national women's history month
March is Women’s History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. As you evaluate your financial plans, consider a donation to the WF endowment, planned or estate gift.
held in 2025
International women’s day hike
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | Ice Age Trail, Lapham Peak
Join Cadence, the Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County and us as we honor International Women’s Day with a guided hike at Lapham Peak.
During this invigorating hike, led by Becky Burton, we’ll explore sections of the prairie and forest, including the Ice Age Trail, while learning about habitat management and trail building. The full hike covers approximately six miles, with an option to loop back to the parking lot halfway through.
Lapham Peak, part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, is located on Highway C in Delafield, just south of I-94. A daily or annual state park admission pass is required and can be purchased on-site or online.
International women’s day Proceeds to benefit the Women’s Fund
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | Multiple Locations
STYLED BY SHOP
In 2007, Liz Sumner, named a Civic Champion at our WF Presents 2024 event,shared a dream with Mary LeBlanc, her mother and in just a few months, Styled by SHOP was born. As the store grew, Liz and Mary welcomed Jess Hoeft as the store manager.
SHOP offers women a carefully curated selection of on-trend clothing that’s comfortable, distinctive, and fun to wear. These pieces quickly become favorites—the ones you reach for over and over.
Location and hours: 4524 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
LOWCOUNTRY
Co-owned by restaurateur Dana Hompluem. LOWCOUNTRY, will host a festive evening filled with specialty cocktails, a seafood soiree and soulful jazz by Christopher’s Project. Guests are encouraged to wear purple attire to mark the occasion.
Location and hours: 1114 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, 5:45-8:45 p.m.
WF National Women’s History Month Reception
With Wendy Baumann, Secretary-designee,
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | Kimpton Journeyman
Celebrate a festive evening focused on enhancing our economic literacy and supporting the financial well-being of women in our community. Secretary-designee Wendy Baumann shares insights into her new role and lends her expertise about how we can keep moving forward together.
Governor Tony Evers appointed Wendy to serve as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions effective February 17, 2025.
Prior to her appointment she was the president and chief visionary officer for the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiatives Corporation (WWBIC), a position she held since 1994. Wendy has spent the past three decades leading WWBIC and uplifting Wisconsin businesses owned by women, people of color, and low-to-moderate-income individuals across the state.
WF LAUNDRY NIGHT: AIRING THE PATRIARCHY’S DIRTY LAUNDRY
Monday, March 31, 2025 | Triple Taproom
The patriarchy continues to shape our world in complex and challenging ways; however, meaningful conversations have the power to ignite change. Join us for an evening of valuable conversations and connections. Topics vary and casually unfold into practical insights and strategies to drive progress.
Our host this month is WF board member Alexandria Staubach.
Located in Milwaukee’s East Side neighborhood, Wisconsin’s first Triple Taproom features fresh brews from 3 Sheeps Brewing, Door County Brewing Co., and Hacienda Beer Co. When you join us you’ll find draft beer from all three breweries and a full kitchen featuring delicious Tex-Mex inspired offerings.
held in 2024
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Friday, March 8, 2024 | Marcus Performing Arts Center
International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for equality.
2024 Campaign Theme: Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The WF, along with other members of the Women’s Leadership Collaborative, celebrated with an afternoon event that included
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Registration and networking
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Keynote speaker Emilie Aries “A Collective Quest for Equal Pay”
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#InspireInclusion activity
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Post-event happy hour hosted at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
This event was in partnership with:
WOMEN’S NIGHT AT THE THEATER
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | Stiemke Studio
On Tuesday, March 12, we gathered together to see Heidi Schreck’s Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist play: “What the Constitution Means to Me” at the Milwaukee Rep, which is directed by Laura Braza.
We journeyed with Heidi as she revisited her younger self in the midst of Constitution debate competitions. With humor and heart, she reminisced on why the country’s most important document meant so much to her – both then and now. This deeply personal production resonated with audiences from all walks of life.
