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Jan 24, 2012

2012 La Follette Grad Seminar Class Announced

Twenty-three women working in and with state and local government have received full scholarships to participate in the 12^th Annual Public Policy Graduate Seminar program.

The six-week course, offered in cooperation with the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, runs from January to February.

The goal of WWIG’s Graduate Seminar is to give management and leadership training to women currently working in state and local government and to women working in the private sector who interact with government.

“This graduate course is a wonderful opportunity for Wisconsin women committed to public service careers to gain valuable management, networking, and leadership skills,” said Kelli Thompson, WWIG Board President. “We have a terrific group of women once again this year, and we are pleased to offer them this leadership training to help advance their careers and the role of women in Wisconsin government.”

The 23 women receiving full scholarships this year are:

· Amy Bell, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

· Angela James, MG&E

· Ann Hansen, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

· Anna Oehler, Office of the State Public Defender

· Beth Dodsworth, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

· Beth Jacobsen, City of Beloit

· Beth Schmidt, Regal Beloit Corporations

· Claudia Looze, Wisconsin Eye

· Coreen Fallat, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

· Elisabeth Dieterich, Wisconsin Department of Administration

· Elizabeth Drilias, Legislative Audit Bureau

· Kathy Markeland, Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies

· Keeley Crowley, Wisconsin Department of Corrections

· Kristy Nieto, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

· Laura Ninneman, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

· Mary Wagner, Wisconsin Department of Children & Families

· Melissa Gombar, City of Madison

· Nicole Breunig, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

· Nina Carranco, Legislative Audit Bureau

· Rebecca Deschane, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

· Renee Aschenbrenner, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

· Sue Gorman, Clinton Public Schools

· Theresa Stabo, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Graduate Seminar is a program fully funded by WWIG and offered in cooperation with the La Follette School of Public Affairs. It is funded through an annual banquet fundraiser, held every spring and attended by 1,000 state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. This year, WWIG is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary, and details about this spring’s banquet and the keynote speaker will be announced soon.

In addition to sponsoring the Graduate Seminar, WWIG also awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate study in government and provides a scholarship to the young woman elected Governor of Badger Girls State (BGS). WWIG has also sponsored 22 young women to attend BGS, sponsored the Bonnie Reese Legislative Scholarship, and sponsored five women to attend the National Education for Women (NEW) Leadership Conference in Milwaukee.

Oct 19, 2011

WWIG Encourages Women in Government to Apply for 2012 Graduate Seminar Program

Wisconsin women interested in furthering their careers in state government are encouraged to apply for Wisconsin Women in Government’s 12^th Public Policy Graduate Seminar by December 2, 2011.

Offered in cooperation with the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, the goal of WWIG’s Graduate Seminar is to give management training to women in both the public and private sector to help them acquire the skills they need to move into positions of leadership.

“This graduate course is a way to support Wisconsin women who have helped make Women in Government a success,” said Kelli Thompson, WWIG President. “Not only will this seminar benefit women and the government agencies and private sector organizations in which they work, it is also a wonderful opportunity to gain management, networking, and leadership skills.”

There are at least 15 full scholarships available for women currently employed in government. Five additional places are reserved for other applicants, including those in the private sector, at a reduced cost of $400. The course will be offered for six weeks in January and February of 2012.

All applications must be postmarked or received by December 2, 2011 (was November 18, 2011) and should be sent or e-mailed to:

Wisconsin Women in Government

Graduate Seminar Committee

P.O. Box 2543

Madison, WI 53701

info@wiscwomeningovernment.org

Notification letters of acceptance will be sent out by January 1, 2012.

Please click here for application materials and more information about WWIG scholarships.

Oct 12, 2011

WWIG Announces 2011 Board Members, Leadership Team

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) today announced nine new members to the 2011 Board of Directors and its 2011 leadership team.

The new board members are:

Theola Carter, Department of Workforce Development;
Jennifer Gebert, Office of State Employment Relations;
Kimberly Hoffman, Stone Bank School, 132nd Army Band, WEAC, NEA;
Representative Amy Loudenbeck, 45^th Assembly District;
Rebecca Mason, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.;
Megan Purtell, Purtell Marketing & Planning, LLC;
Lisa Schultz, WI DATCP;
Representative Donna Seidel, 85^th Assembly District; and
Kimberly Shaul, CUNA Mutual Group MI.

“We are excited to announce a diverse and talented group of professional women to lead Wisconsin Women in Government in our 25^th anniversary year,” WWIG President Kelli Thompson said. “This year, we look forward to working together to move forward WWIG’s mission to empower women pursuing careers in government service.”

WWIG also announced new leadership for this year’s Board of Directors: President Kelli Thompson, WI State Public Defenders Office; Vice President Marina Dupler, Martin Schreiber & Associates, Inc.; Secretary Anne Rodriguez, WPPI Energy; and Treasurer Traici Brockman, WI Department of Health Services.

