Meet the Wave Steering Committee
Keegan Delforge - Process Engineer, ChemDesign
Steering Committee Member
Wave Member since 2022
Co-Chair/Secretary
Originally from Birnamwood, WI, Keegan made his home in Marinette Menominee after attending Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI.
Read the interview below to 'meet' the WAVE Co-Chair/Secretary and area Young Professional!
Why have you chosen to stay in Marinette Menominee? "My college roommate was from Menominee. His roommate's mom let me know of an entry-level process engineering role that opened up at ChemDesign, where she worked. It was an opportunity to enter the chemical manufacturing industry relatively close to home and in a small community like I wanted to live in. I applied, got a job offer, and took it!"
What do you love about Marinette Menominee? "I really enjoy the opportunities to pursue my passions outdoors, like hunting and fishing. The walleye run up the Menominee River is hard to beat! I also really love the sense of community that the area has and all of the great people that live here."
What about Wave interested you? "Being new to the area, I wanted to get a chance to meet people around my age with similar interests and values. Joining Wave presented a great opportunity to do just that!"
What is your favorite part about being a Wave Member? "My favorite part about being a Wave Member is the connections I have made. Not only within the group, but it has given me great opportunities to get to know a lot of different people within the area."
What kind of impact do you think Wave makes in our community? "I think that Wave is great for the young professionals of Marinette-Menominee. The events and activities that the group hosts are a great way to network with other young professionals in the area and have a great time in doing so. I also believe that Wave strengthens the future of Marinette-Menominee by incentivizing the next generation of professional and community leaders to stay in the area."
What are your hopes for Wave's future within the community? "I hope that Wave will continue to provide the great networking and volunteering opportunities to the area's young professionals. I would like to see the group grow our reach in the "A" (Attract) pillar of the Wave acronym. I think Wave can work closely with local businesses and use the group as a great way to help recruit outstanding young professionals into the area."
Kellie McCarthy - Engineering Support Specialist, JCI
Steering Committee Member
Wave Member since 2022
 Co-Chair
Originally from Menominee, MI, Kellie returned to the area after graduating from the University of Michigan.
Read the interview below to 'meet' the Wave Co-Chair and area Young Professional!
Why have you chosen to stay in Marinette Menominee? "After graduating from the University of Michigan, I moved back to the area because I was uncertain about my career path. Using my local network, I discovered several unique career opportunities I hadn’t been aware of before. It really deepened my appreciation for the area."
What do you love about Marinette Menominee? "I love being close to my friends and family, and I also love the water! Having access to both the bay and the river is a dream come true. The Marinette/Menominee area is stunning, and I truly appreciate being able to experience all 4 seasons."Â Â
What about Wave interested you? "I wanted to get out and meet new people from the area with similar interests and career goals, and I thought WAVE would provide the perfect opportunity for that. Since I'm originally from the area, I didn't want to limit myself to the same group of people. WAVE has been an excellent avenue to broaden my social circle and gain new perspectives."
What is your favorite part about being a Wave Member? "My favorite part about being a Wave member is networking with other members and learning about new industries in the community. I also enjoy the WAVE events - they are so much fun and participating is a great way to feel involved in the community."
What kind of impact do you think Wave makes in our community? "I believe WAVE-MMYP makes a significant impact on our community by fostering connections among young professionals, promoting personal and professional development, and contributing to local volunteer initiatives. The WAVE's active involvement in our community helps shape its future."
What are your hopes for Wave's future within the community? "My hope for the Marinette/Menominee Young Professionals' future within the community is that the WAVE continues to champion and promote community inclusivity, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to participate and contribute, striving to make our community the best it can possibly be."
Paulina Vega Flores - Metallurgist, Waupaca Foundry
Steering Commitee Member
Wave Member since 2022
Vice Chair
Originally from Saltillo, Mexico, Paulina made Marinette Menominee home after a 6-month Internship with Waupaca Foundry that turned into a full-time job offer.
Read the interview below to 'meet' the WAVE Vice Chair Secretary and area Young Professional!
Why have you chosen to stay in Marinette Menominee? "When I first came to Marinette for my internship, I thought I’d only be here a few months—but when I got offered a full-time position and the opportunity to stay in the area, I did not hesitate to say yes. The Marinette-Menominee community was really welcoming, and within a short period of time, it felt like home. People welcomed me with open arms, and I felt like I belonged. I fell in love with the area’s natural beauty, but most importantly with the people."
What do you love about Marinette Menominee? "I love how close we are to nature—the river, the bay, the changing seasons (yes, even the snow now!). But more than anything, I love the people. There’s a warmth in this community; it really feels like people care about each other."
What about Wave interested you? "When I first moved to the area, my biggest struggle was meeting young people. When I heard about Wave, it felt like exactly what I had been looking for. As a young professional and someone not originally from the area, I wanted a way to meet others, make friends, and get involved. Wave seemed like a space where I could be part of something meaningful, grow professionally, and also just have fun with others who are passionate about this community."
What is your favorite part about being a Wave Member? "Definitely the connections I've made. Through Wave, I’ve met people I probably never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. It’s given me a sense of belonging and a way to give back to a place that’s given me so much. I also really enjoy the events—it’s a perfect mix of professional networking, community service, and fun."
What kind of impact do you think Wave makes in our community? "I think Wave is creating a bridge—for newcomers, for young professionals, for people who want to feel more connected in the community. It helps build a stronger, more engaged community. Wave brings fresh energy and ideas, and I think that inspires others to get involved, too. It also shows that you don’t have to leave this area to grow—you can build a great life and career right here."
What are your hopes for Wave's future within the community? "I hope Wave continues to grow and reach more people—especially those who are new to the area or maybe don’t feel like they have a place yet. I’d love to see more partnerships with local businesses, more volunteering, and even mentoring programs."
