BRAVA May June 25

is See th ry u t n e c mid n r e d o m m o o bathr er v o e mak P. 30

Spaces

That Sing

The Home & Garden Issue

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Voices of Pride Game Changers in Women’s Sports A Masterful Home Makeover

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June 20-29 madisonparadeofhomes.com

Hosted by

MADISON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

A lasting summer tradition for generations, the Madison Area Parade of Homes, hosted by the Madison Area Builders Association, invites you to tour an exceptional collection of newly built homes across south-central Wisconsin, showcasing a variety of styles and price points.

Attendees of all ages can discover the newest trends, color palettes, and cutting-edge tech shaping homebuilding and decor.

Celebrating 75 Years On Parade

Visit Homes

Gather Ideas

Bring It to Life

Tour your choice of 33 new homes across Dane, Sauk, and Columbia counties, many of which are open exclusively for the Parade of Homes.

See the latest styles, trends, and technology, brought to you by some of the area’s most recognized builders, designers, and local trade partners.

Whether building your dream home or sprucing up a space, you will leave inspired and connected with the right experts to bring your vision to life.

From charming starter homes to breathtaking multi-million-dollar lakefront estates, explore as many homes as you would like during the ten-day event. Visit multiple homes in the featured Windsor Gardens and Kilkenny Farms West neighborhoods, or take a scenic drive to visit the various scattered-site homes.

The 75th Annual Madison Area Parade of Homes is open daily June 20-29, 2025.

Learn more about the participating homes, meet the builders, and plan your tour in advance by purchasing tickets at madisonparadeofhomes.com.

madisonparadeofhomes.com /MadisonPOH

@madisonpoh

99

anticipate

TH

music

your life with

may FRI & SAT, 7:30 PM • SUN, 2:30 PM • OVERTURE HALL

9-11

Gershwin!

S E A S O N

F R E E R H A P S O D I E & H U N T Q UA RT E T P E R F O R M A N C E S

may 20

Experience the healing power of music.

The resident quartet of our awardwinning HeartStrings® program, the Rhapsodie Quartet, includes our Co-Concertmaster Suzanne Beia, Principal Violist Christopher Dozoryst,

PHILIPPE BIANCONI JOHN DEMAIN

John DeMain, Conductor Philippe Bianconi, Piano Michelle Johnson, Soprano Eric Greene, Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director

Principal Cellist Karl Lavine, and violinist Laura Burns. United in mission, the members of the quartet create a fusion of talent, passion, and heart in their performances. Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/rhapsodie

TUESDAY, 7:00 PM

OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS MICHELLE JOHNSON

Our 99th season finale opens with

Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, pulsing with

PROMENADE HALL

may 22

Caribbean rhythms from dance music he

THURSDAY, 7:00 PM

fell in love with on a vacation to Havana.

ARTS + LITERATURE LABORATORY

Beloved pianist Philippe Bianconi returns for his seventh appearance performing Gershwin’s masterpiece Concerto in F.

Our maestro John DeMain has conducted more than 400 performances of

ERIC GREENE

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess throughout the world. He led a

history-making production with the Houston Grand Opera, winning a Grammy Award, Tony Award, and France’s Grand Prix de Disque for the RCA recording. He brings Michelle Johnson, Eric Greene,

and our Madison Symphony Chorus together to share his passion for this iconic work to close the season!

music

George Gershwin, Cuban Overture George Gershwin,

Piano Concerto in F Major

George Gershwin/

Robert Russell Bennett,

Porgy and Bess: A Concert of Songs

MAJOR SPONSORS

Madison Magazine Diane Ballweg Boardman Clark Law Firm Fred A. Wileman ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Carla and Fernando Alvarado Dr. Thomas and Leslie France Ann Lindsey, in memory of Chuck Snowdon Mary Lang Sollinger Wisconsin Arts Board

madisonsymphony.org/gersh win

The Hunt Quartet is the resident string quartet of the MSO’s nationally-recognized Up Close & Musical® program, designed to bring the power and beauty of classical music into elementary school classrooms throughout Dane County. Individual quartet members visit separate classrooms to conduct exciting and interactive lessons that send students on a hunt for the concepts of melody, rhythm, expression, and form. The quartet, consisting of violinists Paran Amirinazari and Hillary Hempel, violist Jennifer Paulson, and cellist Trace Johnson, also performs recitals that are free and open to the public. Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/hunt

Single tickets for “Gershwin!”: $15-$104. Purchase in-person at the Overture Center Box Office, 201 State Street, by phone (608) 258-4141 or online at madisonsymphony.org.