Returning Wisconsin Women in Government board members are: Past President Angela Arrington, WI Department of Safety & Professional Services; Ruth Anderson, UW System Administration; Ayla Annac, Invivosciences, LLC; Grace Cudney, WI Department of Health Services; Annie Early, Martin Schreiber & Associates, Inc.; Jessica Erickson, AT&T; Eve Galanter, Galanter Public Affairs Consulting; Heather Smith, Office of WI Senator Darling; and Laura Smith, Melissa Mulliken Consulting.

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service. Through the generous support of our sponsors at our annual banquet, WWIG has the ability to award scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate and post-graduate study at any Wisconsin institution of higher education. WWIG also awards a number of other scholarships to women pursuing careers in government service, including the La Follette Graduate Seminar program, the Bonnie Reese legislative internship, the Optimizing Your Position leadership seminar, and Badger Girls
State.

Jun 21, 2011

Wisconsin Women in Government Honors Women of Achievement in Local and Municipal Government

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) honored three outstanding Women of Achievement for their outstanding service in local and municipal government. Last month, WWIG recognized Sandy Decker, Kathleen Falk and Frances Huntley-Cooper for their significant achievements, their careers of “firsts” and their many accomplishments.

“Wisconsin Women in Government is proud to recognize Sandy Decker, Kathleen Falk and Frances Huntley-Cooper for their many years of service to their communities and the state,” WWIG President Angela Arrington said. “We thank each of them for their hard work and honor them for their significant accomplishments.”

Sandy Decker has served as Mayor of Evansville since 2006. Decker is committed to historical preservation and energy conservation. Under her leadership, the City of Evansville was awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Black Grant and a pilot grant from the Department of Energy to work toward its pledge to use 25 percent renewable energy by 2025. Decker also serves on the WPPI Energy Community Relations Advisory Group. Mayor Decker is also active with the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Girl Scouts, Legal Auxiliary of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation, and the Evansville Chamber of Commerce.

Kathleen Falk served as Dane County Executive from 1997-2011, as the first woman County Executive in Dane County and the longest-serving in county history. County Executive Falk’s leadership was distinguished by her ability to bring people together over important and often contentious issues to find innovative and efficient solutions. Through her candidacy for Governor in the 2002 Democratic primary, Ms. Falk, an attorney, became the first major party woman candidate for Governor in Wisconsin history. Prior to her election as Dane County Executive, Falk served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Wisconsin Department of Justice and as co-director and counsel to Wisconsin's Environmental Decade where she won nationally significant cases.

Frances Huntley-Cooper retired in January 2011 after dedicating her career to public service in Wisconsin. Huntley-Cooper served as Mayor of Fitchburg from 1991-1993, as the first African American female mayor in Wisconsin. Huntley-Cooper most recently served as Division Administration for the Division of Workers Compensation in the Department of Workforce Development. She also served as a Dane County social worker and supervisor for over 20 years. Huntley-Cooper continues her service to the community as vice chair of the Board of Directors of Madison Area Technical College.

Each year, WWIG recognizes outstanding women in government. In 2010, six women were honored for their contributions to promoting women’s health in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service or a government-related field by providing scholarships to those who may not have the financial resources needed to pursue their goals. Proceeds from the Annual Scholarship and Recognition Banquet are used to support scholarships for women at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as legislative service agency internships for women who intend to make a career of public service.

On May 17, WWIG held its 24th Annual Banquet in Madison featuring Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland’s first woman Lt. Governor, as the keynote speaker.

Apr 27, 2011

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to Keynote 24th Annual WWIG Scholarship Recognition Banquet

Dinner to Be Held Tuesday, May 17 at the Monona Terrace in Madison

Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today that Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland’s first woman Lt. Governor, will keynote the organization’s 24th Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Tuesday, May 17 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

“We are thrilled to have Kathleen Kennedy Townsend keynote this year’s banquet,” said Angela Arrington, WWIG President. “Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has led a remarkable life of public service and humanitarianism, as Maryland’s first woman Lt. Governor, as an environmental attorney, and as a health care and education advocate. She is a true role model for women serving in government at all levels.”

Banquet tickets and sponsorship opportunities:
Individual banquet tickets are on sale now for $65 and can be purchased online by clicking on the "buy now" link below. You may also download the reservation form and mail it in. Those interested in attending can also call (608) 848-2321 for more information. Sponsorships are also available - download the reservation form for information on sponsorship levels and how to reserve your table.

The banquet will begin with a networking and cocktail reception from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The dinner, program and keynote address will run from 7:00-8:30 p.m. New this year: the networking reception will feature a photo booth from Focus Photography and the banquet will feature a silent auction.

WWIG’s annual dinner is the premier bipartisan political event in Wisconsin, attended by more than 1,000 state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has raised money to support and encourage women to choose a career in government service. Each year, the organization awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate study in public service and administration and government affairs.

