In the News | Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee

Cream City Dreams Podcast

May 8, 2023

Listen in as our executive director, Lisa Attonito, and Sandy Cunningham, HER Scholarship Committee chair, join Meagan Schultz for an episode of Cream City Dreams podcast. Lisa and Sandy talk about several programs and initiatives the Women's Fund leads in the...

Community Book Read Shout Out

Mar 6, 2023

Thank you Meagan Schultz for including the Women's Fund community book read of She Speaks in your latest newsletter! From Megan... I wanted to send out a quick email with some other cool events around town, in case you’re itching to get out and socialize with cool...

Preserving a City

Feb 10, 2023

WF executive director Lisa Attonito shares insights in an interview with the Milwaukee Business Journal about how Milwaukee's donor landscape has changed and how the area's nonprofit organizations obtain the necessary funding to move forward. Read it here.

Comedian Marina Franklin Uses Funny Approach to Reclaiming Feminism in Milwaukee

Nov 16, 2022

For Marina Franklin, laughter holds an integral role in her identity as a feminist. Using comedy to tackle such a serious topic is crucial to Franklin’s process. Click here to read Elizabeth Lintonen's article.

Lake Effect on WUWM 89.7

Nov 16, 2022

Our executive director Lisa Attonitoand this year's Women's Fund Presents event host Marina Franklin were guests on WUWM 89.7's Lake Effect. Follow this link to hear what they had to say about reclaiming feminism and how to make it more inclusive.

Friends Like Us: Reclaiming Feminism

Nov 16, 2022

Just days ahead of this year’s Women's Fund Presents event Marina Franklin, this year's event host, invited Marilka Vélez and Lisa Attonito, Women's Fund board chair and executive director respectively, to be guests on her Friends Like Us podcast. Click here to listen...

Partners in Philanthrophy

Oct 28, 2022

We offer a sincere thank you to Associated Bank for naming us their Partner in Philanthropy. Details of the 2022 Women's Fund Presents event can be found here.

Feminist Marina Franklin

Oct 27, 2022

The year’s Women's Fund Presents event host is Marina Franklin. She is a veteran comedian, actor, writer, and host whose long tenure as a stand-up standout at premier comedy venues and festivals around the world – alongside her memorable TV and film appearances and...

WF one of 13 organizations to receive annual 5% royalty initiative from Bon Iver

May 19, 2022

We are grateful to Bon Iver for their financial support and efforts to advance equity for women. Eager to share that, via our annual 5% royalty initiative and holiday merch sale proceeds, we've been able to donate $65,000 to several #2abillion partners. We continue to...

Strike Back at Stress Through Yoga (and Philanthropy)

May 19, 2022

AFP Southeastern Wisconsin | Strike Back at Stress Through Yoga (and Philanthropy) (afpsewi.org)

Starla Thompson, WF Board Director featured in Milwaukee Magazine

Apr 18, 2022

Women’s Fund sponsorship on WUWM…activating philanthropy that advances equity for women

Mar 3, 2022

Milwaukee women leaders network with high-profile CEOs: included are Lisa Attonito, WF Executive Director, Marilka Vélez, WF Board Chair and Sandy Cunningham, Chair, HER Scholarship Committee

Mar 3, 2022

Acknowledging the Past: Starla Thompson, Board Director shared her insights in this month’s issue of Milwaukee Magazine. Tea Krulos writes an article titled, Visibly Indigenous, to help readers better understand the Native past, present and future of Milwaukee

Mar 1, 2022

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WF names two board directors to National Philanthropy Day Partners in Philanthropy, 2021

Nov 10, 2021

In honor of National Philanthropy Day® every year, Partners in Philanthropy is a unique opportunity for each AFP member to celebrate two donors/volunteers that have made a difference to their organization and to the greater community. The Women's Fund of Greater...

‘We Can Disrupt Together’: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Celebrates Disrupters at Annual Luncheon

Nov 6, 2021

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Oct 13, 2021

WF Named by Associated Bank as a Partner in Philanthropy

Oct 8, 2021

Listen as Melanie Ricks of 101.7 gets a surprise on air

Sep 24, 2021

MKE Lifestyle May, 2021 – 15 Minutes with Felisa Parris

Jun 14, 2021

Congratulations Felisa Parris! We are fortunate to have your optimism, enthusiasm and passion for helping our community thrive. Thank you for helping to influence attitudes, change behavior, and shift culture as a WF board director. Read the complete interview here:...

