BRAVA January February 2026 by Nei-Turner Media Group

women shaping madison

Leaders Who Embody Purpose and Progress

A One-Stop Art Shop Saunaday’s Restorative Vibe Pop-Up Ramen

A COMMUNITY WORTH

investing in Dane County deserves the best. Strong communities are built on strong local businesses – and we’re here to help them reach the next level. At Park Bank, our focus is simple: give local businesses the tools, support, and partnership they need to succeed. Because when they grow, we all grow. L E T ’ S G E T TO N E X T.

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Photography by Heim Agency The women shaping Madison’s future don’t wait for opportunities—they create them. At The Madison Club, ﬁnd the space, the people, and the energy to make your vision real. Celebrate successes, build connections, and recharge in a setting designed for leaders like you. JOIN THE MADISON CLUB. WHERE AMBITION MEETS BELONGING.

5 E WILSON ST, MADISON, WI 53703 | MADISONCLUB.ORG | 608.255.4861

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Experience breathtaking moments and memories throughout the remainder of our 100th season — five masterworks with world-renowned guest soloists, the MSO at the Movies presentation of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert, and two Overture Concert Organ performances. Your January & February Symphony & Organ concerts:

JAN 23-25

FRI & SAT 7:30 PM | SUN 2:30 PM | OVERTURE HALL

FEB 20-22

FEB 24

Heartbeat

Playful Pursuits

Felix Hell, Organ

KAZEM ABDULLAH Guest Conductor YEFIM BRONFMAN Piano

TANIA MILLER Guest Conductor RACHEL BARTON PINE Violin

TUE 7:30 PM | OVERTURE HALL

MUSIC MUSIC GABRIELA LENA FRANK Escaramuza RICHARD STRAUSS Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59 JOHANNES BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83

FELIX MENDELSSOHN Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21 ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 CLAUDE DEBUSSY Prélude á l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) IGOR STRAVINSKY Petrushka (1947 version)

MUSIC JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29 WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Fantasy in F minor, K. 608 SAMUEL BARBER Adagio for Strings

PRESENTING SPONSOR Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation MAJOR SPONSORS Madison Magazine Martha and Charles Casey Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Inc. Fred Mohs, in memory of Mary Mohs

MAJOR SPONSORS Madison Symphony Orchestra League Peter and Leslie Overton Cyrena and Lee Pondrom Richman & Richman LLC

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Dr. Steven Ewer and Abigail Ochberg Dr. Peter and Beth Rahko Mary Lang Sollinger Wisconsin Arts Board

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Janed Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc. Ann Lindsey, in memory of Chuck Snowdon Wisconsin Arts Board

madisonsymphony.org/heartbeat

madisonsymphony.org/pursuits

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN arr. FELIX HELL Symphony No. 5 in C-minor, op. 67

MAJOR SPONSORS Friends of the Overture Concert Organ Myrna Larson ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Mark Huth and Meghan Walsh

madisonsymphony.org/felix

Be part of the experience. Purchase tickets (starting at $22*) by phone (608) 258-4141, in-person at the Overture Box Office, 201 State State Street, online at madisonsymphony.org or overture.org. Dates, artists, programs, and prices subject to change. *Prices include Sales Tax, Overture Center’s per-ticket facility fee and Web/Phone fee for online or over-the-phone orders. To avoid the Web/Phone fee, purchase in-person at Overture Center’s Box Office.

BRAVA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

FEATURES

SHANNA WOLF

33 33 Timeless By Design

A thoughtful mix of classical finishes and vintageinspired details gives this home a layered look that feels lived-in, elegant and enduring.

40 2026 Women to Watch This year’s cohort celebrates extraordinary women leading with purpose, making bold moves and shaping our city.

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DEPARTMENTS

@bravamagazine ON THE COVER

Geralyn Vaval, founder and CEO of Wisconsin Family Mental Balance, was photographed on location by Hillary Schave at The Edgewater.

women shaping madison

Leaders Who Embody Purpose and Progress

A One-Stop Art Shop Saunaday’s Restorative Vibe Pop-Up Ramen

01_BRAVA_26 v8.indd 1

12/24/25 3:48 PM

14 THRIVE 11

Perspective Getting to know creative powerhouse Ashley Moseberry.

14 Beauty & Style Experience Saunaday’s restorative vibe. 17 Retail Therapy A one-stop art shop at Madison Art Market.

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18 Money Set yourself up for side-hustle success. 21 Career LinkedIn strategies for career pivots and gaps. 24 Wellbeing Uncovering your family’s health history.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

DWELL

GO + DO

27 Atomic Energy The best vintage and midcentury shops in the area.

63 Eats + Drinks Pop-up ramen, Wisconsin craft cider, a new food hall and delicious mocktails. 73 Arts & Entertainment What to do in January and February.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Relate 76 Linger

TOP HILLARY SCHAVE | RIGHT NICOLE HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY | LEFT COURTNEY TERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

PARTNER CONTENT

MONEY SMARTS

BY KIM SPONEM

Financial power of attorney You might be familiar with a healthcare power of attorney, someone who makes medical decisions for a loved one if they are unable to. A financial power of attorney (POA) is someone who is granted access to a loved one’s accounts and can handle financial matters on their behalf. The POA can be given broad authority or effective only if the loved one is disabled/

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If you’re planning on an active retirement with lots of travel, there are many ways to make money management easier — at any stage in life. Here are several tips to consider. Online and mobile banking

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Engage the experts

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Kim Sponem is CEO and President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $8 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 274,400 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life. Ask Kim your money questions at MoneySmarts@SummitCreditUnion.com. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

RELATE

MOVING THE NEEDLE

s we enter the new year, I love that our Women to Watch kick off our coverage. They represent (as our cover states) leaders that embody purpose and progress. These aren’t women who shy away from a challenge — they face pressing issues head-on and figure out what they can do to move the needle. One woman’s story that struck me was Stephanie Johnson’s (shown). Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2024, Johnson learned that four other people from her old neighborhood (in addition to herself and her husband, Rick, who passed away in 2023 due to Parkinson’s) received the same diagnosis. She contacted local and state health departments to request an investigation into a potential disease cluster and found out that Wisconsin didn’t have a Parkinson’s disease registry. “There was no systematic, accurate way of understanding exactly how many Wisconsinites live with Parkinson’s,” explains Johnson.

Instead of giving up, Johnson founded the Parkinson’s Disease Alliance of Wisconsin. She connected with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which supports states working to establish Parkinson’s disease registries, and with Wisconsin legislators, who introduced the Rick Johnson Parkinson’s Disease Registry last October. Johnson’s advocacy work is just one poignant example out of the 11 women we are honoring this year who are consciously choosing to stand up, speak out and make a difference. Read about them starting on P. 40. If you’d like to meet our Women to Watch in person and hear their stories, please join us at our Women to Watch celebration on March 3 at The Madison Club! Flip to P. 13 to learn more about it. Even though January can feel like a slow time of year, there’s plenty to do. Book some me time at Saunaday and experience the thermic cycle of sauna and cold plunge to revive your winterweary body (P. 14). If you’re a creative type, attend Ashley Moseberry’s Art of Love conference on Feb. 7 (P. 11). Or eat and drink at several delicious options, starting on P. 63. Happy winter!

Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

BRAVA’S FUN NIGHT OUT Join us on Feb. 5 for an exciting night out with BRAVA and LOVB Madison Volleyball! There will be a pre-match meet-and-greet and we'll enjoy watching the match afterward. Flip to P. 20 to register.

HEART HEALTH MATTERS February is American Heart Month, and we’re proud to co-host the American Heart Association’s Madison Go Red for Women luncheon on Feb. 13. Scan the QR code to RSVP today.

2026

BRAVA’S GUIDE TO THE BEST

DIS O N, W

TIME TO VOTE! It’s the final countdown for Raves & raves-faves to vote now through Jan. 25 for your favorite area

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businesses. We’ll reveal the winners in our March/April 2026 issue.

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Faves. Visit bravamagazine.com/

BUSINESS PUBLISHER Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jim Nissen jim@commandshiftoption.com Meredith Johnson meredith@ntmediagroup.com EDITORIAL INTERN Lenah Helmke FACT-CHECKER Mason Braasch

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CONTRIBUTORS Laura Anne Bird, Shelby Deering, Nicole Hansen, Maura Keller, MaryBeth Matzek, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Katrina Simyab, Jessica Steinhoff, Courtney Terry, Hywania Thompson, Katie Vaughn, Candice Wagener, Amanda Wegner, Hannah Wente, Shanna Wolf BRAVA Magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman, William Turner, President. This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. ©2025

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Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert features John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film at Overture Hall. Indiana Jones is the classic hero in this adventure set in the 1930s which follows the quickwitted and determined archaeologist as he hunts for the Lost Ark of the Covenant.

951 Kimball Lane, Suite 122, Verona, WI. (608) 848-6700 SUBSCRIBE AT BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM Subscription information: (262) 729-447 1 or nadine@ntmediagroup.com. BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026, Volume 27, Number 01, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at 3902 Milwaukee St., Madison, WI 537 14 and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona, WI 53593-1786.

MAJOR PERFORMANCE SPONSORS Madison Media Partners Lake Ridge Bank Zaia and Peleus Parker Hooper Corporation

original score by JOHN WILLIAMS

madisonsymphony.org/indianajones JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Leading Through the Little Changes On adapting and finding balance when everything feels new Dr. Jennifer Berne, Madison College President

As a former teacher, I learned early that classrooms thrive on routine. Students can take on the challenge of learning only when they don’t have to wonder where to sit or what to do when the bell rings. Routines create comfort, and comfort creates space for growth. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately as I settle into a new role, a new organization, and a new state. Big changes, like moving or starting a new position, command our full attention. We plan for them, prepare for them, and show up ready to meet them. But it’s the smaller changes that often throw us off kilter. They sneak up quietly and catch us in moments when we’ve let our guard down. When the big tree in my yard lost its leaves this past fall, I passed my house twice before recognizing that yes, this is where I live. And the day the grocery store switched the location of the apples and avocados, it was all I could do not to give up on produce altogether. While I may be less graceful at navigating these small changes, I’ve done pretty well with what would seem far more challenging: moving to a new place and leading from a new desk. And it’s not just me. I remember a friend in tears because her yoga studio was closing. This news came just days after she dropped her only child off at college. No tears at all when she waved goodbye as he walked into the dorm, but putting down her mat in another location was more than she could manage.

It is likely because big transitions - the new job, the move, the milestone - are high stakes and we work so hard to manage them that small changes throw us all for a loop. And yet, it’s often those smaller shifts that remind us of what keeps us steady. I’m learning to recognize that when something in my routine changes and catches me by surprise, it’s usually tied to the habits and patterns that anchor me most. Leadership isn’t much different. The work asks us to adapt constantly while leaning on our tried-and-true routines to keep us grounded. Teachers know this intuitively. At the start of every school year, so much time is spent establishing routines so that children can free their minds to tackle the immense challenge of learning new material. If the basics feel predictable, the unknowns become manageable. Teachers work hard to remove the risk of small changes so there’s space for a new idea to form. Maybe that’s true for all of us. We can face a day that feels unfamiliar if we are scaffolded by the routines that comfort us, the ones that remind us where we belong.

