PD Women-

It is with deep sadness and dismay that I share with you the loss of an incredible leader, and Professional Dimensions sister, Mary Dowell. As many of you know, Mary was a model of fortitude and excellence as she led within PD and the Milwaukee community for decades. Alongside her leadership of a myriad of grassroots and treetop initiatives over the course of her life, she also served as the President of PD from 2010-2012 . While I never had the opportunity to meet Mary, I'm aware of her influence and I'm humbled to benefit from the trails she blazed. Mary was a pioneer, especially in her work towards equity and inclusion which was paramount in the evolution of PD’s race relation work. She was proactive and visionary - a model we can all aspire to as PD women.

Family is taking time to process and would like to hold a memorial service in the Spring/Summer timeframe when it is safer to gather. We will be sure to send details regarding the service and other ways to send condolences as the information is made available. 

In the meantime, we’ve found collective processing and healing power in sharing the legacy and imprint that our members have left with each other. [Below] we are sharing the reflections from PD members on Mary's influence, holding space for her vision and leadership to live on through our organization.  

Mary was a role model who truly exemplified the values of PD, especially in the spirit of breaking down barriers and finding power in the work we can do collectively as women. My thoughts and prayers are with those of you who knew Mary more intimately as you move through this time with a heavy heart. Please know that you are not alone, and that PD is here.  We will navigate these times together.

With love,
Lauren Feaster

Milwaukee Business Journal Article: Former Johnson Controls exec, community leader Mary Dowell dies at 74