Molly Hogan, DSHA '02

Throughout her time at DSHA, Molly Hogan, DSHA ’02, spent her high school years developing a voice that has carried her into her current roles both professionally and through a number of service-based roles with non-profit groups in the greater Milwaukee area. As a high school student, she was involved all four years in volleyball as a middle hitter, a member of the yearbook staff, and an active participant in Campus Ministry. Hogan received the Salvatorian Service Award for her dedicated service hours beyond the graduation requirement through consistent service at Sojourner Truth House, working in an MPS classroom for students with special needs, along with involvement in a pro-life group.

“My time at DSHA gave me a voice. The faith formation and service opportunities allowed me to present and live out what I was learning. And volleyball was instrumental in my leadership development. These activities – especially beyond the classroom – taught me how to use my voice in a productive way, in a manner that showed me how to lead and work within a team environment,” Hogan shares.“Throughout my career, even when I was the most junior person in the room, I had the confidence to speak up, but also the awareness to do so in a way that was helpful. The things I was involved with in high school challenged me and allowed me to develop critical thinking skills that have put me in a position to think creatively – to take an idea and have the confidence to try and execute it.”  

Following graduation from DSHA, Hogan attended Marquette University and then transferred to the University of Notre Dame, pursuing a lifelong dream to attend college at Notre Dame. She graduated in 2006 with her Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Finance.

Hogan has spent the majority of her professional career working in commercial banking. She currently serves as Director of Strategy at BMO Harris Bank, supporting bankers and their business-to-business clients throughout the U.S.. Hogan’s training as a financial analyst and years of experience in banking set her apart to take on a unique role for BMO Harris Bank this past year as she led the company-wide training and communications efforts for BMO’s loan forgiveness process of the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, leading over 1,000 employees and 22,000 clients through this process. Her efforts were instrumental in helping thousands of business owners continue operations with as little interruption as possible throughout the pandemic.

“I love being the problem solver – to be the person to develop the process and put definition around something,” says Hogan of her current role. “Even if it has nothing to do with my current role – I love the challenge.”

While executing the standard roles of her position at BMO and leading the PPP loan efforts, Hogan prioritized dedicated service work to a number of Milwaukee area organizations. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight since 2008, serving in a variety of capacities including as a member of the board of directors from 2014-2016, as the Board treasurer, and as a “Bus Captain” accompanying veterans to Washington, D.C. Additionally, Hogan is currently involved with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Campaign Cabinet, Fisher House Wisconsin, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, and the 412 Network. In 2016, Hogan’s work earned her the United Way’s Philanthropic 5 Award for her consistent and dedicated service to the greater Milwaukee community. Hogan is also involved with Milwaukee’s TEMPO Emerging Women Leaders program, where she helped establish a “New Member Engagement Program.”  

This spring, Hogan will serve as the keynote speaker for students at DSHA’s Carla Olle Career Day, where she will also be honored with her award for DSHA Alumna of the Year. When asked to reflect on her hopes for current and future DSHA students, Hogan shares, “There are so many ways you can learn at DSHA – in the classroom, through service and your activities. My Grandpa Hogan always said that if you are going to be involved in something, make sure it’s something you care about or else you won’t put your heart into it. You have so many opportunities here at DSHA – try different things. Find out where you are best able to contribute and eventually you’ll figure out what you are passionate about and keeping charging toward that; charge toward that undeterred.”

Hogan credits much of her success to her classmates and friendships from her time at DSHA. To current students, she also shares, “Draw inspiration from the people around you – the relationships you form now will help you grow and learn to be a better individual.”

During her spare time, Hogan loves to spend time with her friends, family, and  dog, Fiona. She loves to run, garden, cook, play golf, read, and is an avid sports fan cheering for the Packers, Brewers, Notre Dame, and Marquette, where she is a season ticket holder for women’s basketball.