Proud United Way Community Partner

Jun 2, 2021

The WF was listed in United Way's Thank You insert in the Milwaukee Business Journal on May 28! We are proud to be highlighted with thousands of organizations that support United Way’s Community Campaign. View the insert by clicking here.

MBJ 40 Under 40: Marilka Velez, Associated Bank

Mar 23, 2021

Marilka Vélez joined Associated Bank in 2016 and since then has been a positive force and trusted leader. She is responsible for leading all company-wide marketing efforts and has led the development of the bank’s online Covid-19 consumer and business resources...

BizTimes – Notable Minority Executives: Marilka Vélez

Feb 22, 2021

As the senior vice president, senior director of marketing at Associated Bank, Marilka Vélez is responsible for leading all company-wide marketing efforts, including shaping the bank’s existing creative vision and helping outline the bank’s direction for the future.

Milwaukee Community Journal – Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Announces Grants

Feb 16, 2021

Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Announces GrantsThe Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee announced its Grant Partners for 2021. Nine organizations have been awarded grants totaling $111,000 for work that is advancing equity for women in our community.

CBS 58 – ‘Blazing trails’: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee discusses impact of VP Harris

Jan 20, 2021

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee spoke with CBS 58 about what impact it may have on girls and women across the nation.

WUWM Lake Effect: Olympian Meghan Duggan, ‘Game Changers’ Keynote Speaker, and WF Executive Director, Lisa Attonito

Oct 23, 2020

Advocate, Olympian, and philanthropist, Meghan Duggan talks about her recent retirement and the fight for gender equity in sports. Meghan will also be the keynote speaker in the Women's Fund Milwaukee event, Game Changers: Driving Equity Forward, happening today,...

Urban Milwaukee – The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Presents…Game Changers, Driving Equity Forward

Oct 16, 2020

Olympic Gold Medalist Meghan Duggan will be the keynote speaker: The proceeds from the event will be used to advance equity for women by providing HER Scholarships, supporting grants to local nonprofit organizations that address systemic issues, and will help the...

What should Elizabeth Kay, Host on 99.1 The Mix, do before her 40th birthday?

https://991themix.radio.com/blogs/elizabeth-kay/heres-how-you-can-help-advance-equity-for-women

Oct 8, 2020

Lisa Attonito says, "Be a philanthropist!" Listen to this podcast where the two discuss this concept and more. Elizabeth Kay says "After the recent passing of Supreme Court Justice and known feminist Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I felt compelled to find ways to help uplift and empower women just like her. And if the stories of her life and the recent news headlines are making you feel like you want to help make this world a better place, there is a way to make an impact!"

Lighten up after coronavirus lockdown: how to lose weight, get healthy and boost immunity with food

Jun 2, 2020

Dietitian and HER Scholarship Recipient, Bridgett Wilder, talks about her mission to help others through food. Now that people are emerging from the coronavirus lockdown, many are feeling the reality pinch of pants with non-elastic waistbands. A few brave souls are...

Associated Bank names Women’s Fund as MBJ Partner in Philanthropy

Jan 20, 2020

"Share this publication with your family and your teams. Share the work you are doing in the community. And you will be sharing hope that together - we will build a community of hope."...

Nonprofit Spotlight: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee

Dec 23, 2019

Biz Times Milwaukee names Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee as its Nonprofit Spotlight. Click to read article.

WF Presents showcased with a MBJ slide deck

Nov 18, 2019

The Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee recently honored 12 Milwaukee women, including Raquel Filmanowicz of BMO Harris Bank and Becky House of Rockwell Automation, as "Futurists in our Community," as part of its "The Future, 2030," event. Check out the...

Nancy Berce, CIO at Johnson Controls talks about Leadership

Nov 1, 2019

This year, Johnson Controls International plc chief information officer Nancy Berce mandated a new goal for all of her management levels: 50% of total hires needed to be female. "We always hire the best talent, but what that drove was a whole different...