In Partnership with Cadence
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
6 – 7:15 p.m. WF private pre-show reception held at Vault (light refreshments with open bar)
6:30 p.m. Brief remarks
7:30 – 9:15 p.m. Performance held at Steimke Studio (no intermission)
The private pre-show reception is underwritten by the WF Relationship Committee: Amy Muehlbauer, committee chair, Amy Blain/Shatter Sales, Morgan Burns/Purple Unicorn, Danila Danesi, Alexandria Staubach, and Uma Vandegrift.Their feminist giving is valuable and appreciated.
FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME WITH THE WF.
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 8-9 a.m. those who attended theater night were also invited to attend Conversation over Coffee for the chance to discuss the play and share their thoughts. This was a causal conversation among event attendees only.
There was no fee to attend… coffee and light refreshments were provided.
WF LAUNDRY NIGHT: AIRING THE PATRIARCHY’S DIRTY LAUNDRY
Monday, March 25, 2024 | Camp Bar
The patriarchy sure does stink up the fabric of our society. The WF and this month’s host, Morgan Burns, invited members of the community for an evening out to discuss tips and tricks for removing tough odors like toxic masculinity and the denial of our bodily autonomy.
Each month, on the last Monday, we host this event as a blend of stimulating discussion and empowering insights among a community eager to drive change; sessions promise a friendly host, ensuring a good chat and a warm atmosphere.
These conversations are open to anyone with a passion for driving change for women’s equity.
held in 2023
WF Metaphorical March4Equity
Saturday, March 4, 2023
JUST 2%… The latest study from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at IUPUI indicates that only 1.9% of all charitable giving supports organizations for women and girls. That means more support is given to religion, education, arts/culture, and environment/animals than women and girls.
This is why your investment is always so valuable! A gift of any amount helps advance equity for women and ensures that the Women’s Fund continues its grants, programming, and HER Scholarships throughout the year. Your support matters today and every day!
International Women’s Day in Partnership… #EmbraceEquity
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 | Marcus Performing Arts Center
On March 8, International Women’s Day, we partnered with Professional Dimensions for a roundtable event featuring organizations in our region committed to empowering women and embracing equity. In “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” we honored the many remarkable women who have used their voices and their stories to inspire change and create a better world for all.
From groundbreaking activists to inspiring artists, women have played a crucial role in shaping our society and our culture. International Women’s Day was the perfect opportunity to showcase the contributions of these remarkable women and to recognize the importance of their work.
Thank you to everyone who joined us as we inspired future generations to continue the work of building a more just and equal world — creating a brighter future for all women.
Women’s Networking Night at the Theater with RTW for “Tidy“
Friday, March 24, 2023 — Opening Night | WF Private Reception
Annually we organize an evening to experience theater together. This year we saw “Tidy,” by Kristin Idaszak, at Renaissance Theaterworks. Whether you came with someone or meet up with the WF community, we thank you for joining us!
WF Community Book Read in Partnership with Ex Fabula…
She Speaks
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
We helped bring this event to fruition and funded a WF Flash Grant to Ex Fabula!
Celebrating brilliant speeches that prove women have been powerful orators. Brave and bold women used their voices to inspire change, transform lives, and radically alter history. Discover with excitement who made the list and read an introduction by Yvette Cooper for each speech. “She Speaks” is inspirational, engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking. Not just one voice, but many voices! Join us in deepening our understanding of the role of women, along with their achievements and contributions in history.
In this partnership, Ex Fabula demonstrated its expertise in connecting the community through the art of true, personal storytelling at this event. Several people read a speech from the book, “She Speaks,” that resonated with them and then shared personal stories.
Storytellers named by Ex Fabula
Sue Blaustein
Selected speech: Kavita Krishnan’s “Freedom without Fear”
Michaela Lacy (she/her)
Selected speech: Maya Angelou’s “On the Pulse of Morning”
Alexis B. Outlaw
Selected speech: Sojourner Truth’s “I am Woman’s Rights”
Kim Shine
Selected speech: Audre Lord’s “There are so many silences to be broken.”
Speech Hosts
Bela Roongta Eitel
Selected speech: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi’s “We Should All Be Feminists”
Kate Brejcha
Selected speech: Eva Kor’s “A Message of Hope and Healing”
Partners That Promoted the Book… “She Speaks”
101.7, The Truth
Alverno College
Cardinal Stritch, This Week at Stritch
Milwaukee Women Inc.