To learn more about Madison College visit: madisoncollege.edu/brava

THRIVE

THE CULTURAL ARCHITECT Thanks to creative powerhouse Ashley Moseberry, Madison’s events calendar is more exciting and inclusive than ever. BY KATIE VAUGHN

f you peeked into the Notes app on Ashley Moseberry’s iPhone, you might just be getting a preview of events that will become highlights of Madison’s culture landscape.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE

“I have notes with random event names and how the events could look,” she says. “I really do create events from the name. I think, what would grab people? It’s so intentional.” Moseberry, who describes herself as “a creative director and experience designer,” has already established two successful annual events: the Black on State Festival and the Art of Love Conference. Black on State came together quickly in 2024, after Moseberry connected with the Madison Central Business Improvement District, which was looking for programming to draw more people of color downtown. Envisioned as a way of reclaiming the city center as a place for all, where Black and underserved voices are not only welcomed but also celebrated, the festival took place in August on State Street, with live music, dancing, food and local vendors. Moseberry was hoping for 5,000 attendees; nearly 13,000 people showed up, even with steady rain during the first hour and a half of the event. The second year was an even bigger hit. A rodeo theme had attendees linedancing in the street, and Moseberry 12

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says she’ll never forget standing in the crowd and witnessing the smiles on people’s faces. “Humbly, I’ve never seen anything like what we produced,” she says. Black on State will return in 2026, this time in late August or early September to attract college students and introduce them to the economic, political and cultural center of the city. z“We focus on downtown because that’s where everything happens,” Moseberry says. “Folks of color have gotten comfortable creating our own spaces. We deserve to be in every place in Madison.” Moseberry is also passionate about making spaces for creatives and entrepreneurs in Madison. She launched the Art of Love conference to give them the chance to pause, reflect and connect with others. Held on the first Saturday of February — to honor the month of love and Black History Month — at the Arts + Literature Laboratory, the conference has speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions. “Creativity is a huge pillar of society, and we don’t give it the credit it

The Art of Love Conference takes place February 7 at the Arts + Literature Laboratory. Creatives and entrepreneurs are invited to hear speakers and panelists and connect with fellow makers and doers. Learn more at blackonstate.com/art-of-love.

deserves,” Moseberry says. “We need to continue showing how important art, creativity and entrepreneurship are.” As if producing two annual events weren’t enough — in addition to her work as park and street use assistant for the City of Madison (which involves permitting events) — Moseberry is already dreaming about launching more. And she already has names chosen. R&Breeze would be a winter festival with sledding, cocoa and a DJ, and Happy Hair would celebrate Black hair and “tap into the maximalist side of Black culture,” she says. “I want more creative spaces for Black folks — areas that don’t just say we are welcome, but we truly feel it, know it and see it,” she says. “I want spaces that reflect our culture, honor our traditions and values, and connect us to one another.” Katie Vaughn is a Madison-area freelance writer and artist.

CELEBRATE

’S

WITH US! Join us for a celebratory evening of food and drink, networking and a program recognizing our 2026 honorees. Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 4-6:30 p.m. The Madison Club

5 E . Wilson St. , Madison, W I EVENT SPONSORED BY

EVENT DAY SPONSORED BY

SCAN CODE

FOR TICKETS!

THRIVE | BEAUTY & STYLE

A RESTORATIVE RETREAT Inspired by global bathhouse traditions and wellness-centered design, Saunaday encourages connection and community. BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY TERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

oshelle Ritzenhaler has a keen focus on design for wellbeing. “I’m really interested in the role of architecture, urban planning and placemaking in creating healthier communities,” she explains. After visiting a hammam in Istanbul and saunas and bathhouses around the world, Ritzenhaler and her husband, Jason, opened Saunaday, a thermal bathhouse, last July. The hammam visit in particular piqued her interest in saunas and bathhouses. “I remember sitting underneath this beautiful marble dome. There were three women sitting [and] chatting, having a normal Wednesday morning. It wasn’t a ‘spa day.’ I had this moment: ‘How do we not have something like

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

this? These are people taking care of themselves, in a community.’” Ritzenhaler, who has a background in architecture and design, painstakingly designed the bathhouse in tandem with Madison-based AngusYoung Associates. The 5,000-square-foot space is equal parts welcoming, modern and soothing. Gorgeous design elements pay tribute to sauna and bathhouse culture. For example, the oxblood tiles in the cedar salt scrub showers are an homage to the deep red sauna huts in Finland. Saunaday features a five-step bathing ritual, which begins with a hearty Dead Sea salt scrub in the cedar-lined showers. Bathers then venture into the moody, Moroccan hammam-inspired steam sauna

complete with a warm, 90-degree “belly stone.” Guests can even choose to slather on a mud mask and rinse off using the sinks or shower. Next, bathers enter the more social Cedar Sauna, lined with western red cedar, or the silent Aspen Sauna, comprised of Wisconsin aspen. Both saunas are heated by custom-crafted stoves from Finland. As part of the “thermic cycle,” visitors then head to the invigorating, 54-degree plunge pool. The dip stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation and “there’s this wonderful dopamine rush,” says Ritzenhaler. Finally, guests can relax in the lounge area. Visitors are free to go through the cycle as many times as they’d like in two hours.

Feel Better, Recover Faster,

BE YOUR BEST

DEGREE WELLNESS MIDDLETON 6230 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 708-5563

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MSCR WINTER & SPRING PROGRAMS Fun for All Ages! Guests can also add on a Hinoki hot tub soak, an infrared sauna session or book a private suite. (Also: Saunaday is tech-free and visitors are required to wear a swimsuit or attire they’re comfortable relaxing in.) Ritzenhaler is eager to keep spreading the word about the many physical, mental and socio-emotional health benefits of communal bathing, sauna and cold plunge use. More importantly, she wants Saunaday to be a point of connection and relaxation for everybody. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that communal bathing is resurging just as technology has made people feel more disconnected,” she says. “Saunas give us a rare place to unplug, be present and feel human again.”

Arts Enrichment Dance Fitness Outdoors Soccer Sports Swimming Adapted Rec & More!

MSCR.ORG or 608-204-30000

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THRIVE | RETAIL THERAPY

A ONE - STOP ART SHOP BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

hen a retail space opened up next door to Katie and Jake Hawley’s Picture Salon business, the couple spotted an opportunity to extend their successful fine art printing company in a more creative direction. “Artists had been asking us to help sell their work [in addition] to helping them produce it. We decided there’s not really a space like this on the West Side. Over here, it’s kind of an art desert,” explains Jake. Last October, the couple opened Madison Art Market, a one-stop shop for art by Wisconsin artists. Offerings include paintings, prints, photography, greeting cards, jewelry, ceramics, and wool and fiber arts. The business has already garnered a positive response from shoppers, and an even more effusive reaction from artists. Jake says the couple initially worried about not having enough art to sell but quickly realized that wouldn’t be an issue after artists rushed to fill out the business’s online application to sell their works. “We quickly ran out of space on the walls, and I think now the only place left is the ceiling — [so it would] be like the Sistine Chapel,” he jokes. Over 80 Wisconsin artists’ works are on display, and Jake says around 75% are from the Madison area. Works range from as little as $2 up to thousands. “We really want it to be … as inclusive as possible. There’s a price point and style for everyone [here]. We wanted to avoid being a high-end gallery because not everyone’s comfortable going into those places, even if they have [money to spend],” says Jake. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential for a brick-and-mortar shop selling original artwork. As Jake notes, people want to experience authentic art in person. “We think art should be for everyone. If it’s priced [right] and it makes people happy or they have an emotional attachment to it, people will buy that. And I think a lot of our current customers are happy that they’re supporting local artists,” he says. 5944 Odana Rd., madisonartmarket.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | MONEY

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SIDE - HUSTLE SUCCESS How to effectively balance your nine-to-five with a passion project. BY AMANDA WEGNER

unday, Monday and Tuesday evenings are protected times in my schedule. During these hours, I focus on my latest side hustle, Future Forward Essays, which offers editing services for college admission and scholarship essays. Schedules like mine are becoming more common. According to Bankrate, one in four people has a side hustle, which is a part-time job or business that someone takes on in addition to their regular employment. It might be for extra income, a creative pursuit or a step toward becoming an entrepreneur. No matter what the primary motivation is, if you’re thinking about the side-hustle life, three local women who are balancing a regular job with a

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

side gig share insights on key factors and challenges to consider.

PRICE YOUR WORTH Setting the right price for your goods or services is crucial to making your side hustle profitable. To start, Shelby Moyer, a watercolor artist and owner of My Little Heart (and BRAVA contributor), recommends accounting for all of your time, material costs and other expenses to help determine the price of your goods or services. “There are so many hidden costs to selling art, so [I] factor all that in,” says Moyer. “And don’t be afraid to adjust your prices up or down.” Additionally, research the market to

determine what others are charging for similar services. “Consider what you have to offer — your experience, quality and uniqueness,” says Sherry Etes, who started Moonrise Photography by Sherry two years ago. “Price yourself within the market range, a bit lower if you’re just starting out. [And] if you offer something that sets you apart, you can charge more. Stay flexible and adjust as you learn your place in the market.”

BALANCE YOUR INVESTMENT OF TIME By definition, a side hustle is in addition to a regular job — and all the other demands on your time. Balancing these

responsibilities and carving out time for your venture are essential for success. Leah Hauck-Mills, owner of H&M PR, an independent public relations firm, blocks her schedule to make time for her side hustle. “Friday is side-hustle day. I use the day to fill the buckets I need to grow my business organically. I try to utilize free services through Google to help me time-block tasks required to move my hustle forward.” Moyer has implemented systems to streamline her work processes. For instance, she uses an “assembly line” style of work to embellish, sticker and package her prints. She also has a system in place for setting up at art markets. “Everything gets packed up the same way each time, so I know where everything is, and it’s faster to get my booth set up,” says Moyer.

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DON’T GO IT ALONE Building a side hustle is not uncharted territory, and networking, as Etes and Hauck-Mills suggest, can help grow your business and build relationships. “Find someone who’s already doing it and reach out to connect. It’s a misnomer to think you shouldn’t network with your competitors, but you need to,” says Hauck-Mills. “It’s unlikely you are going to do exactly the same thing, and it’s healthy to have some competition to keep the fire going. Plus, you can use your competition as a referral where your skills, offerings or services don’t overlap.”

Vote Local Vote Woman-Owned Vote Style

JUST GET STARTED Perfection is the enemy of progress, so don’t wait to kick-start your own entrepreneurial venture. “This isn’t a practice life,” says Etes. “Don’t wait until things are perfect because they never will be. Just do it and enjoy the ride!” Adds Moyer: “You’ll evolve, learn and grow. Don’t wait for perfection to start.” Amanda Wegner is a local freelance writer, communications and marketing professional, and side hustler.