Grant Partner: Cathedral Center names the Women’s Fund a Key Donor

Aug 19, 2019

Cathedral Center Inc. 845 North Van Buren St., Milwaukee (414) 831-0394 | cathedral-center.org Facebook: facebook.com/TheCathedralCenter Twitter: @TheCathedralCtr Year founded: 2002 Mission statement: To provide a safe environment for women and families while...

WF ED in Greater Milwaukee Foundation Annual Report 2019

Jul 30, 2019

Lisa Attonito, Executive Director of the Women's Fund participated in a photo shoot held at the Chase Tower Entrance. The background is an art installation as part of Sculpture Milwaukee 2019. The photo was recently published in the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Annual...

Women Making a Difference

Jul 30, 2019

Milwaukee’s own Women in Design (WID) has been recently honored by the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Diversity Recognition Program for promoting the great work produced by women in Milwaukee’s creative design fields. WID hosts numerous lectures, mentoring events, community service projects and panel presentations, creating a community rooted in supporting each other and advancing architecture into a more inclusive and equitable profession. Starting as 20 friends meeting sporadically, WID is now rallying more than 150 attendees at their programming events, a testament to their powerful efforts. Off the Cuff met with Ali Kopyt, one of the managing architects with Korb + Associates Architects and on WID’s leadership team to discuss this recognition.

WF Director, Kareeda Chones-Aguam Announced as a Woman of Influence, 2019

May 15, 2019

Women's Fund Milwaukee Director Kareeda Chones-Aguam among the second group of Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2019 Women of Influence winners.

WF Board Chair, Julie Ragland in Crain’s 2019 Notable Women in Manufacturing

Apr 30, 2019

Women's Fund Milwaukee Board Chair Julie Ragland was awarded as one of Crain's 2019 Notable Women in Manufacturing.

Women Leaders meet with CEOs

Mar 7, 2019

Lisa Attonito, Executive Director of the Women's Fund was one of leaders who meet with area CEOs. Coordinated by Milwaukee Women Inc, this annual Roundtable provides an opportunity to discuss strategies related to enhancing the number of women serving on private...

Shepherd Express: Off the Cuff with Joan Marie Johnson, PhD.

Feb 21, 2019

Johnson was a keynote speaker at a recent event in Milwaukee, during which the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee discussed the “Power of Philanthropy.” Off the Cuff talked with her about it.

Milwaukee Business Journal: Partners in Philanthropy 2019

Dec 11, 2018

With sponsorship from Associated Bank, the Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee is showcased on page 100 of this annual publication. Here is the online link to the two-page...

BizTimes Media Milwaukee showcases the Power of Philanthropy: Slide Deck

Nov 29, 2018

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee recently held its annual event at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Its theme was “The Power of Philanthropy,” and it featured historian and author Joan Marie Johnson as the keynote...

Milwaukee Business Journal – Patti Keating Kahn, Joan Robertson honored by Women’s Fund for philanthropy: Slideshow

Nov 8, 2018

Milwaukee real estate executive Patti Keating Kahn and philanthropist Joan Robertson were among nine women honored Nov. 1 by the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee for their philanthropy work in southeastern Wisconsin. Check out the attached slideshow to see photos from the event, which was held at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The annual Power of Philanthropy drew hundreds of Milwaukee-area business and community leaders. The keynote speaker was author and philanthropist Joan Marie Johnson, whose most recent book was "Funding Feminism: Monied Women, Philanthropy, and the Women’s Movement, 1870-1967." In her book, Johnson discusses historical milestones, themes in women’s philanthropy and the impact of money.

‘Education Is The Answer’: Lessons From The Daughter Of A Suffragette on WUWM Lake Effect

Oct 31, 2018

Robertson was born just before the 19th Amendment was ratified and is the daughter of Annette Roberts, an outspoken pacifist and suffragette who worked toward world peace and diplomacy up until her death at age...

‘Funding Feminism’ with Joan Marie Johnson, PhD, and Lisa Attonito, Featured on WUWM Lake Effect

Oct 30, 2018

'Funding Feminism' Examines How Philanthropy Advanced The Women's Movement. We learn what spurred women of means in the suffrage era to become philanthropists.

