Future 15: Erin Collar

GREEN BAY – Erin Collar grew up in a small rural town, where much of her life was spent on a farm.

“I’ve always had a passion for the arts and the environment, which inspired me to pursue a degree in marketing and digital arts at UW-Green Bay. While attending the university, I completed a digital arts project for the Lawton Gallery, focusing on the environment and, of course, cows. This work is still displayed in the university’s building and went on to win a 2017 Gold Addy Award. Through this project, I combined my farming background with my passion for art and the environment,” Collar recalled.

“After completing the project, I connected with the dean, who recognized a great fit for an internship and introduced me to an opportunity that perfectly aligned with my passions. I began my career as an intern at NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District. After completing my degrees, I transitioned to a full-time role at NEW Water as the public affairs and education specialist, where I still work today.”

Collar said that one of the most influential aspects of her career journey has been “maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, viewing challenges as opportunities and benefiting from mentorship.”

“Early on, I realized that staying curious and embracing challenges not only helped me develop my skills but also opened doors to new opportunities. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with mentors and colleagues who encouraged, challenged, and empowered me to step outside my comfort zone and “stretch my rubber band,” she added.

“This gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles, drive impactful projects, and try new things — whether they succeed or not — making it a learning opportunity.”

Collar said that leadership can look very different for different people, with values rooted in many attributes, so you must know your audience.

“I believe that effective leadership starts with building trust and fostering a sense of community, where everyone feels valued and heard. I strive to remain open to feedback and flexible in my approach, especially when navigating challenges or change, as collaboration is key to driving innovation and solving problems together. I aim to build trust through transparency and ethical decision-making while encouraging growth and fostering strong, supportive relationships within a team. By staying true to my values, I strive to inspire a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”

Collar said that she looks forward to pursuing new leadership roles, which will both challenge her and allow her to make a broader impact.

“I plan to focus on deepening my expertise in communication, design arts, web coding, amongst others while also taking on projects that drive innovation and positive change. I’m particularly interested in mentoring others and helping to develop the next generation of leaders, as I believe that supporting and empowering others is key to creating sustainable success,” Collar said.

My goal is to build a legacy of both personal and professional growth, while continually evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Leading up to the 2025 Future 15 & Young Professionals Awards banquet on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Oneida Casino Hotel, we will be highlighting the finalists in each edition of the Press Times.