We’re excited to spotlight Simmi Urbanek, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Greenfire Management Services, and a dedicated Professional Dimensions member for over eight years. Over the years, Simmi has embraced many opportunities within the PD community, serving as a committee member, committee chair, board member, charitable fund volunteer and contributor, and a regular attendee who continually shows up to support and strengthen the organization.
When reflecting on how her PD journey began, Simmi recalls being grateful that someone thought of her and extended an invitation to join. And here at Professional Dimensions, we’re equally grateful that she answered the call.
For Simmi, one of the most meaningful parts of her PD experience has been her involvement with the Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund (PDCF). What started as volunteering for the annual event - now known as the Imprint Awards - evolved into leadership roles as Vice Chair and eventually Chair of the event.
“Being a part of the Charitable Fund Board is the most rewarding part of PD for me,” she shared. “I appreciate the very direct giving with a purpose and the spotlight we shine on artists and women making an impact.”
Her commitment to service and leadership extends well beyond PD. Simmi has been involved with Islands of Brilliance for the past 13 years, beginning as a creative mentor and growing into a board leadership role. Today, she leads the organization’s fundraising committee, working alongside a team of six dedicated volunteers.
Islands of Brilliance empowers children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through creative learning experiences and opportunities to thrive. Through her work with the organization, Simmi has expanded her understanding of advocacy, policy, and the challenges families face every day.
“This is more than asking for funding,” she explains. “It’s learning about advocacy, policy, and conditions that affect these kids and their families every day.”
She credits much of her growth in nonprofit leadership to lessons learned through Professional Dimensions and the Charitable Fund. The fundraising, strategic planning, collaboration, and leadership skills she developed through PD have directly influenced her success with Islands of Brilliance.
One of Simmi’s core beliefs is that the value of Professional Dimensions extends far beyond its membership.
“It’s important that the information shared within PD goes out into the community and benefits the community,” she says. “We need to break the thought that PD is a secret society or an exclusive community. We’re here to help the entire community.”
That spirit of connection and shared growth is central to how Simmi views leadership. She often reflects on a simple but powerful analogy:
“There is a ladder, and it takes one person to climb it, but many people to hold it in place and stabilize it. Without those people, I would not know how to challenge myself, accept feedback, and grow.”
Today, Simmi balances a fulfilling professional career, volunteer leadership, and life as a wife and mother of two teenage boys. She is passionate about helping organizations succeed and feels fortunate that her work allows her to support causes that align with her values and make a meaningful difference in the community.
When asked what Professional Dimensions means to her, Simmi’s answer captures the essence of the organization:
“Being a PD member is being part of an inclusive group of leaders that focuses on philanthropy, networking, leadership, and diversity. There is opportunity when you want to make it. There are connections where you want to make them. There are memories always and everywhere.”
Thank you, Simmi, for your leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to strengthening both the PD community and the greater Milwaukee community. We are proud to celebrate all that you contribute and the impact you continue to make.
CONTACT SIMMI
414.290.9445
simmi.urbanek@greenfire.com
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