Event Vision Sponsors
Kate Brejcha
Jaime Green
Ashton Henry
Nicole Horvath
Annette Jacobson
Heddy Keith
Kelly Ottman
Monica Shah-Davidson
Erika Sander
Alexandria Staubach
Liz Syrrakos
Noelia Velez
Debra Zarne
held in 2022
WF Metaphorical March4Equity
Friday, March 4, 2022 @ All Day
Our Metaphorical March 4 Equity is your chance to demonstrate your commitment to advancing equity for women. With your investment today, you ensure the Women’s Fund continues its grants, programming, and HER Scholarships throughout the year. Your support matters!
Schlitz Park, Vendor and Resource Fair
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 @ 12 – 2 PM
Schlitz Park RiverCenter Atrium
Women and Music
All Day on 88Nine…Tuesday, March 8, 2022!
Nicole Horvath and Erika Sander, WF Board Directors, share stories and music for a special segment with Dori Zori of 88Nine, Radio Milwaukee. Recognizing that music impacts how we, as women, view our lives, and know it is a powerful communication tool, they created a unique playlist to inspire.
35 Books to Read, Book Discussion: Funding Feminism
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 5 PM – 6 PM VIRTUAL via Zoom
An important part of our work is creating social change, which means shifting attitude, behavior, and culture. We are keeping the conversation going about disruptors who are changing the power dynamics with numerous books and discussions throughout 2022..
held in 2020
WF Metaphorical March4Equity
March 4, 2020 @ All Day
Our Metaphorical March 4 Equity is your chance to demonstrate your commitment to advancing equity for women. With your investment today, you ensure the Women’s Fund continues its grants, programming, and HER Scholarships throughout the year. Your support matters!
One Woman, One Vote…
March 16, 2020 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 AM | Northwestern Mutual
This is a special experience in partnership with the Women’s Employee Resource Group at Northwestern Mutual.
Postponed indefinitely as of 3.11.20
Women’s Networking Night, Reception and Performance: “Eclipsed”
March 24, 2020 @ 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Milwaukee Repertory Theater
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.
Canceled as of 3.13.20
Conversation Over Coffee, “Eclipsed”…
March 27, 2020 @ 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Canceled as of 3.13.20
held in 2019
March 4, 2019 Annual Metaphorical March4Equity Advancing equity for women.
March 4 – 8, 2019 Women’s Entrepreneurship Week Milwaukee.
March 6, 2019, 3-4 PM. Session: Common Threads, Resources in the NFP Sector presented by Lisa Attonito. Reservations requested. Sponsored by Joan Bruce, Club President. Held at Woman’s Club of Wisconsin
March 8, 2019 Keynote Address by Lisa Attonito at Accenture. (Private Event)
March 13, 2019 Women’s Networking Night, Reception and Performance: “The Chinese Lady” Sponsored by Legacy Private Trust Company. Held at the Milwaukee Rep
March 15, 2019 Conversation Over Coffee
March 27, 2019 Community Talk Back, Community Book Read
Broad Band, The Untold Story of the Women who Made the Internet by Clarie L. Evans. Reservations requested.
As we honor the remarkable achievements and resilience of women worldwide, we’re reminded of the profound impact that local women have within their communities. As the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, we stand in solidarity with women everywhere, advocating for their voices to be heard, their talents to be recognized, and their potential to be fully realized.
The WomenStrong organization recently wrote an essay that included: “when local women step up, speak up, and are actually heard, their advice and choices usually turn out to be the best available for the communities they serve.” This sentiment resonates deeply with our mission here at the Women’s Fund. We believe that empowering local women is not only essential but transformative for our communities.
Local women-led organizations are the heartbeat of change, embodying authenticity, resilience, and unparalleled expertise. Their unwavering dedication to creating positive change is evident in every initiative they undertake. Yet, for their impact to reach its fullest potential, a shift in mindset is required from those with resources to spare.
This National Women’s History Month let’s recommit ourselves to supporting and amplifying the voices of local women. Together, let’s foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead.
Empowering local women isn’t just a mission; it’s a movement. Join us.
Warmly,
Lisa Attonito, executive director