Celebrating Sarita Mannigel: A Champion for Community & Leadership
This International Women’s Day, we are honored to spotlight Sarita Mannigel, a leader whose journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of community. From her roots in Puerto Rico to her role as Director of Human Resources Operations at Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin, Sarita’s career has been shaped by her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others.
A Passion for People & Growth
Sarita’s career in Human Resources began in 2015 when she led a community youth program, helping high school students explore careers in healthcare. She quickly expanded the program to serve all school districts in Cook County, IL, demonstrating her ability to build pathways for success. That same year, she relocated to Dane County, WI, where she continued her impact, stepping into leadership roles that would shape the future of both businesses and communities.
With a growing expertise in HR strategy, Sarita became an HR Executive in 2018, focusing on employee relations, training, and leadership development. She has since taken on roles that go beyond the workplace—leading efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and support underserved communities.
A Leader in the Latino Community
Sarita has been a driving force in empowering Latino entrepreneurs and professionals. In 2018, she joined the Latino Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and, by 2019, was leading as Board Chair. Under her leadership, the organization underwent a transformation, rebranding as the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce and achieving financial stability.
Recognizing the importance of long-term economic support, Sarita took on the role of President of the Wisconsin Latino Economic Development Foundation (WLEDF) in 2023, where she successfully reinstated its 501(c)(3) status. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that Latino businesses and professionals have the resources they need to thrive.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her professional achievements, Sarita is a dedicated mother and an advocate for education, poverty alleviation, and social services. Her story is a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not just about breaking barriers—it’s about building bridges for others to follow.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Sarita for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of community. Her journey is an inspiration to women everywhere, proving that when we uplift each other, we create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.