Meet our 2026 stars

Rochelle is stepping onto the dance floor in honor of her best friend since first grade, Rosetta Bond, owner of 1700 Pull Up Restaurant and a proud breast cancer survivor, as well as in loving memory of her late uncle Kevin. With her Southern soul, radiant positivity, and unstoppable smile, Rochelle is ready to celebrate resilience, inspire others, and step her heart out—OH Snap! style.

Beyond business, Kaycee is deeply engaged in civic leadership and community wellness, serving in roles that uplift and empower others across the city. Her path has been one of perseverance, reinvention, and strength. Kaycee is stepping onto the dance floor in honor of her uncle who passed away from prostate cancer and a close friend who is a breast cancer survivor. She is dancing for them — and for every family impacted by cancer — to support the Edison McCants Comfort Fund and bring hope and compassion to those who need it most.

In Wisconsin, Janna serves as an executive board member of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, where she supports educational initiatives, speaking engagements, and community screening programs. She is also actively involved in the care of cancer patients and is dancing in honor of family members, friends, and survivors impacted by cancer. Her commitment to service, advocacy, and healing embodies the very heart of Stepping with the Stars.

Jona is also the Owner of Brownstone Social Lounge, a premier staple that exists to provide a positive cultural experience in downtown Milwaukee.

Jona loves working on ways to grow professionally and takes the many opportunities given to her that will continue to develop her skills professionally. She is a graduate of the United Way: Project LEAD Class of 2016, Focus Training: Accelerate Institute 2018 cohort, the African American Leadership Program, Cohort 12 and a Forward 48 Alum.

Jona is a 2023 PowHER 10 Honoree recipient of the SuccessHER Award, she is a recipient of the Inaugural 2023 UNCF Mastermind Award and is a part of the 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree Class. Jona is a 2010 graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Biology Pre-Medicine and she is a proud native of Milwaukee, WI.

Beyond real estate, Donna is a sought-after speaker and coach known for her “Chic Life by Design” framework, blending mindset, money, and lifestyle strategy. Personally impacted by cancer—including the loss of her grandfather and other loved ones—Donna is stepping onto the Stepping with the Stars dance floor to honor families navigating medical challenges and to support the Edison McCants Comfort Fund, which brings comfort and compassion into the homes of patients and caregivers.

Inspired by her experiences as a 4th grade teacher addressing barriers like food insecurity and violence, Marcelia transitioned to public office to create systemic change. She authored historic legislation declaring racism a public health crisis, being the first in the nation to do so, and pioneered efforts to make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin by addressing racial equity.

Marcelia’s leadership extends to investing in Black-owned businesses and institutions, empowering youth through policy, and guiding the county to its first budget surplus in decades while protecting vital services.

Marcelia Nicholson is now in her third term as Chairwoman. In addition to her elected service, the Chairwoman sits on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, the UW Extension Board of Visitors, and the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Nationally, Marcelia serves as Co-Chair of Local Progress and works with the Progressive Governance Academy as a national trainer of new and first-term elected officials. In 2024, she was chosen to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, and was also selected as a member of the 2023 class of NewDEAL leaders, a selective national network of rising, pro-growth state and local elected officials dedicated to making government work to solve challenges facing their communities.

Marcelia’s honors include being named a Milwaukee Business Journal Milwaukee Area Powerbroker for the years 2020- 2024; Milwaukee Public Museum Honorary Co-Chair 2022; Excellence in Education Award from Milwaukee Public Schools; Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40; Woman of Achievement Award; and the Inaugural Trailblazer Award from Young Elected Officials Network for national advocacy and political work.

Marcelia is a passionate advocate for her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world and expressing her creativity through baking.
Her story is deeply personal for why she is participating—she lost her grandmother to colon cancer and has supported multiple cousins battling breast cancer. These experiences drive her commitment to ensuring we don’t lose another life to cancer battles and that we can lessen the pain for survivors and their families.

Marcelia’s participation in Stepping with the Stars honors her loved ones’ struggles and helps create a tangible impact in the fight against cancer.

Beyond her leadership in social services, Dinah is also an accomplished singer and performer with a vibrant presence in the Milwaukee community. Through music and creative expression, she fosters healing, connection, and empowerment—beautifully aligning her artistry with her professional mission. Dinah’s work embodies a holistic philosophy: strengthening mental health, empowering individuals, and uplifting communities through both dedicated service and the transformative power of creative expression.

A multi‑talented creative, Cain earned national recognition as a Top 1% contestant on American Idol, advancing through six competitive rounds and securing a Golden Ticket to Hollywood—an early testament to his resilience, stage presence, and ability to inspire under pressure.

Following the historic thousand‑year flood on April 10th, 2025, his leadership with Flood Hope earned him a Key to the City, Unsung Hero Award, Unity Black Excellence Award, Brave Heart Hero Award, and multiple proclamations from county and state officials. His achievements also include winning Founder Fest in Milwaukee, receiving Mentor of the Game from the Milwaukee Bucks, earning the Innovative Pioneer Award, and taking first place in Health Tech Innovation out of 2,000 companies globally, all while being named Educator of the Year.

Montrèal continues to champion equity and resilience in Milwaukee, dedicating his work to empowering underserved communities through education, advocacy, and transformative action.