Milwaukee Film Festival features “Warrior Women” – Sponsored by Community Partner, the Women’s Fund

Oct 22, 2018

The Women's Fund is a Community Partner for the Milwaukee Film Festival. Check out our presenting movie, Warrior Women, tonight, October 22, 2018, and Wednesday afternoon. If you come to the screening on the 22nd you'll be able to catch director Elizabeth Castle and Lakota Harden!

Facebook Live with Molly Snyder – Women’s Fund donates books to the Milwaukee Central Library ahead of the annual event featuring historian/author Joan Marie Johnson, PhD.

Oct 22, 2018

Check out this Facebook Live with OnMilwaukee’s Molly Snyder and Donna Kleczka, our Event Chair at the Milwaukee Public Library.

Feed Your Inner Goddess, August 12, 5-9PM

Aug 10, 2018

This fantastic event is sponsored by the women business leaders in Mequon/Thiensville for the women of our Greater Milwaukee community. Not only is it an opportunity for women to take a moment out of their busy lives to relax and treat themselves, the event directly benefits the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee. 100% of the profits from the ticket sales will benefit the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.

Associated Bank, the Main Sponsor for MBJ “Women of Influence 2018” Selects Women’s Fund as Event Partner

Jun 22, 2018

Associated Bank, the main sponsor, selected the Women's Fund as a partner for the Milwaukee Business Journal's Women of Influence Awards luncheon in 2018.

HER Scholars at Miller Park

Jun 21, 2018

What an amazing night! We are grateful to the Brewer’s Wives who support our HER Scholarship program and recently helped recognize the eleven HER Scholars of the 2017/18 academic year. These women stood on the field at Miller Park and celebrated their incredible achievements.

HER Scholar Graduates and Shares her Story

Jun 1, 2018

Stingl: 'Victory in motion' — Widow with 9 kids graduates from Mount Mary and hopes to help other women

Women’s Fund Executive Directors Speaks at AAUW Area Branch

May 21, 2018

On May 6, 2018, Lisa Attonito presented at the final branch meeting of the AAUW West Suburban - Milwaukee Branch 2017-18 year. She is the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.

New Milwaukee Bar to Donate Percentage of Sales on Opening Night to Women’s Fund

Apr 26, 2018

For Tied House's grand opening week, days of the week will be tied to nonprofit groups. 20% of sales on Monday, May 21, 5-8 p.m. will benefit The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.

Bon Iver Celebrates Tenth Anniversary and Names Women’s Fund as Concert Partner

Feb 17, 2018

American indie-folk band, Bon Iver, teamed with the Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee to bring gender equity "centerstage thru action, fundraising, and education."

New York Minute Magazine: Community Foundation in Greater Milwaukee Helps Older Women Go Back to School

Feb 12, 2018

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee has been, for over 15 years, devoted to making sure that all women and girls have equal opportunities to further themselves in leadership, education, and financial equality.

Shepard Express — Empowering Women through Education and Opportunity

Jan 17, 2018

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee is an organization dedicated to fostering economic empowerment, leadership development and educational opportunities for women and girls.

Journal Sentinel — Annette Stoddard Freeman helped create college scholarships for women 35 and over

Dec 21, 2017

Annette Stoddard Freeman worked as an administrator for the United Way and as a counselor at the Counseling Center in Milwaukee and co-founded a college scholarship for women 35 and older. Freeman made a difference in Milwaukee.

Marquette athlete, Nicki Barnes, shares Title IX experience

Oct 31, 2017

Today, women are able to benefit from Title IX, signed into law, 45 years ago. Title IX is a law banning sex discrimination in publicly funded institutions, giving female students access to play sports, a privilege their male counterparts have always been able to take advantage of.

Milwaukee BizTimes, The Last Word: Title IX 45 years later: What has changed?

Oct 30, 2017

Please click here to read the article.

Milwaukee BizTimes – Women’s Fund celebrates 45th anniversary of Title IX: Article and Slideshow

Oct 29, 2017

Please click here to view the slideshow images

Milwaukee Business Journal — Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee celebrates 45th anniversary of Title IX: Slideshow

Oct 26, 2017

Donna Orender, CEO of Orender Unlimited and former president of the Women's National Basketball Association, was the keynote speaker at the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee event Wednesday to celebrating the 45th anniversary of Title IX and its significant contributions to advancing equity for women.

