WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with UCC Chief Executive Officer Laura Gutiérrez

Laura Gutíerrez
Chief Executive Officer, United Community Center

Laura Gutíerrez is the Chief Executive Officer of the United Community Center (UCC). UCC serves clients on Milwaukee’s southside ages 6 weeks to 100+ years old. Its programs include Early Childhood Education and elderly care. UCC operates one of the largest K-8 schools in the state, Bruce-Guadalupe Community School, and the UCC Acosta Middle School.

Laura has held several leadership positions within private and public education. She served as Assistant Principal and Director of Instruction at Bruce Guadalupe Community School. Most recently, Laura served as secretary of the state of Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. While there, Laura oversaw a staff of more than 250 people and managed a biennial budget of $100M.

Before working for the State of Wisconsin, Laura was Vice President of Academic Affairs at St. Anthony School in Milwaukee. Previously, Laura served as an elementary and middle school instructor in various capacities. Additionally, she worked as a clinical and microbiology laboratory assistant at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

Education

Laura earned her master’s degree in leadership and policy from Marquette University and her bachelor’s degree from Carroll University. She also completed the District Administrator Licensure Program at Cardinal Stritch University and received her Superintendent license in 2016.

Leadership Recognition

Laura’s leadership and impact on the community is recognized throughout Wisconsin. Milwaukee Business Journal gave Laura the “Women of Influence” award and named her to the “Milwaukee-area Power Brokers” list. In 2022 Marquette University gave Laura an “Alumni National Award”. Carroll University also recognizes her as a distinguished alumnus.

Community Involvement

Laura is an active member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), serves on the education committee of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) and was an active advocate with City Forward Collective and the Milwaukee Health Department during COVID ensuring continued education for all students in Milwaukee.

She serves on the board of the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, All-in Milwaukee, Waukesha State Bank, and is an active member of Milwaukee Women Inc., an organization focused on increasing the representation of women onboards of directors to improve Wisconsin businesses.