Some people come to Milwaukee and instantly know they’ve found their place. Anilla Alexander felt it the moment she stepped onto Marquette’s campus—and more than 15 years later, she’s still building here.
A first-generation professional shaped by resilience, mentorship, and discipline, she’s grown each role into the next—embracing imposter syndrome as fuel, not fear. Beyond the office, Anilla is deeply invested in Milwaukee’s future.
As a chairperson of the Young Professional Board for Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, a mentor to students, and an avid runner who knows the power of consistency, she’s passionate about one thing above all: building confidence and expanding opportunities for the next generation.
We sat down with Anilla to talk career growth, community leadership, and why believing in people—early and often—can change everything.
What is your background?
I am from the western suburbs of Chicago, Elmhurst, Illinois. I moved to Milwaukee more than 15 years ago to attend Marquette University.
The first time I toured Marquette, I knew Milwaukee would be my home away from home.
Any stories from your youth that define your path?
I grew up a first‑generation, which taught me the power of hard work and a strong support system. My parents are the definition of resilience. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to provide opportunities for me shaped my values and my work ethic. It’s also the reason I am so passionate about youth advocacy – when kids are given opportunities to build confidence and someone who believes in them, it can change the entire trajectory of their future.
Where did you study?
I attended Marquette University, right in the heart of Milwaukee.
What do you do for work now?
I am a Vice President at BMO Bank N.A. I currently work as a Portfolio Manager in Commercial Banking, focused on clients within the automotive dealership network. We partner with clients to deliver strategic financial solutions to support their business growth.
I have extensive experience towards dealer floorplan, M&A financing, commercial real estate, and C&I lending.
Some of my responsibilities include, but are not limited to: deal structuring, credit risk governance, deal closing processes, oversee junior talent, relationship building, and presenting to credit partners /senior leaders.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
I’m approaching 14 years at BMO. Each role I’ve held at the bank was a building block for the next one. For every career advancement, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in my corner, who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. Having that level of support gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and trust that each step was preparing me for the next role.
I’ve also experienced imposter syndrome and instead of resisting it, I’ve always learned to embrace it! I view it as strength, as it fuels me to learn as much as I possibly can in order to keep growing.
Can you talk more about your community involvement?
I currently serve as the Chairperson of the Young Professional Board for Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, (“GOTR”). GOTR is a program to teach life skills to girls in 3rd – 8th grades. During the program, girls participate in lessons to foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service, while they prepare for a celebratory 5K. Too many girls are excluded from opportunities to shape confidence and GOTR is working to reduce those barriers.
We launched the YP Board in 11/2024. As Chair, I lead a group of 19 inspiring leaders, meeting monthly to find new ways to collectively leverage our networks, bring more volunteers, raise critical funds, and spread awareness to expand access for more girls to participate. Some of our fundraising events have included partnerships with Milwaukee area fitness studios/run clubs, as well as different social activities.
I am continually inspired by my fellow board members, who are deeply committed to igniting change in our community.
Whether I am cheering at the finish line at the celebratory 5K, buddy run club, visiting a school practice, I get to witness the friendships forming, the smiles, hugs and high-fives exchanged, as we work to create a happier and healthier community. It takes a village and I am grateful to be a part of this one! “
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
I am proud to work at BMO, where the culture revolves around “boldly growing the good” in business and life. At BMO, not only am I reminded success includes finding ways to create an inclusive community, I am encouraged to use my leadership and talent to partner with local non-profits.
Throughout my career, I’ve led a series of career /volunteer days in partnership with Pearls for Teens, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, the United Community Center and Marquette University – connecting students to mentors, career pathways, and hands on experiences that help shape their future. I strongly believe in the power of mentorship, as I’ve also been a mentor in the Marquette Business Mentor Program for 7 years. College students need someone to listen to their voice, help them navigate through career paths and remind them the sky is the limit. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my mentees’ growth and the ripple effect it creates.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
What I love most about living in Milwaukee is the sense of community and the people! Not only have I been supported and inspired by people/connections here, I’ve also witnessed how the city shows up for each other.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I want to see a Milwaukee where every child is invested in, so they feel seen, a sense of belonging, and their voice is heard; where opportunity isn’t determined by upbringing.
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
I am constantly chasing small dreams along the way, whether it is traveling somewhere new or running another half marathon. Yet, I am grateful to be living a life I once dreamed of. Along the way, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always come from the big milestones, but from the consistency and courage it takes to keep moving forward. I am an avid runner, having completed 25 half marathons and one full marathon. Running has taught me the magic of discipline and the power of believing in myself.
Every time we accomplish a goal, whether small or large, we build self‑confidence. There is no better feeling than reaching a level you once believed was out of reach. It’ becomes the inspiration for our next challenge. It’s one of the many reasons I will continue to advocate for Girls on the Run. When kids gain self‑confidence, they begin to see their own potential. And that’s when the real magic begins.