Sheila Frisinger, Co-Founder
Sheila Frisinger is co-founder of Journey21, Inc and mother to Matt, a young adult with an intellectual or developmental disability and a bright future. Prior to her work with Journey21, she devoted her time as full -time mother, community volunteer and advocate - making the mindful decision to be actively engaged in her sons’ K-12 school experience, and to support and provide the best early intervention for Matt.
Sheila was a member of the Junior League of Milwaukee actively participating in community outreach, new member orientation and governance; Junior Achievement volunteer instructor; and classroom and team mom throughout her boys’ entire K-12 years.
In addition to Journey21, she serves on the Board of Directors for Life Navigators, is a member of the Executive Leadership Council at Community Smiles Dental and the Advisory Council at the Waukesha County Community Foundation. Sheila and her husband, Kevin, are co-chairs for the President’s Advisory Council at Marquette University and avid enthusiasts of Marquette University Athletics.
In 2023, Sheila was a co-recipient of the St. Francis Children’s Center Leading Lights Award for Community Service as a leader in the special education and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Sheila was recognized as one of the 2022 Women’s and Girl’s Fund of Waukesha Women of Distinction, and Sheila and Kevin are the recipients of the 2022 Friends of Marquette Athletics Award.
Sheila holds Bachelors Degree in Journalism/Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and had a brief professional career in financial advertising and marketing.
Our dedicated and passionate Journey21 leadership has taken an idea from vision to reality and made the dreams and wishes of our founding families and so many others come true. Sheila will continue to advocate for and support successful outcomes, opportunities and experiences within the community for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She is interested sharing her knowledge with families seeking similar opportunities for their loved ones, producing a replicable model based upon the success of Journey21, and finding new and viable alternatives to meet this underserved population in underserved communities.