She sees Madison Clearly. Proudly Nominated for Best Eyewear JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

BRAVA NIGHT OUT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 Alliant Energy Center

CELEBRATE NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY

A special night honoring women athletes, coaches and leaders

SCAN TO REGISTER

PRE-MATCH MEET & GREET AT 6PM Connect and celebrate before first serve at 7PM

JOIN THE TEAM COURTSIDE! THE FIRST 50 REGISTRANTS RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT.

OR VISIT BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THRIVE | CAREER

MIND THE (EMPLOYMENT) GAP Effective LinkedIn strategies for career pivots and gaps. BY KATRINA SIMYAB

COURTESY JEN EMMONS

he new year frequently inspires setting new goals at work or even contemplating a career change. Some industries are experiencing massive shifts, due to artificial intelligence or changes in funding, which can lead to layoffs or role realignments. Evolving family finances, the loss of employersponsored benefits and unexpected life events can also prompt a career pivot or a return to the workforce. As the world’s largest professional network with more than 1 billion members, LinkedIn is often the first stop for exploring new opportunities. But what’s the best way to frame a gap in employment or position yourself to change industries? Chantel Soumis, co-host of LinkedIn Local Madison and co-founder of the LinkedIn Local Chicago and Milwaukee chapters, knows firsthand what it’s like to feel the pressure of a crucial employment hunt.

“My job search didn’t begin with ambition. It began with fear,” says Soumis. “It began in a doctor’s office when I was told I had multiple sclerosis at only 25 [years old], and life as I knew it split into ‘before’ and ‘after.’”

“

When someone is pivoting careers or returning after time away, the most important first step is to confidently claim their story. Every season of your life has shaped you. — Jen Emmons

”

“I applied to job after job,” she continues, “and every time I reached the question asking if I had a disability, I hesitated … but I was honest. And silence always followed.” Despite the disappointment, Soumis persisted, and decided to pump up her LinkedIn presence by building more connections and peppering her profile with expert posts. “ My network grew from 500 local contacts to a global community of over 8 4,000 [people] who chose connection over [my health] stigma,” Soumis recounts. “Within two weeks, after years of silence, I had two job offers from recruiters who felt like they already knew me because of my posts.” Jen Emmons, a LinkedIn “top voice” and founder and CEO of Jen Emmons Coaching & Consulting, echoes Soumis’s experience. “When someone is pivoting careers or returning after time away, the most JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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important first step is to confidently claim their story. Every season of your life has shaped you, and the more you own those chapters, the more clearly others can see your value,” Emmons explains. So, what does this look like in practice? Emmons offers a few key tips on what to prioritize and what to avoid when preparing your LinkedIn profile for a pivot.

• Add a one- or two-sentence

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positioning statement at the top of your About section on your LinkedIn profile. This answers, “Here is who I am today, here is where I’m going and here is the value I create,” explains Emmons.

• When it comes to addressing a Christine Kolehmainen, MD, MS, FACP, MSCP Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic

career gap, “be honest, brief and confident. A simple entry such as ‘family caregiving,’ ‘parental leave’ or ‘personal health recovery’ honors the truth while giving recruiters helpful clarity,” says Emmons.

• And similarly with an industry

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change, “Name the value your unique background brings because you are coming from a different space. Language like ‘bringing fresh perspective,’ ‘applying cross-industry experience’ or ‘translating strengths from X into Y’ positions your difference as an asset, not a gap,” she says.

• Finally, it’s important to update your profile to match the career path you want to pursue. “Using old terminology, keeping an outdated headline or listing skills unrelated to the work you want next suggests hesitation or lack of readiness,” says Emmons. “Employers want to see that you are all-in on your next chapter.”

Katrina Simyab is a Madison-based freelance writer, content creator and digital marketing professional.

PARTNER CONTENT

Step Up Your Personal and Professional Growth With Emotional Intelligence How are you growing in 2026? Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a practical, learnable set of skills that can help you set meaningful goals, learn more about yourself and others, and take action to grow as a leader, no matter your title.

Meet Your Coaches

Step Up’s team of coaches will help you get to the best version of yourself. We bring a mix of lived and professional experiences to connect with leaders from all backgrounds and are EQ certified through Six Seconds. Growing EQ for Leadership Amy Kesling, PCC Step Up’s co-founder and ICF-certified coach, Amy, can help executives and leaders (re) connect with their purpose and become more impactful.

Growing EQ for Change Angela Jenkins, CDP CDE Angela specializes in helping leaders drive organizational transformation, enhance team effectiveness and advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

3 EQ Tips for Growth 1.

Observe yourself to uncover patterns. At the end of the day or week, take note of the events that brought you joy, stress, anger, fear. How will you use that insight to plan next week? Feel with them, not for them. Empathy doesn’t mean you have to take on everyone’s emotions. You can build connection AND have boundaries. Live your purpose. What are you doing right now that is part of your purpose? What are you doing that is distracting? How can you reconfigure your week to better live within your purpose?

Benefits of Coaching • Set meaningful goals and take action to achieve them. • Work together in a confidential, nonjudgmental, culturally aware space. • Get unstuck from patterns that are holding you back. • Find your leadership style that is authentic and impactful.

Visit StepUpForEquity.com/EQ to download the full tip sheet.

Growing EQ for Management Jeannine Bindl, SHRM-CP Jeannine empowers people leaders to cultivate high performing teams through curiosity and empathy. We activate progress in organizational culture, operations and strategy. Contact: Angela Jenkins angela@stepupforequity.com

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THRIVE | WELLBEING

UNCOVERING YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH HISTORY Understanding your genetics can play a key role in guiding health screenings and potentially shaping a healthier future. BY MAURA KELLER

here’s so much you can do to keep yourself healthy and lower your risk for disease, and much of it is following oft-repeated advice: Eat a healthy diet, exercise most days of the week, get preventive health screenings and avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking. But, there’s another risk factor that requires consideration: your family health history. Some common causes of illness and disability have a genetic component. And it’s been proven that some illnesses and conditions can be 24

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predicted, diagnosed and prevented by studying our own family trees. Knowing your genetic health history can help your doctor determine which screenings or preventive tests may be most beneficial for you. Dr. Morgan White, family medicine physician at UW Health and assistant professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, talked to us about the importance of uncovering your family health history.

Why is it important that I study my family’s health history? Dr. White: Understanding your family health history is an important step in managing your wellbeing. It helps you and your health care team identify whether you may be at increased risk for certain conditions that could require closer monitoring. It can also determine whether you are eligible for genetic testing to assess if you carry specific genetic variants associated with disease. Many conditions — such as diabetes, heart

disease and certain cancers — are more likely to occur when there is a family history, making this information essential for proactive care.

How should I go about finding out my family medical history? Dr. White: I recommend beginning with your first-degree relatives — parents, siblings and children — as their medical histories are most relevant in assessing your risk for certain conditions. For second-degree relatives, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, be sure to note whether they are on your maternal or paternal side. When gathering information, aim for as much detail as possible. For example, rather than simply stating that your father has heart disease, it is more helpful to specify whether he has hypertension, coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation.

Once I have this information, what is the best way for me to share this with my health care professional? Dr. White: Bring this information with you the next time you go to your doctor or, alternatively, some electronic medical record [systems] let you update family health history on your portal.

What are typical next steps after I share my family’s health history with my doctor? Dr. White: Next steps depend on your family health history and whether it reveals any actionable information. In many cases, no further action is needed. However, certain findings may warrant additional screening or evaluation. For example, a family history of colon or breast cancer in a first-degree relative may indicate the need for earlier cancer screening. Similarly, a history of structural heart disease in first-degree relatives could lead to a recommendation for a screening echocardiogram. In some cases, if your family history suggests a genetic condition, you may be referred to a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing. Maura Keller is a Midwest-based freelance writer and editor. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

PARTNER CONTENT

Madison Real Estate By Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels

The Power of Home Prep Preparing a home before putting it on the market is a critical piece of the selling equation. We usually don’t recommend major changes — mostly clearing out and rearranging things to make rooms more open, and fresh paint where needed. Beyond that, the fewer defects with mechanicals, appliances, plumbing and electrical, the better. It’s easy to ignore a bad outlet, a missing window crank or a slow leaking pipe, but when the day comes to sell, they’ll become sticking points. Rather than putting these things off and allowing them to surface during a sale, it’s better to deal with repairs as they come up. Your home will age better and small problems won’t turn into larger ones. And as the cost of labor and materials rise, repairs today will cost you less than repairs a year from now. Beyond maintenance, the amount of staging you do will have a direct impact on how quickly your home sells and for how much. We once listed a beautiful property brimming with gorgeous art and furniture. It was intimidating to recommend purging the house, but it had to be done. After two weeks of pulling out tables, chairs, art and collectibles, we sat down to assess our progress. The owner shook his head and said, “I wish I had done this 20 years ago.” The lesson here is, less is often more. The one thing we ask nearly every seller is to minimize the items on their shelves, counters and surfaces. We’re all guilty of amassing, collecting and stockpiling. Turning decluttering into a monthly habit is something most of us could benefit from. Have a look at your nearest bookshelf — do you love every single thing on it? If you don’t, take two or three things you can live without and give them away. Try that in your closet as well. Most likely, like our past client, you’ll realize how liberating less can be.

Maintenance Items to Consider • Address basement water issues. Settling soil can cause bigger problems over time. • Keep up with minor window repairs. • Keep up with trimming trees and vegetation away from home. • Test well water every 3-5 years. • Keep dryer vents lint free.

Until next time,

Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels

825+

$380M+

25+

houses sold

total sales volume

years of experience

608.712.9745 | thewhitcombgroup.madison@gmail.com Madison, WI 53703 26

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What is your home worth?

DWELL

Atomic Antiques

SHANNA WOLF

ATOMIC ENERGY Both vintage and new midcentury finds are waiting to be discovered around Madison. BY SHELBY DEERING

ven though it hails from the 1940s through the 1960s, midcentury modern (MCM) design is still fresh and relevant. As Morgan Miller, owner of Williamson Street’s Rewind Decor, puts it, these pieces have a “timeless versatility.”

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DWELL

The Century House

“Midcentury furniture is a great foundation to build upon. You can blend seamlessly many other aesthetics with its clean lines,” adds Miller. If these retro visuals sound right up your alley, these are the best places in the area to shop MCM decor.

ATOMIC ANTIQUES Showcasing throwback wares from over 100 unique vendors, Atomic Antiques on the West Side is a treasure trove of all things midcentury. This is the perfect locale to get lost for an afternoon as

Retro Revolution

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you peruse sleek teak furniture, gleaming brass creatures, starburst clocks and mod, mod lamps. It’s also a destination to track down old-school records from every back-in-the-day band you can imagine (after all, you’ll need some vinyl to outfit your living room’s hi-fi cabinet). If you’re starting to build your vintage collection, and transforming your spaces into mid-mod homages, this is the place to come.

THE CENTURY HOUSE The Century House on University Avenue has been a Madison mainstay since 1948, when the post-war midcentury scene was starting to pick up. Since a lot of midcentury designers were from Scandinavia (think biggies like Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen), it makes sense that The Century House is a haven of Scandi-meets-midcentury pieces. If you’re looking for quality, heirloom items that communicate an MCM feel, you’re certainly in luck here, with a wide array of sofas, chairs, coffee tables, dining tables and dressers to choose from. And they

Retro Revolution

carry venerable midcentury lines like Herman Miller and Knoll.

