MILWAUKEE — Marquette University and the Office of Mission and Ministry will welcome Jasmine Zapata, M.D., MPH, to campus for a keynote address to highlight Mission Week 2026 programming. The address will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3:30 p.m. in the Monaghan Ballrooms, Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.,
A 2009 graduate of Marquette’s College of Health Sciences, Zapata is the chief medical officer and state epidemiologist for maternal-child health and chronic diseases for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She is also an accomplished physician, author, motivational speaker, mother and community leader whose life and work exemplify strength through faith and perseverance.
In her keynote lecture and conversation, Zapata will share powerful stories of overcoming obstacles and finding hope amid challenges. Through her experiences and insights, the audience can discover how grace can fuel resilience and empower people to rise above life’s storms with courage and purpose.
The keynote will be moderated by Dr. William E. Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences, and will include a short Q&A.
To register for Zapata’s keynote, click here.
Mission Week 2026 runs Feb. 1-6; its theme is “Act with Grace.” Other events include:
- Marquette Women’s Luncheon, Monday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. This enriching event will feature speaker Maya Smart being interviewed by Marquette University Police Department Chief Edith Hudson. It’s an opportunity to connect with other women, celebrate a shared mission and engage in meaningful dialogue.
- Catching Fire Breakfast, Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:45 a.m. This popular event will feature an interview with Marquette University Trustee Rick Dillon. He served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Vestis, a leading provider of uniform services and workplace supplies. Breakfast will be served for those attending in person. A link will be emailed to those joining virtually.
A full Mission Week schedule is available online.
Media interested in attending any of these events, or for more information, should contact Melissa Barclay at melissa.barclay@marquette.edu.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
