ABOUT

Mary Walby, Founder

I have lived in MKE for over 40 years having moved from Indianapolis at a young age. I grew up in Elm Grove in the near western suburbs but have also lived in the northern suburbs. I have worked downtown and in the Third Ward and love the city. You will find me spending an absurd amount of time shuffling my children to their activities, interests and schools and can make my way to every basketball court, theater, art school, dance studio and tennis court in and around the city.

The foodie scene in MKE is amazing and we have no shortage of yummy spots to try out. Some of my faves are Tenuta’s, The Diplomat, Odd Duck, Lake Park Bistro, and Bavette. I am happiest when on the water so my top MKE activities involve kayaking, paddle-boarding, and pontooning on the river with charcuterie and bevvies. Hiking is another fave past-time – some of my choice hiking spots are Lapham Peak, Seven Bridges, Minooka Park and Menomonee Park. I also love to travel and some of my most treasured memories have been trips to Patagonia, the Basque Country of Northern Spain and Southern France, Portugal, The Virgin Islands, Northern Wisconsin and California.

It brings me so much joy to meet all the amazing people that NE sends my way and I really thrive when my professional and personal life mix together with all the connections that I am making. I am also involved with various membership orgs and I enjoy passing on connections within my circles for candidates.