Amanda Braun – Refusing To Sit On The Sidelines

Oct 25, 2017

Amanda Braun was celebrating her first birthday when congress proposed a final draft of Title IX, a law banning sex discrimination in publicly-funded athletic programs and creating equal access to sports for women. Throughout her childhood, she never realized the impact that this law would have on her life.

onMilwaukee — Women’s Fund celebrates Title IX with recognition of 12 athletic women

Oct 23, 2017

Since the time she was a little girl, Melissa Baldauff dreamed of being a quarterback on a football team. Her parents, however, were concerned for her safety because it's a high-contact sport dominated by boys, and instead enrolled her in dance lessons.

Our Issues Milwaukee hosted by Andrea Williams — Bernell Hooker, Milwaukee Aces, and Lisa Attonito, Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee

Oct 23, 2017

Please click here to see our interview.

WUWM 89.7, Lake Effect — Title IX event celebrates Milwaukee Athletes

Oct 23, 2017

Please click here to read the transcript.

WUWM 89.7, Lake Effect — Former WNBA Commissioner Donna Orender Speaks on Title IX’s Value, 45 Years later

Oct 11, 2017

Please click here to read the transcript.

Milwaukee Magazine — Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Honors Title IX Anniversary

Oct 10, 2017

In early summer of 1972, the seminal amendment Title IX was passed, simultaneously allowing women greater access to college education and opening doors for women and girls to participate in sports. 45 years later, Milwaukee will be celebrating its passing with a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 25, in true brew city fashion: at the Harley Davidson Museum.

Lisa Attonito: The New Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee

Nov 1, 2016

Milwaukee, WI, October 27, 2016 – Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee announced today the appointment of Lisa Attonito as the new Executive Director.

Tracy Wayson

Oct 4, 2016

It is with great sadness that we share with you Tracy Wayson has passed away.

BizTimes: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Chief to Retire

Aug 23, 2016

"I am very proud of our work at the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, what we have accomplished over the years and the work we continue to do,” Henningsen said. “Milwaukee is a very special place to me and my family – it is our home. I look forward to working with the board and my successor to ensure a smooth transition of leadership, and make certain we sustain and grow what I believe to be one of the most impactful organizations in our region."

Executive Director Search

Aug 22, 2016

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee has partnered with Spano Pratt Executive Search to identify the Executive Director for the organization. For a confidential conversation and to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Jamie Pratt.

Gender Equality Series II: Sponsor vs Mentor

May 3, 2016

Click to view the presentation.

Happy 100th Birthday Annette!

Apr 12, 2016

Annette Stoddard-Freeman who will celebrate her 100th Birthday this year, has been instrumental in paving the way for women to continue pursuing their educational and career goals.

Arts@Large Ebony Fashion Fair Project

Jan 5, 2016

Our grant partner at Arts@Large together with some of their middle school students participated in 2015 Milwaukee Art Museum's exhibit Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair!

Why Gender Equality Needs to Include Men

Oct 22, 2015

Read the latest article written by our panel moderator and board member Sangita Kasturi!

Women & Public Policy Event 2015

Oct 22, 2015

Sometimes, for social change to happen you must go outside your comfort zone… Are men central to the conversation around women’s advancement and pathways to gender parity? A diverse mix of over 300 women and men thought so during a positive and lively panel discussion at the annual Women & Public Policy event on September 30th hosted by the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.

2015 Annual Report

Aug 27, 2015

While our impact has been felt, we still have work to do if all women and girls are to be successful and treated equitably. We hope you will join us.

Alverno College Research Center for Women and Girls Study

Aug 27, 2015

Here is the summary of the Alverno College Research Center for Women and Girls study regarding the status of girls in Wisconsin. The study is being used by the Women’s Fund to develop strategies for girls led social change initiatives. The Women’s Fund was one of the funders of the study.

Media Outlets Affirm Our Mission

Please click on the blog image or title to open the article. Happy Reading!