Change Makers
November 6, 2024
Every Day is a New Day
If you voted you used your voice. If you voted your values we applaud your engagement.
While we absorb the results of Election 2024, hear the exit polls, and ponder the “how comes” and “what ifs,” we must ALL remember every day is a new day. Every day we make decisions that add up over time. We also have the opportunity to reflect and demonstrate our humanity.
Throughout the election process we have been clear-eyed that no matter the results we have serious work to do regarding gender equity. It may be that the results of this election underscore just how much needs to change.
Today, we acknowledge each other. We hear what people are saying. We listen with our hearts on our sleeves… and with each new day, we act. Our individual participation in shaping our collective future is vital.
We must believe we can navigate the hard days to get to the new day. We must believe in the collective effervescence we embody. We must believe we matter. We know democracy is messy, and we also know women belong in all places where decisions are made.
Especially at this moment, deep and lasting philanthropic investments in support of the gender equity movement are essential. These dollars mean change; they create pathways to positions of power and elected office too.
As we face the possibilities of the days to come, remember, YOU are the movement… use your values to make a gift, show up, and become the ripple that fosters gender equity in our community. Together, we can rise to a new day.
Warmly,
Lisa Attonito, executive director
October 30, 2024
Recap: WF Presents… Money & Politics,
the Impact on Women and Power
Keynote Presentation
Erin Loos Cutraro delivered an inspiring keynote on the importance of encouraging more women to consider public office and the transformative impact it has on communities across the country. Erin began by highlighting a persistent issue: women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership. Yet when women hold office, they bring diverse perspectives and collaborative solutions that address a broader range of community needs.
Erin emphasized the powerful ripple effects of female representation in politics, explaining how women in leadership often inspire other women and girls to pursue their goals. She noted that while there’s been progress in recent years, too many qualified women still feel they lack the experience, connections, or confidence to run. A core message in Erin’s keynote was that any woman can lead. She debunked myths about who “should” run for office and underscored that leadership doesn’t require a perfect resume, just a commitment to community and positive change.
She closed with a call to action: everyone can play a role in encouraging women to lead, through direct support and just reminding the women around us of their potential.
A Conversation, Erin with M. Paula Phillips
In a dynamic conversation, Erin and M. Paula Phillips delved into the vital need for more women in political leadership, touching on the challenges and opportunities women face when entering public life.
Paula reflected on the importance of visible role models who encourage and validate women’s leadership. She spoke about the need for a culture shift—one where we collectively recognize that women belong in all decision-making spaces. She noted that community support was crucial in her own path, highlighting the impact of networks and mentorship on women’s confidence to pursue public office.
Together, they concluded by sharing actionable ways for everyone to support women’s pathways to leadership, such as uplifting women’s voices and supporting candidates with financial contributions. Both leaders agreed that fostering an environment where women feel they belong in public life is essential to achieving true representation in government.
Warmly,
Lisa Attonito, executive director
April 9, 2024
(r)evolution
One could say, the women’s movement has been underway for generations and centuries. With that in mind, the fastest way to make change is by changing ourselves… we must shift our perspectives and imagine the possibilities, then with our new selves, we can challenge the status quo, hold others accountable, work to address the systemic barriers. So there is the rhetorical question: What are you doing to support the change we all want now?
The things we do can be small and incremental. They can impact protocols and inspire new ways to approach procedures. They can be among friends or neighbors. No matter, they all start with conversation… so please engage. Ask about the way people feel, the way they see the future and the opportunities for Gen Z. Talk about your lived experiences, your ideas and the community you want to live in.
Work to protect what we have and challenge the systems that need to be more inclusive. Remember, we are the movement… you know, like a (r)evolution.
Warmly,
Lisa Attonito, executive director
November 28, 2023
Stay Focused
In the season of holidays and festivities it is easy to get distracted and for priorities to get shuffled. Yet, this is also the time of year we can imagine the possiblities and take action to create the future we all want now.
At our annual Women’s Fund Presents event, we heard from Suzanne Wertheim, PhD. In her keynote address about inclusive language, Suzanne talked about the evolution of lanugage, the value of understanding the “why,” and encouraged practice so that we are communicating more respectfully. Suzanne made it interesting like when she explained that in the 13th century, the word “gyrle” was used to describe “young person” without reference to gender. She made it funny when highlighting examples that demonstrate “you guys” is not inclusive or non-gendered. She also inspired, helping to show how we can participate in fostering gender equity in our everyday lives by using more inclusive language practices.
We are planning a WF Community Book Read of The Inclusive Language Field Guide that Suzanne wrote so stay tuned. In the meantime, consider these actions, which is an abbreviated list of suggestions…
~ Display your pronouns in virutual meetings and via your email signature.
~ Check your unconscious demotions.
~ Diversify your media consumption.
~ Switch words to gender-neutral equivalents.
~ Be prepared to make mistakes and hold others accountable.
We are the women’s movmement locally… remember to make a gift, show up, and be the ripple that is needed to shift attitudes and behavior in Greater Milwaukee.
Cheerfully,
Lisa Attonito, executive director
December 13, 2022
Reflection and Action
With just 2% of all charitable gifts directly supporting women and girls, we each have to reflect on our own philanthropy. One could say, it doesn’t matter and that can’t really be true because so many NFP organizations serve everyone. Yet, it does matter. It matters because it demonstrates our value of women and girls. It matters because money has power. It matters because whoever holds the power, decides. It matters because too often women and girls are negatively impacted by societal issues. It matters because women and girls make up more than 50% of our population. It matters!
At this special time of year: with holidays, the longest night, and the calendar getting ready to turn please reflect and take action. Make decisions about your philanthropy using a lens that benefits women and girls. Then, embrace being a feminist and advocate to ensure equity for women (and gender-expansive people or any marginalized woman.)
Join the movement… make a gift, show up, and be the ripple that is needed to shift attitudes and behavior in greater Milwaukee so women and girls reach their full potential and everyone thrives.
Cheerfully,
Lisa Attonito, executive director
PS: Remember social change (shifting attitudes, behavior, and culture) takes commitment, time, and money.