Meet our 2026 stars

Matt Hogans

Learn More
Matt Hogans is Milwaukee born and raised, with a global career rooted in leadership, resilience, and impact. For more than a decade, he served as a Global Director of Operations and Enterprise Resilience, leading crisis response efforts and building operational frameworks for Fortune 500 organizations across 80 countries. In 2024, he returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and founded Black Pride Milwaukee, Inc., creating safe, affirming, and empowering spaces for the city’s Black queer and trans community to heal, thrive, and lead. The organization has already served more than 500 community members and secured official recognition of Black Pride Day from city and county officials. In 2026, Matt was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for his leadership and impact across Southeast Wisconsin. A proud Texas Southern University graduate, he lives by one guiding principle: “May my life positively touch other lives.”
Matt is stepping onto the dance floor in honor of his grandfather, whom he lost to colon cancer in 2018—a man he describes as the foundation of his family and a model of quiet strength. That loss didn’t break him; it redirected him. He is dancing for every family sitting in a waiting room right now, trying to hold it together, and in support of the Edison McCants Comfort Fund, which ensures no one faces the fight of their life alone. For Matt, every step is personal—and every step matters.
Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Dr. Kamesha Blessed

Learn More
Dr. Kamesha Blessed is a faith-led entrepreneur, visionary leader, and dynamic community builder dedicated to empowering women to walk boldly in their purpose. Known for cultivating safe, transformative spaces where women can grow, heal, and elevate personally and professionally, she leads with integrity, consistency, and excellence. As the force behind Blessed By Design Enterprises and multiple thriving ventures in Milwaukee, she lives by two bold mantras: Collaboration Over Competition and Live In Purpose on Purpose.
A powerhouse who builds stages for other women to shine on, Dr. Blessed seamlessly blends faith, fashion, leadership, and service to create impact-driven experiences rooted in her signature 7 Pillars framework. By day, she builds businesses. By night, she builds legacy. And for Stepping with the Stars, she’s bringing confidence, courage, and a little gold to the dance floor—proving you can run empires and still hit every step.
Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Rochelle Einsiedel

Learn More
Rochelle Einsiedel—affectionately known as “Shell”—is an award-winning photographer, devoted wife, mother of two, and the visionary founder of OH Snap! By Shell Photography, a certified woman-and-Black-owned business recognized as Outstanding Business of the Year by Governor Tony Evers. Known for her vibrant personality and storytelling approach, Rochelle creates more than beautiful images—she crafts unforgettable experiences. Her work is rooted in authentic connection, capturing moments that reflect joy, legacy, and love.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Theron Rogers Jr.

Learn More
Theron Rogers Jr. is an accomplished leader with an extensive background in law enforcement, security, military service, and business management. He currently serves as Managing Partner and Director of Business Development for Prolific Arms LLC—one of fewer than 20 Black-owned, ATF Federally Licensed (FFL) retail firearm stores in the United States and a Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services licensed private security agency. In his role, Theron oversees vendor relations and contract procurement, bringing more than a decade of proven leadership experience and a strong ability to motivate teams and drive results.

Theron’s career reflects a deep commitment to public safety and community service. He has served as a Patrol Sergeant with the Shorewood Police Department, a Community Liaison Officer with the UW-Milwaukee Police Department, and a State Trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Additionally, he has dedicated over 15 years to the U.S. Air Force National Guard (115th Fighter Wing) as a Technical Sergeant (E-6), specializing in inspection and maintenance of F-16 and F-35 weapon systems, with deployments to Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. With advanced training from the FBI, certifications in crisis negotiation and instruction, and a competitive, team-oriented spirit, Theron leads with discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Kaycee Frost

Learn More
Kaycee Frost is a Milwaukee native, entrepreneur, and proud mother of four whose life and work are rooted in community, creativity, and resilience. A graduate of Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School and UW–Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, she blends artistic expression with business leadership as the founder of Elie Bleu Threading and Spa LLC. Inspired by her great-grandmother, Louise Grant, who instilled in her the values of entrepreneurship and ownership at an early age, Kaycee began selling lip gloss as a teen and grew her journey into a thriving spa business that continues to evolve and expand in Milwaukee.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Quentin Prince

Learn More
Quentin Prince is a Milwaukee native, educator, entrepreneur, and community leader who has spent more than two decades developing people and expanding opportunity. His career in education ranges from teaching elementary character development to leading high school courses in STEM, financial literacy, and workforce development. He also serves as an instructor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he teaches Entrepreneurial Data Science—guiding students in transforming innovative ideas into real-world ventures through data, creativity, and strategy.

