Her Story
About Katerina (Kat)
Katerina (Kat) Ekonomou is a Workforce Development Senior Specialist at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Greater Milwaukee, where she focuses on designing and delivering training programs that strengthen employee performance and align with organizational goals. In her role, she facilitates new hire orientations, develops leadership training, and oversees Learning Management System (LMS) platforms to ensure consistency, accessibility, and effectiveness in workforce learning initiatives. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships across teams and create development opportunities that support both individual growth and organizational excellence. Originally from Greece, Katerina moved to the United States amid the country’s financial recession and began her career in hospitality as a food and beverage server while pursuing her master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Her career evolved within Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where she transitioned into Learning and Workforce Development as a coordinator, advanced to facilitator, and ultimately rose to her current senior leadership role. Her academic and professional journey reflects both resilience and adaptability, as well as a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Beyond her corporate role, Katerina is actively engaged in the talent development community through her leadership in the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (SEWI-ATD), where she serves as Co-VP of Professional Development. In this capacity, she helps plan and lead professional learning initiatives for L&D practitioners and has played a key role in organizing major chapter events. Fluent in both Greek and English, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, mentorship, and opportunities for others to thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katerina (Kat)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the opportunity to come to the United States and the strong support system that welcomed me upon my arrival. Coming from a small Greek community, I understand that many others would value the same chance. That perspective drives me to approach every opportunity with purpose, not only for my own growth but also to support and uplift those around me. I am deeply grateful for how this experience has shaped my life, and I am committed to using that opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others. Ultimately, I believe success is built through unity, trust, support, and collaboration. When we share our strengths and invest in one another, we create opportunities for everyone to succeed.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay true to your goals, your vision, and who you are, even when challenges or barriers make the path more difficult. Throughout my own journey—from starting over in a new country after leaving Greece during a financial recession—I learned that circumstances do not have to define or limit your future. When you are committed and have a strong sense of purpose, meaningful change and progress are possible. I also believe it is important for women to support one another, because when we uplift each other and remain focused on our shared goals and vision, we become stronger and more capable of achieving what we once thought was out of reach.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter the most to me, both at work and in my personal life, are giving back, and being there for others. I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I try to pay that forward by offering the same trust, encouragement, and support to the people around me through my role and everyday actions. In a world that is constantly changing, I believe it’s more important than ever to lead with compassion and take the time to understand what others may be carrying, both professionally and personally. While skills and technology will always continue to evolve, I believe kindness and empathy are just as important, because when we support, uplift, and truly care for one another, we help create stronger relationships, teams, and communities.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Wisconsin
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.