RETRO REVOLUTION Tucked away quietly along East Washington Avenue, a vintage shop lies packed with some of the most

TAKE A TRIP TO BAY VIEW: BC MODERN

Often named one of the top vintage destinations in the Midwest, BC Modern is located on Chase Avenue in Bay View. Its two floors are well-stocked with the best of the best vintage midcentury finds, including sofas, dining sets and chairs that have been professionally cleaned and restored to their former glory. Only open the last full weekend of every month, it’s definitely a draw for vintage enthusiasts, so arrive early and be ready to wait in line.

TOP LEFT, RIGHT SHANNA WOLF | MIDDLE RIGHT, BOTTOM HILLARY SCHAVE

The Century House

impressive mid-mod pieces you’ll ever see. Retro Revolution has a combination of collectible, kitsch and uncommon pieces, including glassware to add to your collection. You’ll stare in wonderment at the window displays chock-full with vibrant vases, including those sought-after swung vases. There are also items you won’t find anywhere else — including a dancing chalkware fish for the wall or a plastic hand-shaped chair for your rumpus room.

THE BOUNTY On Park Street, be sure to make a stop at The Bounty. Its slate-gray, cinder block-clad storefront serves as an ideal backdrop for the colorful freestanding fireplaces (also referred to as cone or Malm fireplaces) in the window that have become intrinsically tied to the midcentury era. In fact, they are likely the top supplier of these collector fireplaces that make a room look truly midcentury. In this vintage marketplace, curated finds await you, with visually appealing vignettes that bring it all together. In addition to regularly spotlighted local artists in residence, you’ll find things like midcentury typewriters, conversation piece lamps and vintage clothes galore — pieces that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson movie. (Open Friday-Sunday; MondayThursday is appointment only.)

REWIND DECOR This vintage gem has become a staple of Willy Street, and for good reason. With handpicked midcentury pieces found throughout the country, the store has those rare pieces that you’ll gawk at, like Cathrineholm lotus bowls, mushroom-festooned cocktail glasses and fiberglass chairs. With retro tunes wafting in the background, this store will put you in just the right mood to score some midcentury decor for your vintage-adorned space. (Open Saturdays and Sundays.) Shelby Deering is a midcentury modern decor enthusiast and freelance lifestyle writer living in Madison.

Who is Madison Reading Project? A non-profit igniting a love for reading across the greater Dane County area. Connecting families, educators, and our community with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers. Here are the Facts

Children Should Feel Seen

2/3 of children from low-income households have no books at home, yet books in the home are the single biggest indicator of academic success.

We believe wholeheartedly in the importance of children having access to books that reflect their unique identities and open their eyes to other people's lived experiences.

Stay up to date via our newsletter www.madisonreadingproject.com Big Red Reading Bus | Free Book Fairs Read(y) to Wear | Books for Educators Community Book Drive | Little Free Libraries Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

DISCOVER YOUR BEST SELF A weekend of renewal, reflection, and personal growth.

EXPERIENCES AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE Each Self-Discovery Weekend features a fresh lineup of workshops crafted to inspire connection, curiosity, and inner growth. While every year offers something new, past sessions have included: Cultural storytelling Medicinal mushroom exploration Terrarium creation Culinary and mocktail workshops Expressive arts and art-therapy-inspired crafting Playful movement experiences like low-flying trapeze and intro to German wheel Join us for the 2026 Self-Discovery Weekend, February 21–22. A weekend of workshops across Monona and East Madison designed to inspire connection and personal growth. Bring friends or come solo — meaningful connections await. Day and weekend passes available. Learn more at DiscoverMonona.com.

608-850-4450

contactus@cchofwaunakee.com

www.cchofwauakee.com

T im eless By D esign Vintage details and classical finishes create an elegant and enduring home. BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

hen Joe and Tonia Crary, co-owners of Crary Construction, built their 2023 Parade of Homes model in Sun Prairie’s Windsor Gardens neighborhood, Tonia was eager to weave in her

signature mix of blending a vintage vibe with new design. “I could do all of the things that my heart loves, which is modern, yet soft — and a flair for vintage,” says Tonia, who is Crary’s interior designer. “With the transitional style of this JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

home, I wanted to use that as a springboard in designing [it] with modern amenities, but with a nod to vintage.” The kitchen embodies this sense of old mixed with new. Gorgeous marble tilework is used on an entire corner wall of the kitchen, and custom-stained oak cabinetry (designed to look like a built-in hutch) lends gravitas to the space. Soapstone counters outfit the perimeter of the kitchen. The show-stopping dairy table island was purposefully chosen for its furniture-like look (notice the legs). “[The island] is deep and long, and it’s great for entertaining,” notes Tonia. “And it’s [ideal] for a baker as you can spread [ingredients] out on it, and you have plenty of room.” A custom circular table outfits the eat-in kitchen as the home doesn’t have a formal dining room, says Tonia. The table’s circular top mimics the organic curves throughout the home — including in the home’s arched doorways. In the great room, the same marble tile used in the kitchen rims the fireplace to create cohesiveness between the spaces. Top: Tonia Crary worked with Madison Lighting to select all of the stunning lights throughout the home. She sourced the flooring, cabinetry and tile from Coyle Carpet One Floor & Home. The countertops were from Wisconsin Granite. Left: The sunroom’s dry bar features smoky, iridescent glazed tile; a soapstone countertop; and cabinets painted in SherwinWilliams’ Cast Iron. Right: The great room has a whopping 24-foot-tall ceiling. 34

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Top left: Tonia sourced this rattan headboard from Wayfair. “I’ve used that headboard so many times [in homes] because it has texture in the rattan, and I love the scallop detail,” she says. Top right: Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze bathes the gorgeous powder room in luxe color. Bottom right: A sweet Wayfair iron bed frame with beaded accents is in one of the bedrooms. Bottom left: The primary bathroom features deep chocolate wall tile, Kohler fixtures and two furniture-like vanities. “You feel the grandness when you walk in here, but that dark tile … makes the space feel cozy,” says Tonia. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

The stone surrounding the fireplace is also used in the sunroom’s dry bar (see P. 34). Tonia’s father-in-law, an excellent woodworker, crafted the fireplace mantel. With myriad modern conveniences and purposeful design details, the home has a special place in Tonia’s heart. “When [I] designed this home, I called it trending, but timeless,” she says. And the current homeowners, McKenzee Murdock and Deven Holmes, now love their home, too. “The thoughtful design details and spacious layout make it feel both upscale and cozy. Every day, waking up here feels more special,” says Murdock.

In the tucked-away office off of the stairway landing, Tonia used SherwinWilliams’ Porpoise on the walls to create a cozy, moody vibe. A vintage table serves as a desk.

NOW IS THE TIME TO EXPLORE BUILDING YOUR NEW HOME. Building your home, on your lot, your way is within reach! A trusted builder of distinctive homes in communities throughout the Madison area, Victory Homes of Wisconsin will build on your lot or ours. For personalized service, meticulous craftsmanship, and timeless details, stop by one of our model homes this weekend to speak with a New Home Specialist. SCAN TO FIND A MODEL NEAR YOU!

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TONIA’S TIPS

Use these designer-approved pointers from Tonia to elevate your home.

EMBRACE MIXED METALS

Much of the lighting, knobs and pulls throughout the home are brass and the Kohler fixtures are vibrant stainless, a silver with a warm undertone. “[The fixtures] mesh really well with brass. Don’t be afraid to mix metals,” she says.

Ask about our complimentary design services! 2300 Badger Ln., Madison 608.255.8998 • 670 S. Whitney Way, Madison 608.274.5575 RubinsFurniture.com

DESIGN THE ROOM AROUND A SPECIAL PIECE

“Most [homeowners] have an antique furniture piece [like] their grandmother’s hutch or a comfy leather chair that meant something to somebody. I just love to embrace that [in design],” says Tonia. She often incorporates homeowners’ treasured pieces into a room’s design — or commissions custom furnishings to echo a vintage look, such as the hutch on P. 33.

TOTALLY TILE

The use of show-stopping tile in rooms beyond the bathroom and kitchen is here to stay. Tiling a wall up to the ceiling adds a chic, designer element to any room. This home masterfully mixes in glitzy, iridescent tile in the sunroom’s dry bar; marble tile in an entire corner wall of the kitchen; and glossy, moody tiled walls in

Remodeling Done Well with Love See our commitments to you and your home at chadsdesignbuild.com Kitchens • Bathrooms • Additions Whole House • Lower Levels • Porches • Decks

the primary bathroom. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Carla Williams

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This year’s cohort celebrates women leading with purpose, making bold moves and shaping our city. BY LAURA ANNE BIRD, SHAYNA MACE, MARYBETH MATZEK, HYWANIA THOMPSON, KATIE VAUGHN, AMANDA WEGNER AND CANDICE WAGENER PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE EDGEWATER

hat makes a Woman to Watch? Simply put, it’s a woman with concrete, actionable plans for the coming year that benefits our community at large. These aren’t women who are looking for public accolades or congratulations. They toil quietly behind the scenes, embodying grit, determination and optimism — and relentlessly push for change. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Carla Williams Nurturing Black Women’s Wellness

What’s the most pressing health issue facing Black women right now? “Accessibility in all aspects. Whether that’s through disability [accommodations or] food, job or housing access — the consistent issue to me for Black women ... is accessibility.” 42

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arla Williams knows what it feels like to have a lack of support and access to resources when dealing with anxiety and burnout. As founder of The View From Here Wellness Collective, her business that offers a wide range of programming to bolster Black women’s wellbeing, she works to ensure that women are uplifted. The idea for the collective came about in 2021 during the pandemic when Williams would connect with family and friends virtually. She started with launching a podcast, “The View From Here,” which eventually expanded into the full-blown collective. “The major thing we try to do with The View From Here is … figure out where the women are and go to them, whether that’s [through] a virtual or in-person meetup, the podcast, [my] blog, [a] curated event — whatever makes the most sense in terms of supporting women on their wellness journey,” Williams says. Williams also hosts Glow and Gather, an annual event where Black women connect and engage in self-care experiences as well as give back to the community in some way. She plans to build on that generosity by creating a nonprofit which will establish a self-care fund. The fund will help women access mental health and other wellness resources. “I know firsthand what it means to experience homelessness, so providing clean, eco-friendly products and wellness resources is deeply personal and central to our mission,” says Williams. Having Black women leave her events feeling encouraged, supported and armed with resources they can apply to their everyday lives is at the root of what Williams does. “If in 2026 at least 80 women could say consistently, every month or throughout the year, that they had some sort of support from The View From Here Wellness Collective, and it enriched their lives, that would be the goal,” she says.

