Wisconsin Women in Government

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service. Each year, WWIG awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate and post-graduate study at any Wisconsin institution of higher education. Scholarships are also provided for young women to attend Badger Girls State and to the student elected Governor.

WWIG Sponsors New Wisconsin Eye Series - The Difference: Women in Public Life

Wisconsin Women in Government is the exclusive sponsor of the new WisconsinEye series, "The Difference: Women in Public Life," that recently premiered on cable television and the internet.

The series of 12 monthly half-hour programs focus on women active in government and engaged in civic life and public service at all levels in Wisconsin. Through features, roundtable discussions and historical segments, The Difference presents a variety of roles and experiences of women in Wisconsin’s public life and explores the different ways men and women may look at key issues and public service.

"We are thrilled to provide funding support for this important new program," said Grace Cudney, WWIG President. "Women play such a dynamic role in public service today. This show provides a unique perspective on the many contributions of women at all levels of government."

WWIG Announces Women of Distinction Awards to 6 Leaders in Promoting Women’s Health Issues

Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today its “Women of Distinction” Awards to six leaders who have played a vital role in promoting women’s health issues in Wisconsin.

This year’s recipients, who will be honored at WWIG’s annual spring banquet in Madison, are: Gale Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Health Services; Dr. Sheri Johnson, Medical College of Wisconsin; Representative Kitty Rhoades, Wisconsin State Assembly; Senator Judy Robson, Wisconsin State Senate; Sue Ann Thompson, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation; and Secretary Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

“Each year, WWIG honors women who have been trailblazers in government,” said Grace Cudney, WWIG Board President. “This year, we are proud to honor women who have had expansive accomplishments and far reaching effects on women’s health issues across Wisconsin.”

Karen Hughes to Keynote 23rd Annual WWIG Scholarship Recognition Banquet

Dinner to Be Held Wednesday, May 5 at the Monona Terrace in Madison

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today that Ambassador Karen Hughes will keynote the organization’s 23rd Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Hughes is a veteran Republican political advisor from Texas who served former President George W. Bush in a number of key roles, including as White House Counselor from 2001 to 2002.

“We are thrilled to have Karen Hughes keynote this year’s banquet,” said Grace Cudney, WWIG President.

“A woman of many accomplishments, Karen Hughes has led a remarkable life of public service and political activism.”

Hughes served as Counselor to President Bush from 2001 to 2002. Told by the President that he wanted her “in the room whenever a major decision was made,” Hughes worked on a comprehensive range of domestic and foreign policy issues. She also led the White House Offices of Communications, Press Secretary, Media Affairs and Speechwriting.

Hughes also served as U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs from 2005-2007. In that role, Ambassador Hughes dramatically reshaped the State Department’s communications efforts, launched a new focus on America’s “diplomacy of deeds” through health, education and English-teaching programs, and made public diplomacy central in the development of foreign policy.

Hughes’ political experience includes serving as Communications Director of President Bush's presidential campaign in 2000, senior communications strategist on his 2004 re-election campaign, Director of Communications in the Texas Governor's Office, Executive Director of the Texas Republican Party, and numerous political, issue and bond campaigns.

She is the author of Ten Minutes from Normal, a book about her experiences working for President Bush and her decision leave the White House and move with her family home to Texas in 2002. She is currently the Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm. In her personal time, she has also devoted herself to the cause of breast cancer awareness.

Individual banquet tickets are on sale now for $65 and can be purchased online at www.WiscWomenInGovernment.org. Those interested in attending can also call (608) 848-2321 for more information. Sponsorships are also available, and information on sponsorship levels and how to reserve your table can be found at www.WiscWomenInGovernment.org.

The banquet will begin with a networking reception at 5:15 p.m. The welcome and keynote address will begin at 7:00 p.m., with dinner and the awards program immediately following.

NOTE: Media interested in attending should contact Jessica Erickson at 608-215-0468 or via email at jessicaerickson20@hotmail.com for media credentials.

If you would like to purchase your ticket(s) online, you can use the "Buy Now" link below. You don't need a PayPal account to use the system. On-line ticket sales will be shutdown on Friday, 4/30.