Community Conversation on Servant Leadership
Thursday, November 12th, 2026 | 7:30-9:00am
Viterbo Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby
Begin your day with inspiration, insight, and meaningful connection. Join us for a community conversation featuring presenters who will explore the principles of servant leadership and what it looks like to lead with purpose in our workplaces, communities, and everyday lives.
This free event is open to everyone and offers an opportunity to listen, reflect, and engage in conversation with others who are committed to making a difference. Enjoy a continental breakfast and come ready for a conversation that may inspire new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.
Registration is required as seating is limited. Register Here!
Presenters
Jake Erickson, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse
Jake Erickson’s connection to the Boys & Girls Club began long before he became its CEO. A former Club member himself, Jake joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse as a full-time staff member in 1997 and served in numerous roles before being named CEO in 2017.
Under his leadership, the organization has experienced significant growth in its staff, facilities, programming and community reach, including successful capital campaigns totaling more than $30 million to expand opportunities in new communities and workforce readiness. Through every stage of that growth, Jake has remained committed to a servant leadership philosophy centered on relationships, listening, supporting others and keeping young people at the heart of every decision.
Joan Wilson, Owner and Founder, MOKA Coffee
Joan Wilson is the owner and founder of MOKA Coffee, a Midwest-based coffee company known for its drive-thru experience, quality coffee, and strong connection to the communities it serves. Since founding MOKA, Joan has helped grow the company from its beginnings into a multi-location business serving communities throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.
With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for bringing people together, Joan has built MOKA around great coffee, genuine hospitality, and meaningful relationships. Her leadership has shaped a company culture centered on people, community, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. As MOKA continues to grow and evolve, Joan remains committed to the values and personal connections that have been at the heart of the company from the beginning.
Rev. Phillip Waselik, Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church
Reverend Phillip Waselik came to La Crosse from Connecticut where he was raised and attended the University of Connecticut (UConn). Phil also spent much time performing in choir, concert bands, and drum corps. As Director of Bands, he directed a large marching band, winter percussion, winter guard, two jazz bands, and a concert band while teaching AP Music Theory, Music History, lessons, and sometimes choir. In addition, Phil also conducted two musicals a year. Drum corps was a passion, and he had the honor of teaching a brass line and was assistant drum major. Pastor Phil moved to La Crosse to be a chaplain within a CPE Residency program at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Currently, Phil serves full-time at Trinity Lutheran Church on the Northside of La Crosse and is completing his PhD. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia-Chicago.
Event Facilitator
Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership, Viterbo University
Tom Thibodeau is a nationally recognized speaker who provides leadership and organizational culture development consulting to health systems, college systems, school systems, large cooperatives, communities, and organizations of all sizes across the U.S. He has been actively serving the La Crosse community for more than 20 years through his leadership on several community boards and committees and as founder of Place of Grace, a local Catholic Worker House.