Her Story
About Abbie
Abbie Amling is an education leader and relationship-driven professional serving as Director of Admissions at Milwaukee Lutheran Middle and High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran, she returned to the school community with a passion for creating meaningful educational experiences for students and families. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication with a minor in Advertising from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Before entering education, Abbie spent nearly 18 years in the food and beverage industry at Miller Park, where she developed extensive experience in operations, customer service, event management, team leadership, and community engagement. Since transitioning into education in 2016, Abbie has focused on admissions, recruitment, marketing, and building strong relationships with prospective families and the broader community. During her tenure at Martin Luther High School, she helped drive significant enrollment growth by developing admissions processes, implementing recruiting and marketing strategies, organizing events, and strengthening community connections. She now brings that experience to Milwaukee Lutheran, where she helps families navigate the admissions process while supporting the school's continued growth and development. Her approach is grounded in a growth mindset, exceptional service, and a belief that strong relationships are essential to creating positive experiences for students and families. Beyond admissions, Abbie is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and empowering young people. Her extensive experience coaching girls' basketball has allowed her to encourage student-athletes, build confidence, and help young women recognize their potential. Her coaching accomplishments include contributing to championship-level programs and serving as an assistant coach in a national championship program. Across education, athletics, and her earlier corporate career, Abbie has consistently demonstrated a commitment to teamwork, growth, and service. She values creating a faith-based educational environment, supporting those around her, and making a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and colleagues.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Abbie
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to find leaders who genuinely support and invest in my growth. The best managers I’ve worked for have always taken the time to understand what I needed and encouraged me to develop. I believe people often leave bad managers, so finding a leader who helps you grow is one of the most important decisions you can make in your career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to ask questions and never be afraid to use your voice when you have a seat at the table. Women have the opportunity to be anything and do anything they set their minds to. Work hard, stay open to growth, and embrace constructive criticism. If you can take the emotion out of feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve, it will take you far in your career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe there are always opportunities for growth. My focus is not only on growing our school and student community, but also on developing my team and helping our people reach their full potential. Right now, we’re expanding our high school, traditionally serving grades 9–12, by adding a middle school this fall. Every day brings challenges, but I try to approach them with a growth mindset and turn each challenge into an opportunity to improve.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are faith, service, community, and making a lasting difference in students’ lives. As a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran High School, returning to serve in education after working in the corporate world was deeply meaningful to me. I’m driven by creating a strong private school experience where faith makes a difference, supporting families, and seeing the joy when students become part of our school community. I also value work-life balance and the opportunity to make an impact that extends beyond today.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.