– Hywania Thompson

Nicole Budeau Reimagining Maternal Care

icole Budeau’s vision for Every Mom Matters (EMM) began 22 years ago, “long before I could put words to it.” Today, Budeau is on a mission to improve maternal health and birth outcomes by transforming access to therapeutic care, education and support with EMM’s programming. The organization is grounded in Budeau’s own high-risk pregnancy and near-fatal birth experience. Her twins, now 23, were born at 25 weeks and spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit. “During that time, the only thing I could do was hold them skin to skin. It was then that I saw the miracle of touch,” she says. The experience inspired Budeau to become a licensed massage therapist and open her practice, A Healer’s Hand + The Nest. After years of successfully helping perinatal massage clients navigate their pregnancies, she started EMM in 2025 to extend the experience to more practitioners and expectant mothers. In 2026, one of Budeau’s goals is to launch EMM nationwide. “We have not had a single emergency preterm birth,” says Budeau of her clients. “I have seen firsthand how therapeutic touch changes outcomes and fills critical care gaps.” The cornerstone of EMM is Transformative Touch, a program rolling out this year. This advanced continuing education program provides specialized training and evidence-informed support for massage therapists who support perinatal patients. Transformative Touch is one piece of a broader, multi-phase platform that incorporates technology, public outreach and complementary health care practices. Budeau recently achieved a major milestone by securing funding from a Madison venture capital firm to advance EMM. All of this groundwork lays the foundation for Budeau’s long-term objective of expanding access to maternal health support for underserved communities and lowering maternal mortality and morbidity, improving birth outcomes and the standard of perinatal care nationwide. “EMM is not just a program or initiative,” says Budeau. “It’s a movement to change the trajectory of maternal health in this country. I truly believe that this work can save lives.”

– Amanda Wegner

What’s one piece of advice you wish every woman could hear? “Sometimes it’s hard to be a human being, not to mention a woman. Please be gentle with yourself and speak to yourself as you would to your best friend. Your best is good enough.” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Olbrich Botanical Gardens Presents

oRCHID ESCAPE Big Bugs, Big Questions

Jan 31-Mar 8 | 10 am-4 pm Marvel at eye-popping color with hundreds of blooming orchids artfully displayed in the tropical Bolz Conservatory.

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Patti Rashke Investing in the Community

or the past 30 years, hard work and caring for others have been cornerstones for Patti Rashke and her husband, Dan. As they achieved great success in their business, Total Administrative Services Corp, or TASC, where Dan served as CEO, they also noticed growing disparities in the Madison area. The couple have responded with an innovative way to help. In August, the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation committed to funding the administrative costs associated with all individual, undesignated donations made to United Way of Dane County over the next 10 years. Covering these costs — which are estimated to run $10-$15 million — means that donors’ gifts will go directly to resolving the community’s most urgent needs, amplifying their impact. “For some people, the thought of [part of their donation going toward] overhead might be a barrier to giving,” says Rashke, who is president of the family foundation. “We truly want to inspire giving and catalyze younger people to give.” And they’re not stopping here. This summer, the Rashkes plan to hit the road, traveling the state to visit other United Way sites and nonprofits to share their unique model for giving. “It is our hypothesis that there are corporations or philanthropists in each community that could replicate this type of gift to support a nonprofit organization,” she says. “We can share the blueprint, enabling them to follow the construct without having to build it.” It all comes down to everyone doing what they can to help others, Rashke says. She remains inspired by the generosity of the Madison community and hopes her efforts can serve as a reminder that individuals supporting one another benefits the whole. “When we all do better, we all do better,” she says.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave? “My legacy professionally is making this community a better place. It sounds so cliché, but it’s not if you truly mean it and do something about it.”

– Katie Vaughn

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Geralyn Vaval Building Pathways to Possibility

or Geralyn Vaval, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s empowering. “The reason why I do this is because I want people, anyone, to know that they can have a chance to succeed,” says Vaval, founder and CEO of Madison’s Wisconsin Family Mental Balance, a mental health clinic. “But one of the biggest [barriers] is a lack of knowledge and understanding the resources available.” To help expand knowledge and resources, Vaval founded Cultivate Change in December 2024. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower youth and individuals, including those with mental health disorders, through skills development, educational programming and mental health support. The organization’s foundational offering, EmpowerNext, is a financial literacy workshop that helps youth develop crucial money management skills. Another is the Housing Access Initiative, which empowers women and children navigating housing instability. In its second full year, Vaval is committed to expanding Cultivate Change’s reach by 50%, particularly for women and children. To achieve this, she’s continuing to forge relationships with local shelters and schools to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. “This goal is not just a number; it represents the lives we can touch and the futures we can help rebuild,” says Vaval, who is also pursuing a doctorate in psychology, examining the impacts of housing instability on one’s mental health. She is also establishing a community resource fund to support those experiencing housing instability. With a $100,000 fundraising goal in her sights, the fund will provide financial support for down payment assistance, and create a program offering services and resources, including resume assistance and mock interviews. She is currently raising funds for this initiative. “Knowledge and support build confidence. And confidence gives you power,” says Vaval.

– Amanda Wegner

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What’s a piece of advice you would give every woman? “Believe in yourself and never silence your voice.”

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Woman owned and operated

Felicia Raye Diny Furnishing Hope

elicia Raye Diny is very open about what gets her out of bed every day. “I’m a survivor of domestic abuse, and during the hardest moments of my life, I had to rebuild from nothing,” she says. “I started my nonprofit, Felicia’s Donation Closet, in 2019 so women and children escaping abuse could have the furniture, household essentials and support they need to start safe, stable new lives.” Thanks to collaborations with other organizations in Dane County, Diny has helped furnish homes for nearly 600 women and children moving out of shelters, and this number continues to grow. Diny says the furnishings and other goods delivered by her team make a huge difference. “Every child who gets their own bed, every mother who feels hope again — that’s my motivation. Home should feel like a sanctuary.” In 2026, Diny aims to purchase a warehouse so Felicia’s Donation Closet can expand its storage and improve operations. She also plans to add a second moving truck to double organizational capacity. She wants to grow her volunteer team and bring on paid staff, too. Diny knows her vision is bold, but she’s eager for the challenge. “Rebuilding my life after abuse taught me strength I didn’t know I had. I took my pain and turned it into purpose,” she explains. In her (limited) free time, Diny has started Glowing Generations, a skincare company that fits seamlessly with her day job. After watching her mother struggle with eczema, she researched the benefits of beef tallow, ultimately creating a cream perfect for troubled skin. In 2026, her skincare company will will donate 5% of its sales to Felicia’s Donation Closet.

How do you define impact, and what does that look like in your work? “I know I’m making an impact when a family can sleep safely in their own home with dignity and stability. Fully furnished apartments lead to reduced stress for survivors and a foundation from which to heal and move forward.”

– Laura Anne Bird

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

With you at every stage. From your first visit as a young woman, through the child-bearing years, menopause, and beyond, you can count on SSM Health to provide comprehensive, compassionate care at each of life’s stages. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to help with care options that meet your needs, including online and in person visits. Make your health a priority. Visit ssmhealth.com/WIWomensHealth or scan the code to get started.

Karin Krause Bridging the Generations

fter spending 25 years dreaming of creating an intergenerational neighborhood, Karin Krause will see it become a reality when Hope & A Future breaks ground later this year. “This has been a long journey, but it’s also been pioneering,” says Krause, a retired registered nurse who dreamed of building an intentionally designed community to support and connect people of multiple age groups — from young families with children up to seniors — through shared spaces and daily interactions. “This is something I’m passionate about. Children and older people gain so much from being together.” The Hope & A Future neighborhood will include 15 one- and two-bedroom life lease condos for independent seniors, four two-bedroom workforce apartments, a multipurpose room with a stage, a library, an exercise room and a commercial kitchen. Services will also include affordable adult and child day care and after-school programs. Krause says there will also be indoor and outdoor spaces for intergenerational programs that are open to the entire community. “We’re fundraising right now and hope to go to the bank this spring and get the construction loan. From there, we hope to begin construction,” she says. Her intergenerational neighborhood will be built on the same West Side Madison property that Hope & A Future’s current adult family home is located, which to date houses four residents, staff and Krause and her husband. Staff bring their children to work and volunteers “help all generations flourish as residents are cared for in their last stage of life,” she says. Krause says Hope & A Future plays a vital role in fighting the loneliness epidemic. “People don’t have to be alone. We can create these communities and opportunities that bring people of all ages together and everyone benefits,” she says.

How do you unwind or reset when you’re not working? “I live where I work, and we have a little cabin up north where I like to go and get away. I like to go hiking and be outside.”

– MaryBeth Matzek

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Rhonda Adams Creating Community Around Food

What’s a small joy you look forward to every day? “I love looking at the photos and videos I get daily of my grandchildren if I can’t see them in person. I can’t get enough of them!”

hen The River Food Pantry opens its new, larger building on Madison’s North Side in late January, it will be able to provide more services to more people, while restoring a sense of community. “We built this center with clients in mind … We asked [them] what they wanted,” says Rhonda Adams, The River’s executive director. That need to help others comes from Adams’ U.S. Army career, where she served for 21 years and retired as master sergeant. After serving her country, she wanted to find a way to aid her community. Adams found it at The River in 2013 and moved up the ranks from operations manager to executive director. The River is Dane County’s busiest food pantry, with a record-setting 20,000 people served in 2025. Prior to the pandemic, clients selected groceries off of the shelves themselves. Throughout the pandemic, staff and volunteers shifted to a drive-through model to distribute groceries and to-go meals curbside. This method will continue in the new building, as Adams says most clients prefer staying in their cars. The River also offers access to online grocery ordering and delivery, mobile meals and after-hours food lockers. The new facility has space for more services, including onsite dining and clothing distribution, as well as classrooms to collaborate with partners “By providing a place to eat, we create community, which is important,” says Adams. “Having free clothing and household items were also valued by our clients, so we’re bringing that back. It was a service they missed when we stopped doing it during the pandemic.” As The River settles into its new home, plans include kicking off a bike meal delivery service in the spring. “We already deliver meals using vehicles but there are a lot of bike enthusiasts who want to help us deliver meals on two wheels,” Adams says.

– MaryBeth Matzek

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Amy Crowe Writing the Playbook for Resilient Girl Athletes

hen Amy Crowe’s daughter Emily started getting serious about softball, the pair learned that often the biggest challenges of youth sports are mental, not physical. “I realized that comparison, self-doubt and perfectionism were negatively impacting her mental health, and sports were supposed to be building her up and making her confident and resilient,” says Crowe. With a desire to help both girl athletes and their mothers, Crowe launched the Sports Mom Mantra Instagram account, sharing inspiring quotes and photos. In 2024, she created the “Performance Journal” with Emily and two of her friends, and the following year she published the “Sports Mom Playbook,” packed with more than 100 “plays” that mothers can use to develop a game plan that supports a daughter’s mental and physical wellbeing. “I wanted to share what I had learned, in a way where they could pick and choose plays based on what’s going on in her life,” Crowe says. This August will bring a companion book, the “Girl Athlete Playbook,” and on September 19, Crowe will host the Fierce, Strong, Brave Experience, where sports moms and daughters can gather, share stories, connect, and find tools for building confidence and resilience. Crowe also hopes to see her White Shorts Project gain momentum. She will share period product donation kit campaigns with Dane County school districts and club softball teams across Wisconsin so that having a period doesn’t prevent any girl from playing. While Emily recently wrapped up her collegiate softball career, her mother remains inspired to continue supporting players and their families. “I know there’s a girl athlete out there who needs this. I know there’s a sports mom out there who needs this. That’s what keeps me going,” says Crowe.

