The Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) is proud to introduce The Kelly Roecker NACE Scholarship, created in honor of one of our most dedicated leaders and cherished friends.
Kelly Roecker served as NACE Milwaukee President from 2015–2017, leaving a lasting impact on our chapter and the greater Milwaukee events community. She was a true mentor, always eager to share her wisdom, celebrate others’ successes, and inspire those around her to grow both personally and professionally.
Kelly’s legacy is one of generosity, passion, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of event professionals. This scholarship has been established to carry her spirit forward, supporting individuals who share her enthusiasm for learning, leadership, and elevating the Milwaukee events industry.
Through The Kelly Roecker NACE Scholarship, we honor Kelly’s enduring influence and continue the work she believed in so deeply: building a stronger, more connected, and enriched events community.
Scholarship Inclusions
The recipient of The Kelly Roecker NACE Scholarship will receive:
One-year NACE Milwaukee Chapter membership
Complimentary attendance to all NACE Milwaukee Chapter meetings for one year, including the annual Gala
This scholarship is intended for NACE Milwaukee, not NACE National.
Applications for 2027 will go live on November 1, 2026; Deadline to submit applications is 12/31/26 at 12:00PM.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Megan Russell, Events to a T
"Being a part of NACE Milwaukee over the past year has been such a meaningful part of my growth, both personally and professionally. NACE has given me a place to connect with other professionals, learn from diverse perspectives, and feel more rooted in the Milwaukee events community. I have built an even stronger support network around me, and NACE has allowed me to better serve my clients through these relationships. The most meaningful thing to me is that my industry colleagues have become genuine friends. The way this community shows up for each other is truly something special.
The Kelly Roecker Scholarship came at a pivotal point in my career as I was continuing to build my business and establish myself in the industry. It allowed me to become a NACE member at a time when, as a new entrepreneur, I was making careful decisions about where to invest my resources. It encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, invest more fully in my career, and show up for this community in the way I had hoped to. With that, one of the greatest gifts has been the relationships I’ve built. NACE has provided me with a space to foster deep connections with individuals who support me both personally and professionally. I have been able to build my own community within the greater Milwaukee events community, which has given me an incredibly meaningful sense of belonging.
For anyone considering joining NACE, I would absolutely encourage you to take the leap. The value of NACE is not just in the education or networking opportunities, but in the community you become a part of. The Kelly Roecker Scholarship gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, invest in myself, and become part of something that has had such a meaningful impact on me. I’m incredibly grateful that I took the chance to apply, and even more grateful for the community that welcomed me in."