Alicia Smith McCants is a dynamic leader whose personal journey to excellence reflects her deep-seated compassion and dedication to helping others. From a young age, Alicia showed that kindness is a core part of her identity, whether it was sharing snacks with neighborhood kids or supporting those in need.
Alicia’s life took a challenging turn when her father suffered an aortic aneurism, leaving him paralyzed, and her daughter RaShonda was born with sickle cell disease—all in the same day. These experiences forced Alicia to mature quickly, embodying courage, grit, compassion, sacrifice, and dedication, qualities that drive her professional and personal commitments.
Starting her career at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as an administrative assistant, Alicia’s dedication and talent propelled her to the role of director of donor relations. She later joined Advocate Aurora Health Foundations, where she has steadily advanced to her current position as vice president of development and analytics.
Alicia believes that success comes with the responsibility to give back and invest in the community. She is deeply involved in numerous community organizations and programs in Greater Milwaukee and beyond. Alicia serves as the board president for the Social Development Foundation, vice chair for the Garfield Days Festival, Chair of the Juneteenth Milwaukee Freedom Ball and is actively engaged in fundraising and awareness campaigns against violence. She also contributes selflessly to the Peter Robinson and Margaret Bedford Nutcracker Jam Toy Drive, supporting children with sickle cell disease or those who have lost a parent to gun violence. Her dedication earned her the 2019 Black Excellence Award for Volunteerism and the 2023 Charitable Contribution Award during Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s Black History Makers Recognition Ceremony.
In 2012, Alicia lost her husband Edison to cancer, a battle they faced together. Both shared a love for Chicago Style Steppin’. To honor his memory, Alicia co-founded Milwaukee Steppers and Ballroomers United with Cynthia Wilson, creating the Stepping with the Stars event. This initiative led to the establishment of the Edison McCants Comfort Fund, supporting cancer patients and initiatives through Aurora at Home. The event has raised more than $350,000 to date.
Alicia draws inspiration from two quotes: “Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals,” by Dorothy Height, and “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.