– Katie Vaughn

What podcast has influenced the way you think? “Trish Blackwell’s ‘The Confidence Podcast.’ She’s a former college athlete and she handles topics like resilience and mindset work and self-sabotage. I’ve gotten so much value from it.” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

THE DOCTOR IS IN ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women. In fact, it kills more women every year than all forms of cancer combined. Women’s symptoms, risks and life stages —from pregnancy to menopause—make heart health a unique challenge. That’s why the Go Red for Women movement exists: to empower women with knowledge and action. We sat down with Dr. Christine Kolehmainen, Internal Medicine Physician and founder of the Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic, to answer a few of the most common questions women ask about their hearts—and why now is the time to take charge of your health. My chest pain doesn’t feel like what you see on TV. Could this really be my heart? Heart symptoms in women can be different than what people expect or what is shown in medical dramas on TV (I would love to grab some popcorn and watch a medical show with you and point out all the ways TV gets it wrong). Women often have classic chest pain, but they can also feel more short of breath, very tired, sick to their stomach, dizzy or have pain in the jaw, back or shoulders. These signs are easy to miss or blame on stress or a virus. If symptoms feel new, severe or just “not right,” it is always safest to get checked right away. Does being a woman change my risk for heart disease? Being a woman does change your heart disease risk in important ways. Things like Christine Kolehmainen, MD, MS, FACP high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, carrying excess weight Internal Medicine Physician and Founder of the Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic and a family history of heart disease are risk factors for women - how and when these risks show up across a woman’s life can be different. Problems during pregnancy like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, as well as conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or experiencing early menopause are a few examples of unique factors for woman. We also know that stress, depression and autoimmune diseases affect women more often and can further increase heart disease risk. That is why regular check ups with your doctor are so important. So many women put themselves last on their list of “to-dos,” but you deserve care too. Can stress and emotional overload really affect my heart, or is that just something people say? Stress is not just an inconsequential part of our crazy modern lives. It can create real physical changes in the body such as raising blood pressure, increasing inflammation and worsening sleep, making it harder to eat well, exercise and manage your weight. Over time, those changes can add up and raise the risk of heart disease. There is even a real condition often called “broken heart syndrome,” which shows just how closely emotions and heart health are connected. Is menopause really that big of a turning point for my heart, or is it just another normal aging phase? Menopause is one of the most important life transitions for a woman’s heart health. After estrogen levels drop, blood pressure, cholesterol, belly fat and blood sugar often rise quickly. During this stage, women rapidly “catch up” to men in their risk for heart disease. The good news is that this is a powerful window to make changes that improve both lifespan and healthspan. Taking care of your heart now can help you live longer and feel better doing it.

You can take charge of your own heart health by joining us at the Madison Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 13th at Monona Terrace for an inspiring day of education, connection and empowerment. Hear from experts like Dr. Kolehmainen, discover lifesaving tips and celebrate the strength of women coming together for heart health. Reserve your spot today at Heart.org/MadisonGoRed—because your heart deserves the best care, and so do you!

Sarah Branch Breaking the Mental Wellness Mold

arah Branch’s calming and quietly confident presence belies an interesting juxtaposition: One of her businesses involves breaking stuff. We’ll get to that. In 2020, Branch began exploring holistic wellness, turning to natural practices and products to support her mental, physical and emotional healing. “When I realized those things were working for me, I knew that I needed to tell the community about them,” Branch says. She created Earthly Temptation Wellness, which sells handcrafted products like body butter, oils and herbal teas. She also offers workshops making herbal teas and essential oils, and leads sound bath sessions. It was during one of those sound bath sessions a client told Branch they felt at peace afterwards — but wished they had a place go to when they felt overwhelmed or angry. That inspired her to open Crash Box Therapy, a business aimed at helping folks to let out stress by yelling, smashing and breaking items. “This model … normalizes emotional wellness using accessible, non-traditional tools — turning physical expression, sensory engagement and holistic practices into real interventions for anxiety and stress,” explains Branch. Unlike other “rage rooms,” Crash Box Therapy pairs the cathartic practice with reflective, grounding practices afterward, including sound healing, tea rituals, journaling and aromatherapy. Branch is merging both businesses into a “community-rooted wellness hub in Fitchburg.” Her 2026 plans focus on expanding into youth programming with a bevy of options, including launching two new signature programs (one for middle and high schoolers, and one for young adults) building on partnerships with schools and youth organizations to deliver onsite programming, and hosting four free community wellness events for families. “[We] will have a measurable impact on the people we serve by giving youth and families practical, affirming ways to identify and manage their emotions, heal past wounds and build self-worth,” says Branch. “We are already building partnerships, developing programming, and laying the physical and operational foundation to bring this vision to life.”

When did you feel like you really hit your stride in your work? “[I] started noticing how many times people reached out to me to speak on a panel or host a workshop. I [realized] what I was doing actually had a profound impact on my community.”

– Hywania Thompson

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Stephanie Johnson Powering Progress for Parkinson’s Advocacy

tephanie Johnson remembers how much she and her husband, Rick, savored their marriage. Travel, food, wine, family — they enjoyed it all. But Johnson began noticing changes in Rick. “He developed a slumped posture, shuffling gait, masked facial expression, and increased anxiety and depression,” she says. Her career in health care led her to suspect that something neurological was at play, and in 2010, Rick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Rick’s disease progressed, and he passed away in December 2023. At the same time, Johnson herself developed a quivering sensation on her right side. More symptoms emerged, and three months after Rick’s death, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Johnson’s dismay was compounded when four other people from their former southwestMadison neighborhood were diagnosed as well. She contacted local and state public health departments to request an investigation into what she viewed as a potential disease cluster. “But I found out that our state [unlike 15 others] did not have a Parkinson’s disease registry, so there was no systematic, accurate way of understanding exactly how many Wisconsinites live with Parkinson’s.” Johnson connected with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which supports states working to establish registries. She also met with state legislators from both sides of the aisle, who introduced the Rick Johnson Parkinson’s Disease Registry in October. Housed at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the registry will collect critical data such as environmental and genetic risk factors. Johnson hopes the legislation will be signed into law in 2026. With key administrative support in place — thanks to the Parkinson’s Disease Alliance of Wisconsin that Johnson founded last summer — she aims to intensify her efforts in policy and advocacy, including creating a Parkinson’s Disease Advisory Council and organizing a Parkinson’s Disease Registry Summit. “I’m thankful for every day I can make a meaningful difference,” says Johnson.

How do you define impact — and what does it look like in your work? “My work with Parkinson’s disease registries has helped me move through my grief. I feel a profound sense of meaning and purpose in my advocacy efforts — both in honoring my late husband and in contributing to the greater good.”

– Laura Anne Bird

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

Christine Kolehmainen Demystifying Midlife Health

pproximately 6,000 women begin menopause each day in the U.S., according to the National Library of Medicine. And while over half the population will experience it, menopause and its predecessor, perimenopause, were somewhat taboo topics until recently. That’s just the momentum shift Dr. Christine Kolehmainen, an internal medicine physician and women’s health educator with 15 years of experience, is looking to further. “I see this as a really pivotal time in women’s health,” says Kolehmainen. “You can’t [be on] social media without [reading] about [menopause]. The conversation has finally opened up.” To that end, Kolehmainen is launching the Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic in January, a boutique, telehealth-first medical practice dedicated to evidence-based care. Beyond offering another avenue for women to access care, she wants to build relationships — since menopause isn’t a one-anddone treatment course. “I love talking with people about their symptoms and helping them make sense of what they are experiencing. I like nerding out about menopause,” she says. Kolehmainen will broaden her reach through community education. She’s launching a public conversation series at Grape Water, a wine bar in Middleton, called “Yes, MA’AM,” inviting women to discuss everything from hormones to libido to sleep, brain fog and “short-fuse-itis.” “There’s excellent information [online] but there is also lots of not-so-reliable information. I’d like to find out more about what [people] want to know and what questions they have,” she explains. She’s also developing a Wisconsin Menopause Impact Report using publicly-available data that gives a snapshot of women’s midlife health through demographic trends, health indicators and access to care metrics — like availability of certified menopause practitioners. She’s aiming to release the first edition later this year as a public resource for clinicians and women’s health advocates. “I want to find other leaders in menopause and midlife care who want to collaborate [and] try to make the system better for all Wisconsin women,” says Kolehmainen.

– Candice Wagener

What’s the most common question you get in your profession and how do you help women through it? “‘Could this be due to perimenopause?’ The answer is often ‘yes,’ or ‘maybe.’ There’s no single test for perimenopause. The answer develops in discussions with your clinician about ... your overall health and the changes you’re experiencing.” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

What Are the 2025 BY SHAYNA MACE

Up To?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Christine Benedict

Amanda Marek

Lauren Brinkman

Anne Michels

Benedict is executive director of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin (GOTR), a program offering running-centered curriculum to promote mental and physical health. Last October, GOTR hosted a 20th anniversary celebration. In 2025, the nonprofit expanded to Richland, Grant and Lafayette counties.

Brinkman is founder and executive director of Underdog Pet Rescue and Vet Services. In 2025, Underdog increased the frequency of its free veterinary clinics to monthly for those experiencing homelessness. The Underdog Vet Services clinic, which caters to lower- to middle-class income families, expanded from two full-time veterinarians to three, with a fourth being added in 2026.

Augusta Brulla

Brulla is the cultural affairs specialist for Dane Arts. Using the Dane County Artist Directory, Brulla facilitated the display and sale of local artist’s works to area businesses. She’s working with a class of Beloit College marketing students who are using the directory for their marketing coursework. Dane Arts is also working to build out an arts platform that will be scalable statewide.

Prenicia Clifton

Clifton is founder of Seein’ is Believin,’ a nonprofit focusing on youth mental health. She released the first book in her Brain Superheroes series, hosted multiple youth mental health retreats and summits throughout Dane County, secured over $100,000 in grant funding to expand youth mental health programming, launched mobile mental health programming and introduced a youth-focused mental health web app.

Heather Lott

Lott is the former director of the Dane County New Teacher Project (DCNTP). At the end of the 2024-25 school year, Lott retired and she successfully onboarded her replacement. Lott planned to offer a summer workshop series based on research from Partners for Racial Inclusion, but due to a series of funding/ operations changes, she wasn’t able to kickstart the series — but she’s confident in DCNTP’s new leadership.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Marek is executive director of Active Youth Wisconsin, a nonprofit that promotes the physical and mental benefits of movement for kids. In 2025, the nonprofit partnered with 42 schools in Dane County — an increase from 2024. Active Youth Wisconsin also developed two new programs: Train like a Movement Pro and Inner Game.

Michels is founder and executive director of Green Pastures Living, a nonprofit focused on affordable, independent senior housing. With a goal to break ground on up to two properties in 2025, Michels reports that due to leadership changes with planned developers, her developments didn’t move forward. “But with my BRAVA [profile], we were able to make new connections — and now we have new property proposals in the plans for 2026,” says Michels.

