WF Community Talk Backs
Our Community Talk Backs assembled diverse groups of people and facilitated inter-generational conversation about relevant topics to advancing equity for women. These Talk Backs are dynamic and engaging.Recognizing that convening the community is an important part of our work, the Women’s Fund organizes unique events throughout the year. Each is designed to provide information, connect people, create conversations and inspire action.
Many events are held in March in honor of National Women’s History Month. Our Community Talk Backs assembled diverse groups of people and facilitated intergenerational conversation about relevant topics to advancing equity for women.
We utilized a variety of venues to help set the tone for each panel discussion. We had experts in each subject willing share their insights, perspectives and opinions. These became the backdrop for an engaging conversation among attendees that proved communication is the first step in collaboration. We are grateful for all the support, attendance, and investments.
WF Community Talk Backs 2021
Featured Event
Community Talk Back – The Alverno Report
March 25, 2021 • A Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging and interactive presentation and panel conversation on the importance and value of women serving in elected office. Building on the findings of our Grant Partner, Alverno College, this is designed to engage the community in conversation about the importance of women serving in office, why women choose to engage this pathway, and explore recommendations for increasing the number of women running for office in Wisconsin.
WF Community Talk Backs 2020
Women’s Networking Night, Reception and Performance: “Eclipsed”...CANCELLED as of 3.13.20

A Chilling Portrait of War and Sisterhood – Written by actress-playwright Danai Gurira (Black Panther, The Walking Dead) comes a stunning tale of hope and resilience set in the midst of the Liberian Civil War. Nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Play. In Partnership with MAC Women, WCREW, and W Girls.
A Day for Pay Equity...Women’s Leadership Collaboration is monitoring the event.
Rapid Presentations: Nine Women, 20 Slides/20 Seconds Blitz...CANCELLED as of 3.13.20
Community Book Read: What I Told My Daughter...CANCELLED as of 3.13.20

In honor of National Women’s History Month, annually, the Women’s Fund coordinates a Community Book Read that culminates with a Community Talk Back focused on the book. Join us—individually, with your book club, a group of friends, your spouse/partner, colleagues, neighborhood association, religious group, or whoever!
The book, What I Told My Daughter, Lessons from Leaders on Raising the New Generation of Empowered Women, is edited by Nina Tassler with Cynthia Littleton. It is a collection of essays to reflect the best advice and counsel, either by example or in character-building, teachable moments.
WF Community Talk Backs 2019
March 6, 2019
Women’s Entrepreneurship Week
Common Threads and Resources in the NFP Sector
Sponsored by Joan Bruce, WCW Club President
Held at Woman’s Club of Wisconsin
March 13, 2019
“The Chinese Lady” Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Sponsored by Legacy Private Trust Company and
Tri City National Bank
March 15, 2019
Conversation over Coffee, “The Chinese Lady”
Held at WF Sunny Table, Women’s Fund Office
March 27, 2019
Community Book Read: Broad Band
Sponsored by Arts@Large
Held at Mount Mary University
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Rapid Fire Presentations by Women
Sponsored by Women Rocking the World
Held at Woman’s Club of Wisconsin
Monday, June 10, 2019
Celebrating the 100 th Anniversary of Wisconsin ratifying the 19th Amendment
One Woman, One Vote
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Milwaukee
and Dr. Karen J. Maroda
Held at NŌ Studios
PANELISTS AND FACILITATORS
Barbara Drake
Chris Grota
Kathy Henrich
Kathy Ligman
Lynnette McNeely, JD
Shauntay Nelson
Debbie Patel
Kat Ramirez
Rosemary Smith
Jacelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece
Community Talk Backs 2018
January 30, 2018
Sexual Harassment and Power
Collaborators: Professional Dimensions, TEMPO Milwaukee,
Women’s Philanthropy Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Sponsored by Adient
Held at 833 East
March 14, 2018
“One House Over” Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Sponsored by Johnson Financial
June 6, 2018
Women. Voting. Democracy.
Collaborator: League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County
Sponsored and hosted by Quarles & Brady LLP
Panelists and Facilitators
Noelle Chesley, Ph.D.
Kathy Dolan, Ph.D.
Sara J. Geenen
Debi Miller, D., APR Fellow PRSA
Mary Kae Nelson
Nancy Peterson
Joanne Williams
WF Community Talk Backs 2017
Panelists and Facilitators
Margaret Henningsen Bernell Hooker Mary Pat Jacoby Sangita Kasturi Honorable Joan Kessler LaTasha Langdon