community. I see new friendships and connections being made every night at Chill, and that makes all of Bay View and Milwaukee stronger.