The Department of Psychology is delighted to welcome Jonathan Levy and Victor Villacrez to its Board of Visitors. Our Board of Visitors serves the department in helping achieve our goals in education, research, and service as well as maintaining our reputation as one of the premier university psychology departments in the country. Board members’ expertise and commitment are valuable human resources for the department’s renewal and growth.
Jonathan Levy ’95 is an Executive Director at CIBC Capital Markets in New York where he works in the Fixed Income Division specializing in structured funding, interest rate swaps and other bespoke derivatives. He previously worked for RBC Capital Markets and FGIC formerly part of GE Capital Corporation in similar roles. Jonathan graduated with a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995 and received his JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1998. Jonathan also serves on advisory boards at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center related to adult congenital heart disease.
Why Psychology is important to him: “Psychology is the thread that runs through every part of my life—guiding me as a parent, a friend, and a finance professional. It helps me understand behavior, manage emotions, and respond with empathy whether I’m negotiating a deal, comforting a friend, or supporting my daughters through growing pains. From gaining a client’s trust to reading a room, psychology has taught me that self-awareness and emotional insight are instrumental in decision making. It shapes how I lead, how I connect, and ultimately, who I am.”
Victor Villacrez ’00 is a Madison-based entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and civic leader whose work spans business, cultural exchange, and humanitarian service. He began his undergraduate studies at UW–Eau Claire before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his BA in Psychology in 2000. He later completed his MBA at Cardinal Stritch University. At UW–Madison, Victor found in psychology more than a field of study—it became a lens for understanding identity, resilience, and purpose. That foundation has shaped his life’s work: revitalizing downtown neighborhoods, fostering people-to-people relationships between the U.S. and Peru, and leading grassroots efforts to improve access to clean water, education, and cultural preservation. As founder and president of Mundo Esperanza, he builds partnerships with Indigenous communities across the Americas, supporting projects grounded in dignity, sustainability, and shared knowledge.
Victor is an active member of Rotary International and has served on numerous civic boards, including Centro Hispano of Dane County, Downtown Madison Inc., and the Madison Central Business Improvement District. Known for his adventurous spirit, he is also a seasoned outdoorsman, having completed high-altitude expeditions in the Andes and a 50-mile endurance walk for charity. A lifelong creative, he is recognized for his poetic voice and culinary talent, which often bring people together in celebration, reflection, and storytelling. In 2024, Victor received the Department of Psychology’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Applications of Psychology. He now serves on the Boards of Visitors for both the UW Department of Psychology and the UW Global Health Institute. Drawing on decades of cross-cultural leadership and real-world insight, he looks forward to supporting the department’s mission to help students find purpose, empower researchers, and advance psychology’s impact in today’s world.
Why Psychology is important to him: “Psychology sits at the heart of what it means to be human. It helps us understand not only how we think, feel, and behave—but also how we connect, heal, and grow. Whether in communities, workplaces, or relationships, psychology offers a framework for empathy and insight, and in today’s complex world, that’s more essential than ever. UW–Madison’s Psychology Department has long been a leader in advancing that understanding. I’ve carried the foundation it gave me throughout my life and work, and I was deeply honored to receive the department’s Distinguished Alumni Award—a recognition that truly belongs to the mentors and experiences that shaped me here. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to lead in spaces where psychological insight shapes real-world impact—from international development to community-building. I’m grateful now for the opportunity to give back by serving on the Board of Visitors, supporting a department that equips students to find purpose, empowers researchers to break new ground, and contributes meaningfully to the public good.”
Please help us welcome these outstanding alumni to our Board of Visitors!