Heather Murray

Murray is an early childcare advocate, organizer, educator and owner of Arthouse Preschool LLC. In 2025, Murray organized a card drop to joint finance committee members to advocate for early childcare investment; attended and presented at the Public Policy Forum for the National Association for the Education of Young Children; spoke at the Wisconsin Early Childcare Association Advocacy Day; and was elected to the Waunakee School Board.

Rachelle Stone

Stone is program manager for Black Girl Magic Educational Services (BGM), an organization providing programming and mentoring opportunities to Black girls. In 2025, she completed her master’s degree and applied for a Women of Color Education Collaborative fellowship. Stone also revived the Black Educators Network with two events. BGM received a Sports 4 Life Grant and a City of Madison racial equity and social justice grant.

Courtney Willegal

Willegal is the owner and CEO of Keep Calm Tool Kits, LLC and The Sensory Zone. Both businesses cater to neurodiverse children. In 2025, Willegal redesigned part of The Sensory Zone into Imagination Town, filled with various businesses for kids to explore. She also added winter camps to its respite care options.

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THE DOCTOR IS IN

ANSWERS ANSWERS TO TO YOUR YOUR QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ABOUT ABOUT WOMEN’S WOMEN’S HEART HEART HEALTH HEALTH Heart Heart disease disease remains remains the the leading leading cause cause of of death death for for women. women. In In fact, fact, it it kills kills more more women women every year than all forms of cancer combined. Women’s symptoms, risks and life stages every year than all forms of cancer combined. Women’s symptoms, risks and life stages —from —from pregnancy pregnancy to to menopause—make menopause—make heart heart health health a a unique unique challenge. challenge. That’s That’s why why the Go Red for Women movement exists: to empower women with knowledge and action. We sat down with Dr. Christine Kolehmainen, Internal Medicine Physician and founder of the Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic, to answer a few of the most common questions women ask about their hearts—and why now is the time to take charge of your health. My chest pain doesn’t feel like what you see on TV. Could this really be my heart? Heart symptoms in women can be different than what people expect or what is shown in medical dramas on TV (I would love to grab some popcorn and watch a medical show with you and point out all the ways TV gets it wrong). Women often have classic chest pain, but they can also feel more short of breath, very tired, sick to their stomach, dizzy or have pain in the jaw, back or shoulders. These signs are easy to miss or blame on stress or a virus. If symptoms feel new, severe or just “not right,” it is always safest to get checked right away. Does being a woman change my risk for heart disease?

Being a woman does change your heart disease risk in important ways. Things like Christine Christine Kolehmainen, Kolehmainen, MD, MD, MS, MS, FACP FACP high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, carrying excess weight Internal Internal Medicine Medicine Physician Physician and and Founder Founder of of the the Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic Menopause and Midlife (MA’AM) Clinic and a family history of heart disease are risk factors for women - how and when these these risks risks show show up up across across a a woman’s woman’s life life can can be be different. different. Problems Problems during during pregnancy pregnancy like like preeclampsia preeclampsia or or diabetes, as well as conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or experiencing gestational gestational diabetes, as well as conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or experiencing early early menopause menopause are are a a few few examples examples of of unique unique factors factors for for woman. woman. We We also also know know that that stress, stress, depression depression and and autoimmune autoimmune diseases diseases affect regular check check ups ups with with your your affect women women more more often often and and can can further further increase increase heart heart disease disease risk. risk. That That is is why why regular doctor are so important. So many women put themselves last on their list of “to-dos,” but you deserve care too. doctor are so important. So many women put themselves last on their list of “to-dos,” but you deserve care too. Can stress stress and and emotional emotional overload overload really really affect affect my my heart, heart, or or is is that that just just something something people people say? say? Can Stress is is not not just just an an inconsequential inconsequential part part of of our our crazy crazy modern modern lives. lives. It It can can create create real real physical physical changes changes in in the the body body Stress such as raising blood pressure, increasing inflammation and worsening sleep, making it harder to eat well, exercise such as raising blood pressure, increasing inflammation and worsening sleep, making it harder to eat well, exercise manage your your weight. weight. Over Over time, time, those those changes changes can can add add up up and and raise raise the the risk risk of of heart heart disease. disease. There There is is even even a a and and manage real condition often called “broken heart syndrome,” which shows just how closely emotions and heart health are real condition often called “broken heart syndrome,” which shows just how closely emotions and heart health are connected. connected. Is menopause menopause really really that that big big of of a a turning turning point point for for my my heart, heart, or or is is it it just just another another normal normal aging aging phase? phase? Is Menopause is one of the most important life transitions for a woman’s heart health. After estrogen levels drop, Menopause is one of the most important life transitions for a woman’s heart health. After estrogen levels drop, blood pressure, cholesterol, belly fat and blood sugar often rise quickly. During this stage, women rapidly “catch blood pressure, cholesterol, belly fat and blood sugar often rise quickly. During this stage, women rapidly “catch up” to men in their risk for heart disease. The good news is that this is a powerful window to make changes that up” to men in their risk for heart disease. The good news is that this is a powerful window to make changes that improve both lifespan and healthspan. Taking care of your heart now can help you live longer and feel better improve both lifespan and healthspan. Taking care of your heart now can help you live longer and feel better doing it. doing it. You can take charge of your own heart health by joining us at the Madison Go Red for Women You can take charge of your own heart health by joining us at the Madison Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 13th at Monona Terrace for an inspiring day of education, connection and Luncheon on February 13th at Monona Terrace for an inspiring day of education, connection and empowerment. Hear from experts like Dr. Kolehmainen, discover lifesaving tips and celebrate the empowerment. Hear from experts like Dr. Kolehmainen, discover lifesaving tips and celebrate the strength of women coming together for heart health. Reserve your spot today at strength of women coming together for heart health. Reserve your spot today at Heart.org/MadisonGoRed—because your2026 heart deserves the best care, and so do you! 62 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY Heart.org/MadisonGoRed—because your heart deserves the best care, and so do you!

GO+DO

BLACKJACK RAMEN POPS UP AT RED A former menu item is now a weekly treat. BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

any years ago, RED had ramen on their dinner menu, says Taryn Johnson, operations manager of the restaurant. But during a chef transition, they eventually took it off. “But we had so many requests to bring it back,” she says.

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2026

ATHENA L E A D E RS H I P AWA R D MARCH 11

NAKOMA GOLF CLUB MADISON 5pm-8pm

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for the 29th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Celebration, where we will honor local leaders who have achieved excellence in their work, devoted time in their communities, and helped women realize their full leadership potential.

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GO + DO | EATS & DRINKS After RED completed its expansion in October 2024, staff were looking for other ways to utilize the extra space and they circled back to ramen — but not on RED’s menu or even as a daily special. “We wanted to take it a step further,” says Johnson. The ramen pop-up idea was a collaboration between Johnson and General Manager Michael Fifelski, but they wanted to somehow incorporate RED’s co-owner Jack Yip into the branding. Jack’s name kept bringing them back to poker and gambling themes, and so they settled on the moniker Blackjack Ramen. The pop-up operates out of RED’s additional dining space on Wednesdays from 4:30-9 p.m. (or until the ramen runs out) and has a limited menu. Ramen comes in two options: tonkotsu, a traditional, cloudy porkbone-based broth served with smoked pork belly; and vegan shoyu, with mushroom-shoyu sauce and maitake mushrooms. Spice level choices are light, double down and the hottest, Jack Attack. Sides include edamame, pork belly buns and matcha mochi. The gyoza roulette plate features an order of steamed

TheBusinessForum.org The 29th annual

ATHENA

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AWARD

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short-rib dumplings — but one dumpling is packed with serious spicy heat. “It’s fun for a group to find out together!” says Johnson. Also, a roulette wheel is on hand for guests to spin when they arrive. If they land on zero, they get a free boozy lychee slushie, and if they land on double zero, they get a free bowl of ramen. Kevin Revolinski writes about travel and food, and often travels for food.

WINTER FESTIVAL for Kids & Families! A fun, active community event hosted by Infinity Martial Arts

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 – OPEN HOUSE INFINITY MARTIAL ARTS: MIDDLETON • FITCHBURG • SUN PRAIRIE • Games & kid-friendly activities • Mini martial arts classes

• Raffle prizes & giveaways • A fun way to stay active during the winter

Our Winter Festival is FREE to attend. All are welcome! Call your preferred Infinity location or visit our Facebook event pages to learn more.

MIDDLETON: (608) 831-3332 | FITCHBURG: (608) 630-8836 SUN PRAIRIE: (608) 318-5166 | InfinityMA.com

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GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

Deirdre Birmingham

THE APPLE OF HER EYE

How a certified pommelier ™ is redefining Wisconsin craft cider. BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTHIE HAUGE

eirdre Birmingham, certified pommelier™ and co-founder of The Cider Farm, has had a long relationship with agriculture. She holds three agricultural degrees and did several years of field research in parts of Africa. But apples were never part of her studies until she came to UW-Madison for her third degree and met John Biondi, who asked her, “Have you ever thought about having a farm?” She and Biondi, now her husband, purchased 166 acres in the Driftless Area in 2002. Farming organically was a given. “We wanted to do a farm-based 66

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business ... and create a high-quality product. There were hundreds of wild apple trees on the farm and I found myself reading about [hard] cider production ... I shared that with [John], and since cider is made like a wine, that appealed to him,” Birmingham explains. The couple’s farm has 16,000 apple trees — but they’re not for eating or making pies — these apples are for fermentation or distillation. Or as Birmingham puts it: “I grow apples just for booze.” It took the duo 10 years to release their first product, an apple brandy. The Cider Farm is one of the few cideries that grows its own apples, while

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

much of the rest of the industry, Birmingham says, uses juice concentrates from table apples. “Most of my apples don’t taste good because tannins in their raw state are bitter or astringent,” she says. All of Birmingham’s ciders are dry, and most are blends — the result of a lot of experimentation. Like a winemaker, she blends to arrive at complex but balanced flavor profiles, and adjusts annually for subtle crop differences for consistency. To expand upon the brand, the couple opened a cidery and tasting room in 2019, but it lacked a full kitchen, so they

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

moved and opened Orchard, their own restaurant, in Verona last April. Airy and open with natural light, the upscale gastropub features seasonal menus ranging from salads and smashburgers to steaks and brick-oven items. A semicircular bar puts patrons face to face, and offers a strong cocktail program, along with their fine products, such as pommeaux, a mix of two-year apple brandy and juice aged together in a used brandy barrel for a year. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

A WATERFRONT DINING DESTINATION A new downtown development has a food hall and refined fare — all with a water view. BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

or a city situated on an isthmus, Madison has a surprising lack of waterfront dining options. So, it’s exciting news that another drinking and dining spot with a lake view has been added to the repertoire. In August 2025, Quad Capital Partners completed construction of ONE 09, a 14-floor high-rise building with 340 apartments overlooking Lake Monona. But one feature of the property, which just opened in November 2025, is of great interest to the general public: a food hall and a fine-dining restaurant. A two-story-high, 35-foot-wide corridor stretches from the curb on Wilson Street to a patio overlooking the lake. On one side is the 9,000-square-foot One Social Food Hall, enclosed in glass. Adjacent to the

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food hall is One Prime, an upscale dining experience, and Blue Jack, a stylish cocktail lounge. The overall dining concepts emerged early in the development plan. “The site had always been a bit of a barrier between downtown and the lake, so this opens that up,” says Dan Kennelly, vice president at Quad Capital Partners. In One Social Food Hall, a row of seven vendor stalls faces seating and greets diners as they enter. Guests order from their phones or at each individual stall. Currently, four stalls are occupied: Señora Machetes, a Mexican eatery from the daughter of the owners of nearby Señor Machetes; Casey’s Tavern, offering burgers and sandwiches; Real Seafood Company, already getting a reputation for its

lobster rolls; and Palio, a stone-oven kitchen that cranks out pizzas and pastas. On the lake side, the space opens up to accommodate more tables and features One Social Bar — an island bar encircled by seven TVs, ideal for sports gatherings. The food hall hosts live music, trivia nights and happy hours. Public and private spaces, and even the entire bar, can be rented for parties and events, and you can expect a crowd in the bar area during big games. “The community is really embracing the food hall,” says Kennelly, noting its family-friendly vibe. “It’s just a place where people can go get lots of different kinds of food, get great drinks and hang out.” And come summer, that outdoor seating is going to be popular.