Download the banquet reservation form (PDF)

Online registration has closed for this event.

Apr 26, 2011

Wisconsin Women in Government to Host Panel Discussion Regarding Challenges Facing Women in Public Office

The Wisconsin Women in Government Networking and Mentoring committee is hosting a Monday, May 2, 2011 lunchtime panel discussion of the unique challenges facing women in public office. UPDATE: Watch WIEYE recording of the panel discussion.

Panelists include Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson, Representative Terese Berceau, and Representative Janis Ringhand.

Steve Walters and Claudia Looze of Wisconsin Eye will be moderating the panel, asking questions members of the public have submitted in advance by e-mailing wwigquestions@gmail.com by Friday, April 29, 2011.

Additional elected officials taking part in the presentation include Wisconsin Women in Government Board members, Representative Sondy Pope-Roberts and Representative Joan Ballweg.

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce will host the event at 201 West Washington Avenue, Madison, WI, Conference Room 201. Attendees are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch to the event. For planning purposes, attendees are asked to email wwigquestions@gmail.com in advance if they plan to attend.

Seating will take place from 11:45 to noon. The 55-minute panel discussion will begin promptly at noon.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event, and a Wisconsin Women in Government spokesperson will be available for questions afterwards.

Wisconsin Women in Government is a non-partisan organization and discussion will focus specifically on the issue of challenges facing women in public office instead of any partisan policy discussion.

The panel event precedes the Wisconsin Women in Government annual banquet, which is taking place on May 17^th at the Monona Terrace and will feature Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as this year’s keynote speaker.

Apr 13, 2011

WWIG, Klinke Cleaners Sponsor ‘Suited for Success’ Professional Clothing Drive April 18-29

Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) and Klinke Cleaners, in their 9^th year of collaboration, are partnering together to help support the YWCA of Madison’s “Suited for Success” program, the organizations announced today.

“We are pleased to once again partner with Klinke Cleaners to support the ‘Suited for Success’ program,” said Angela Arrington, WWIG Board President. “This important program provides professional-styled clothing – at no charge – to low income women who need appropriate wardrobes in order to return to the workforce and for job interviews.”

Up to three “gently used” outfits of women’s business clothing may be donated between April 18 and April 29 at any Klinke Cleaners in the Madison area. Mention “Suited for Success” when you drop off the outfits and Klinke Cleaners will clean, press and deliver the clothes to the YWCA of Madison. Receipts will be available. No footwear or accessories, please.

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service or a government-related field by providing scholarships to those who may not have the financial resources needed to pursue their goals. Proceeds from the Annual Scholarship and Recognition Banquet are used to support scholarships for women at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as legislative service agency internships for women who intend to make a career of public service.

Apr 11, 2011

Kelli Thompson, WWIG Vice President, Named Wisconsin Public Defender

Kelli Thompson, the Vice President of Wisconsin Women in Government's Board of Directors, has been appointed Wisconsin's state public defender by the Public Defender Board.

Thompson has been with the agency for 12 years, serving as deputy state public defender for the past seven years and most recently as the acting state public defender since January. The office provides legal service for indigent defenders in criminal and certain civil cases.

Governor Scott Walker praised the selection, saying the board made an outstanding selection. "Kelli is both a dedicated public servant and highly skilled lawyer," Governor Walker said. "Both abilities will serve her well as she leads the Public Defender's Office."

\Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen also praised the appointment, saying the justice system works best when both the state and defendant are represented by experienced, well-trained attorneys. Thompson will bring skill and compassion to that task, Van Hollen said.

Apr 4, 2011

WWIG seeking nominations for 'Women of Achievement' Awards

Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today that it is seeking nominations for female local government leaders to be honored with this year’s “Women of Achievement” Awards at the 24th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Banquet on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

Each year, WWIG honors women who have been trailblazers in government. This year’s banquet will honor women who have served in local or municipal government and have made significant accomplishments in service to her community.

Those interested in entering a nomination can download nomination forms, which are due by Monday, April 18, 2011. Nominations should be sent by email to info@WiscWomenInGovernment.org, or mailed to:

Wisconsin Women in Government
Attn: Awards Committee
P.O. Box 2543
Madison, WI 53701

This year’s banquet features keynote speaker Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland’s first woman Lt. Governor and a former Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the United States. The eldest child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, Townsend also managed Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s successful re-election campaign in 1982.

Individual banquet tickets are on sale now for $65 and can be purchased online. 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 on the events page.

The banquet will begin with a networking and cocktail reception from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The dinner, program and keynote address will run from 7:00-8:30 p.m. New this year: the networking reception will feature a photo booth from Focus Photography and the banquet will feature a silent auction.

WWIG’s annual dinner is the premier bipartisan political event in Wisconsin, attended by more than 1,000 state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has raised money to support and encourage women to choose a career in government service. Each year, the organization awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate study in public service and administration and government affairs.

Mar 7, 2011