Women Trailblazers Podcast
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

AT UW-STEVENS POINT WOMEN THRIVE

Join Associate Professor Lyna Matesi, co-founder of the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership, as she talks with leaders who are making a BIG impact in their communities, Wisconsin and the world. Like what you hear? Stay tuned for more information about the Women Trailblazers Conference at UW-Stevens Point, an event centering women and emphasizing how they are leading and thriving.

Women Trailblazers Podcast

Meet Lyna Matesi, Ph.D.

The Woman who Wears Many Hats!

Professor Lyna Matesi is the co-founder of the Center for Women’s Leadership, associate professor of Management and academic director for the graduate school and professional programs in the Sentry School of Business and Economics. She wears multiple hats on a daily basis including roles as a teacher, mentor, leader, manager, life-changer, creator, driver and thriver. Her background in leadership studies, whole systems designs and management help her to succeed in each role (or hat!) she is in. Learn more about Professor Lyna Matesi and why she is a perfect fit to lead the Women Trailblazers Podcast.
 
 
Women Trailblazers Podcast

Meet Kelsy Saldivar

MBA Student in the Sentry School of Business and Economics

Kelsy Saldivar is an emerging leader defined by resilience, ambition and a commitment to empowering others. Currently pursuing her MBA at UW–Stevens Point, she has built a reputation as a confident communicator, community advocate and driven professional who embraces challenges.  A recognizable and trusted campus voice, Kelsy has appeared in university promotional videos, spoken at major events and welcomed prospective families as a tour guide, consistently connecting with audiences through warmth and authenticity.  As she advances in her MBA studies, Kelsy is shaping a purpose-driven career focused on inspiring others, leading with innovation and advocating for lasting change. She hopes her journey encourages young women to pursue opportunities boldly and rise through challenges with confidence.  Beyond academics, Kelsy is passionate about service and community impact, volunteering regularly and supporting local organizations to uplift underrepresented voices. Her leadership blends empathy, drive and dedication to growth, guiding every project she undertakes.
 
 

WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS PODCAST – SERIES 6

Pointers in the Arts

Intersecting sport and society, Sport Business at UWSP launching Fall ’26

Podcast Guest: Kevin Neuman

Kevin Neuman – College of Professional Studies Assistant Dean, Head of the Sentry School of Business and Economics, Professor of Economics

Take the leap and stay the course

PODCAST GUEST: Diane Gilbert, ’06

Diane Gilbert, ’06 – Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator for UW-Stevens Point Athletics

Changing the imagination

PODCAST GUEST: Madison Schiefelbein ’25

Madison Schiefelbein ’25 – Wisconsin based creative, focusing on documentary, commercial work, sports, short filmmaking and music videos

Bring the ladder up

PODCAST GUEST: Abigail Koopman ’24

Abigail Koopman ’24 – Manager of Partnership and Activation for the Wausau Woodchucks baseball and Wausau Ignite softball teams

Meet Our Guests

Diane Gilbert

Diane Gilbert ‘09, was named the Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator for UW-Stevens Point Athletics in April 2022.  Prior to that, she was a member of the UWSP athletic department for 12 years as the top assistant coach for the UWSP women’s basketball program. The Pointers went 214-124 while Gilbert was a member of the coaching staff, including five NCAA Tournament appearances and four WIAC Tournament titles. She also led the UWSP women’s golf program for the past two seasons. 
 
Gilbert is no stranger to success at UWSP. She was a member of the UWSP women’s basketball team from 2001-05 and was a member of the 2002 National Championship team. She was inducted into the UWSP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. 
 
In addition to coaching, her tenure at UWSP has including working as NCAA Compliance and Eligibility Coordinator, Student Success Coordinator for Athletics, Associate Lecturer and serving on the Athletics Hall of Fame committee among the litany of other duties. 
 
Gilbert graduated from UWSP with a bachelor of science in health promotion and wellness in 2006. She earned her master’s in education from Edgewood in 2009, where she also served as a graduate assistant coach. A native of Monroe, Wis., Gilbert now resides in Plover with her husband, Grayson, daughter, Natalie and son, Griffin. 

Madison Schiefelbein

Madison Schiefelbein ‘25, is a Wisconsin based creative, focusing on documentary, commercial work, sports, short filmmaking and music videos. Her interest in videography began when she was a kid, making comedy videos with her cousin at their grandmother’s house. In high school, she substituted turning in paper homework with educational videos, and captured as much of her life on camera that she could. That interest carried over into adulthood, and blossomed into a passion for storytelling. Madison now works with UWSP athletics as a photographer, and for a local alumni owned production company, Thousand Lumens.  

Madison graduated with a bachelor of science in media studies and sociology and says most of her growth comes from exploration of emotion within sports, studying and shadowing creatives on set, experimenting with found footage and staying curious. 

Nerissa Nelson

Abigail Koopman ‘24,  serves as Manager of Partnership and Activation for the Wausau Woodchucks baseball and Wausau Ignite softball teams. In her role, she oversees all aspects of partnership and sponsorship activation including designing stadium signage and billboards, compiling game program advertisements, in-stadium Public Address reads, designing and acquiring promotional giveaway items and any other items involved within the contract. She also oversees all in-stadium entertainment including all between-inning on-field promotions and games, planning theme nights and video board operations. In-season and during the off-season, she manages community outreach and impact including donation requests, mascot appearance requests, attending various community events and managing a staff of interns. She stepped into this role after previously interning with the organization as a student in fan service and on-field production.

As a student at UWSP she was involved in the Sentry School of Business and Economics as a Smiley Professional Events Intern, helping to plan professional development activities for students. She was also a member of the Pointer Pep Band and Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

Trusted voices

UW-Stevens Point is home to several scholars and leaders who are dedicated to the professional educational development of women and allies. If you are interested in connecting with women leaders at UWSP for media inquiries, please contact Mack McGregor at mmcgrego@uwsp.edu

Lyna Matesi, associate professor of management and co-founder of the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership.

Deborah Beyer, associate professor of finance, co-founder and director of the Ruth E. Salzmann Center for Women’s Leadership.

Lauren Gantz, associate professor and women’s and gender studies coordinator.

Nerissa Nelson, librarian and professor, vice chair and Governor’s Appointee of the Wisconsin Women’s Council.


Nominate a guest

If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the Women Trailblazers Podcast, fill out the form here! All responses will be vetted through University Communications and Marketing along with the Women Trailblazers team.

Learn more about the Women Trailblazers Conference at UW-Stevens Point!