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

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Across the patio, the vibe is more refined. The lake-facing One Prime is an upscale steakhouse featuring premium cuts, seafood selections and a curated wine list. Streetside is Blue Jack, a chic lounge serving beautifully crafted cocktails and upscale small plates. It’s the perfect spot for before or after dinner at One Prime, or for an evening out.

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Now that the cold is here, you can still get those drafty windows covered with insulating cellular shades! Stop in and see our huge selection. Creative Energy Designs, Inc. 125 S. Dickinson St., Madison • 608-256-7696 www.CreativeEnergyDesignsInc.com

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

SHAKEN, STIRRED AND SPIRIT - FREE

Branch out and try a carefully crafted nonalcoholic drink during your next night out. BY LENAH HELMKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY HALVERSON

ooking for a post-holiday reset? Enter nonalcoholic drinks (also popularly referred to as mocktails) — many of which taste like the real thing, but don’t leave you groggy the next day. The pressure to drink at social gatherings is real, but mocktails allow you to sip something delicious. Or if you’re trying to lower your alcohol intake, an NA drink is also perfect for swapping in after your favorite glass of wine. When Nitro Beverage Lounge crafted its drink menu, it devoted just as much attention to the mocktails as the cocktails, ensuring every guest has something exciting to sip. “We want to make sure we are creating something absolutely delicious and something that’s complementary to the menu we have,” says Courtney McCarty, owner of Nitro Beverage Lounge. “So … we focus on … common flavors [in

NITRO BEVERAGE LOUNGE Mocktails include the refreshing Rose Spritz (rose essence, lemon and soda), Arbol Bloom (pomegranate, hibiscus, chili arbol and lime) and I’d Rather Be On The Beach (pistachio creme, banana, lemon, honey, coconut milk and banana leaf). thenitrolounge.com

ENO VINO, DOWNTOWN AND WEST SIDE With “vino” in the name, wine is a big focus here, but mocktails are also available. The downtown location whips up the honey ginger lemon spritz, apple cinnamon mule, pal-no-ma, strawberry nada-rita and Lietz’s Einz Zwei NA Sparkling Rosé. The West Side location offers fruit-centric drinks,

our mocktails] that we would [also] use in our cocktail program.” McCarty explains that in The Woodsman mocktail, bartenders use lapsang tea to impart the flavor of mezcal, a smoky tequila. This technique of providing adjacent flavors is used across the menu and intentional to create an inclusive drinking environment. “We want you to have the exact same experience coming through the doors as anybody else would,” McCarty says. “We will never ask questions — we will always provide options.” Besides Nitro, these other area bars also offer great mocktail menus to try on your next night out. (Note: mocktail menus often change seasonally, so the options below were available at press time.)

including the berries mojito, blueberry basil crush and passion spritz. enovinodowntown.com, enovinowest.com

GREAT DANE PUB & BREWING Most of its mocktails use Ritual’s Zero Proof spirits, including its NA tequila (in the dark cherry margarita and the nada-paloma) and NA agave spirit alternative (in the very cherry mockarita). greatdanepub.com

MERCHANT MADISON Always on the forefront of tantalizing cocktail and mocktail offerings, Merchant’s libations change often, and the mocktail menu is crafted just as thoughtfully as the cocktail listings. merchantmadison.com

GATES & BROVI For a riff on common cocktails (made nonalcoholic, of course) find the NA paloma, NA margarita, NA gin and tonic, and a virgin bloody mary. Bonus: its extensive menu means you can pair your libation with a delicious meal. gatesandbrovi.com

OZ BY OZ This eclectic gathering spot and cozy cocktail lounge has the most creative mocktail monikers, including the Juniper Lake, Ghost Banisher and Junior Teenage F B I Fan. ozbyozmadison.com Lenah Helmke is an editorial intern with BRAVA Magazine. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

OAK PARK Place Call To Learn More! Bring your lifestyle to OAK PARK Place where neighbors become like family! We believe in helping you write the best next chapter as you make new memories in a community designed with you in mind. Independence When You Want It. Assistance When You Need It. OAK PARK® Place Nakoma | 608-640-4100

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From your ﬁrst instrument to your next performance upgrade — and everything in between — Heid Music brings together all the essentials to help musicians invest, play, and create. That’s the full line advantage. Heid Music | 7948 Tree Lane | Madison (608) 829−1969

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GO + DO | ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

CAN’T - MISS ACTS FOR THE NEW YEAR Four iconic female comedians, unique stories of love, boy bands and insightful classical performances provide an artsy kickoff to 2026. BY LENAH HELMKE

“A Love Letter: Breaking the Boundaries of Love”

LOVE, ACTUALLY

TOP THEATRE LILA | COURTESY MARY BETH BARONE

“A Love Letter: Breaking the Boundaries of Love” Feb. 5-15, ART House 360 Expressions of love can be shown in countless ways. For Theatre LILA and A J Juarez of Barrio Dance, the season of love will be celebrated through dance, live music and poetry in this performance. Together, they share the beautiful, unpredictable and complex sides of emotion through an experimental work of art. theatrelila.com “Kimberly Akimbo” Feb. 10-15, Overture Center Do you remember your first crush? This Broadway musical will make you feel like you’re 16 again. Experience Kimberly Akimbo’s navigation of a new home, her first crush, a rare genetic condition and family dysfunction. overture.org “Everlasting Faint” Feb. 13 & 15, Overture Center Inspired by a true murder story of the 1897 Greenbrier Ghost, Madison

Opera’s tale takes audiences through the aftermath of a woman’s death allegedly at the hands of her husband, with themes of maternal love, ghosts and true crime. madisonopera.org

LET’S LAUGH ABOUT IT

Grace Helbig: “Let Me Get This Off My Chest” Feb. 6, Atwood Music Hall Remember the start of content creation on YouTube, when daily vlogs were revolutionary? Grace Helbig was there with her channel “DailyGrace.” Since her start in 2008, Helbig has found success across the entertainment industry with her infectious personality. theatwoodmusichall.com Sherri Shepherd: “Make it Make Sense Comedy Tour” Feb. 7, Barrymore Theatre Actress, comedian and best-selling author Sherri Shepherd takes the stage during her comedy tour to talk about pop culture, relationships and everyday life. barrymorelive.com

Mary Beth Barone

Mary Beth Barone: “Galaxy Brain Tour” Feb. 27-28, Comedy on State After debuting her first self-produced standup special on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Mary Beth Barone has sold out headliners at the New York Comedy Fest, Netflix Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe. madisoncomedy.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

GO + DO | ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Chelsea Handler: “The High and Mighty Tour” Feb. 19, The Orpheum Theater Once the only female late-night talk show host on-air, Chelsea Handler is a comedic genius. Her “High and Mighty Tour” is hilarious and relatable. madisonorpheum.com

by Peruvian heritage, Strauss’ Der Rosenkabalier Suite and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. With guest conductor Kazem Abdullah and Yefim Bronfman on piano, this dynamic, energetic concert even has a hint of nostalgia. madisonsymphony.org

A MODERN SPIN

“Hamilton” Jan. 6-18, Overture Center One of Broadway’s most celebrated and popular shows, “Hamilton” opens up the history book for new audiences, fusing educational showtunes, hip hop, R&B and groundbreaking choreography. overture.org Layale Chaker Jan. 16, Overture Center This Lebanese composer and violinist marries contemporary music and classical ancestral narratives in her performances. overture.org

“Pointes of View” “Pointes of View” Feb. 13 & 15, Overture Center Part of Madison Ballet’s “Re:Focus” series, “Pointes of View” celebrates foundational technique while reinterpreting classical dance in fun, energetic performances. madisonballet.org

CRAVING THE CLASSICS

“Heartbeat” Jan. 23-25, Overture Center Welcome the new year with Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Escaramuza,” inspired

“The Hobbit” Feb. 7-22, MYArts The Children’s Theater of Madison dives into the world of dwarves, wizards, trolls and goblins, and they invite audiences to join in on the adventure, drawn from the iconic 1937 novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien. ctmtheater.org “Playful Pursuits” Feb. 20-22, Overture Center This collaboration of guest conductor Tania Miller, violinist Rachel Barton Pine and the Madison Symphony Orchestra brings Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Madison. Traveling internationally with stops in South Korea, Canada, the Czech Republic and more, Miller has exhibited her innovative yet dynamic love of music. She’ll take the stage alongside Pine, who debuted with the Chicago Symphony at age 10 and also performs around the world. madisonsymphony.org

“Pet Sounds Live: The Music of the Beach Boys” Jan. 15, Majestic Theatre Time-travel back to the 1960s when The Beach Boys changed the world of rock and roll. “Pet Sounds Live” jumps into the studio and rerecords the classics from the album “Pet Sounds.” majesticmadison.com

608-213-3020 | mellymells.com 74

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Umphrey’s McGee Jan. 23, The Sylvee Electronic, vibrant and rhythmically captivating rock band Umphrey’s McGee brings their “Sky’s The Limit Tour” to Madison. thesylvee.com

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MEMORIES FOR A MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME LIFETIME

WOMEN WE ADMIRE | Top: Nicole Budeau, founder of A Healer’s Hand + The Nest and Every Mom Matters, lounges on a couch at The Edgewater. Right: Sarah Branch, owner of Earthly Temptation Wellness and Crash Box Therapy, is a community wellness advocate. Middle: Stephanie Johnson, founder of the Parkinson’s Disease Alliance of Wisconsin, is on a mission to establish a Parkinson's disease registry in Wisconsin. Left: Amy Crowe, published author and founder of the Fierce, Strong, Brave Experience, a conference for student athletes and their parents, chats on camera for a BRAVA promotional video.

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