Beyond the classroom, Quentin is a financial advisor helping families build stronger financial futures and a real estate developer investing in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and increase access to housing. He is also the founder of Dear Agony, a relationship-focused clothing brand designed to spark meaningful conversations around healing, growth, and emotional awareness. In every role, Quentin brings vision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact in Milwaukee and beyond.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Janna Baylor

Learn More
Janna is a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 22 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and 15 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in renal disease. Her career reflects both clinical excellence and compassionate service, as she remains deeply committed to improving the lives of patients facing chronic illness. Beyond her professional role, Janna actively serves her community through volunteerism at both the local and international levels, participating in annual medical missions to Guatemala with GMRP to provide medical, dental, and vision care. This fall, she will extend her outreach to Cambodia with ABCs and Rice, offering education and food support to children in need.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Nate Deans Jr.

Learn More
Nate Deans is an educator and lifelong learner who is passionate about centering joy, liberation, and authenticity in education. He believes deeply in the power of literacy and community, and is committed to empowering young leaders to show up confidently as their true selves. Outside the classroom, Nate enjoys reading, learning, basketball, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Nate said yes to Stepping with the Stars because he cares deeply about families supporting loved ones battling cancer. Raising funds for this meaningful cause allows him to extend his impact beyond education and uplift families where support matters most. Through this experience, he has been inspired by a community united in compassion and committed to making a difference for those in need.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

 Donna Page

Learn More
Donna Page is a Milwaukee-based real estate investor, emerging developer, and lifestyle strategist whose work bridges housing, legacy, and holistic wellbeing. As the founder of Chic Lifestyles, she helps women and families build financially secure and fulfilling lives through smart investing, legacy planning, and intentional living. A full-time buy-and-hold investor, Donna revitalizes residential and mixed-use properties to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to quality housing. She has completed formal development training through Marquette University and the ACRE program, deepening her commitment to generational wealth and community stability.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Gerron Jordan

Learn More
Gerron is an award-winning journalist and passionate storyteller who has spent the last decade amplifying the voices and issues shaping communities across the South and Midwest. Now proud to call Milwaukee home, he brings his energy, curiosity, and heart to WISN 12. Before joining the station, Gerron anchored morning newscasts in Baton Rouge, where he launched the acclaimed Candid Conversations series. His in-depth reporting explored mass incarceration, environmental racism, and inequities affecting communities of color—earning him a regional EMMY nomination for his coverage of Louisiana’s “cancer alley.”

Throughout his career, Gerron has reported from St. Louis to Chicago to Lake Charles, covering presidential debates, historic championships, severe weather, and major breaking news events. His work has been recognized by the Louisiana Associated Press, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Suncoast Region), and the National Association of Black Journalists, including first-place honors and a Story of the Year award for an investigation that led to charges against a federal judge. A proud Howard University graduate, Gerron is stepping onto the dance floor to celebrate community, connection, and causes that uplift families across our region.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Dinah Williams

Learn More
Dinah Williams is a seasoned social service agency owner with nearly 20 years of experience in the field and five years of successful business ownership. Her work focuses on professional mentoring, crisis stabilization, and mental health–centered support, providing compassionate and structured guidance to individuals, families, and professionals navigating complex life challenges. Throughout her career, Dinah has remained deeply committed to advancing mental wellness through advocacy, stabilization services, and leadership development. She is widely respected for her calm, grounded presence in high-pressure situations and her ability to cultivate safe, supportive environments that promote resilience, accountability, and long-term wellbeing.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Bishop Anthony Oliphant

Learn More
Anthony Oliphant is the Lead Pastor of Thrive Church in Milwaukee and a respected community leader with nearly three decades of organizational and ministry leadership experience. Since founding the church in 2007, he has helped grow it into a vibrant community-focused organization committed to outreach, mentorship, and meaningful impact across the city.

A dynamic speaker and lifelong learner, Anthony is known for his authenticity, high energy, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His leadership extends beyond the pulpit into mentorship, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives that strengthen Milwaukee. Now, he’s bringing that same passion, presence, and purpose to the Stepping with the Stars dance floor.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here

Montreal Cain

Learn More
Montrèal Cain is a Milwaukee-based educator, mental health advocate, and community leader with a Master’s degree in Counseling. He founded the MERA Response Team, providing critical preventive care and crisis intervention across Milwaukee’s most underserved communities. With 14 years of teaching experience, Cain served as a broadcast journalism instructor at Marshall High School and has also taught at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

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.

Show Your Support & Donate
Donate Here
Stepping with the Stars is organized and hosted by Milwaukee Steppers and Ballroomers United. Aurora Health Care Foundation is serving as the fiscal agent and donor-recipient for this event. For additional information, please contact Tiffany Tannhaeuser at 414.430.0154 or Tiffany.Tannhaeuser@aah.org.

Registered 501(c)(3) public charity: Aurora Health Care Foundation 39-0806181