Student Rush tickets: $15. Best available seats, starting Fridays, 4/11, through each concert day at the Box Office.

Programs, dates, prices, and artists subjectMAY/JUNE to change.2025 Overture fee and sales tax apply to all orders.

6 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM Additional fee for online and phone orders (no additional fee for in-person purchases).

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BRAVA MAY/JUNE 2025

HILLARY SCHAVE

FEATURES

52 Game Changers

Meet the women who are shaping and growing Madison’s sports scene.

L-R: Jackie Crum, Samantha Rubin and Lauren Carlini

Generational She Ends, 37 Great Expectations 45 AGarden 65 Where I Begin A main-floor remodel yields a more functional, family-friendly floor plan.

One woman’s artistic vision comes to life in her backyard.

Exploring the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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BRAVA MAY/JUNE 2025

DEPARTMENTS

@bravamagazine ON THE COVER

This main bathroom makeover has a midcentury modern vibe.

Design by Autumn Cartee of Architectural Building Arts and photography by Nicole Hansen.

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79

27

DWELL

GO + DO

12 Perspective Voices of pride.

27 Taste of Tradition An interior designer’s inspo.

79 Eats + Drinks New Asian restaurants, hot brunch spots, heritage tortillas and donuts for days.

16 Retail Therapy Fun finds at Lily’s Mercantile & Makery.

19 Career The elusive search for work-life balance.

22 Wellbeing The lowdown on health coaching.

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30 A Space That Sings A major bathroom transformation.

33 Helping People Grow MSN Plant Collective’s green offerings.

93 Arts & Entertainment Your creative calendar of what to do in May and June.

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Relate 96 Linger

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 20 Shop Local 35 UnityPoint Health- Meriter Family Health Series 70 Interior Designer Profiles

MAY/JUNE 2025

TOP, LEFT HILLARY SCHAVE | RIGHT SHANNA WOLF

THRIVE

SPONSORED CONTENT

MONEY SMARTS

BY KIM SPONEM

After a few more months of saving, he bought a starter home where the monthly payment was $1,000 less than what he would have spent on rent. He is now a proud homeowner and those mortgage payments are helping to build equity.

I keep reading about the many ways to build

Plan for the added costs of owning a home by

wealth. I’m just starting out, so how do I decide

building up your savings. Many more home

what to do first — buy a house, save for retirement

expenses, like repairs, pop up versus renting and you

or something else?

want to fix those things to protect your investment.

It’s great that you’re already thinking about how

There are, of course, many considerations when it

to make your money work for you! There are many

comes to buying a home. Do you plan to stay in the

ways you can build long-term wealth and what

area for at least three to five years? To build equity

you choose to do really depends on your goals.

(and wealth), your home needs to be valued above what you owe and that takes time. It’s a long-

The first thing I tell everyone is to make sure you

term investment, not a short-term win. So if you’re

have that emergency savings fund checked off.

planning to relocate any time soon, it might be

You should have at least $1,000 saved up to cover

wiser to keep building your down-payment savings

unexpected expenses, like medical bills or repairs.

instead, which also helps in the long run.

Then, build this up to cover three to four months of expenses. Now you’re on your way to saving for

It’s also smart to start thinking about retirement,

those larger-ticket items or considering investment

even if it feels like a long time away. When it

options.

comes to retirement savings, remember to make your money work for you! Take advantage of any

Generally, you want to think about investing your

401(k) retirement matches that your employer

money on things that increase in value over time,

offers. Think of it as a bonus your employer is giving

called appreciating assets. Real estate is a great

you just to save for retirement. Who doesn’t like a

example. On the flip side, things that typically lose

bonus? If that’s not an option, a Roth IRA is a great

value over time are depreciating assets — cars,

choice for people just starting out.

furniture or computers are a few examples. Would you want to sleep on a 30-year-old mattress or use

Whatever decisions you make, planning for your

a cell phone from 20 years ago? Probably not. But

future is important and necessary. Building wealth

in 10 years, do you think someone will want to buy

through homeownership and saving for retirement

your house and pay more than what you paid?

shouldn’t have to be an either/or. You can do both.

Most likely, yes.

We have lots of great tips and calculators on our website at SummitCreditUnion.com. We also offer

Buying a house is a way to build equity into

expert guidance to help you achieve your goals,

an appreciating asset. And depending on where

including one-on-ones with a Summit financial

you live, the cost of a house payment might be less

coach as well as financial planning with a Summit

than what you’d spend on rent. An acquaintance

Financial Advisor. Summit can get you on your way

shared a story with me where her son was going

to building long-term financial freedom.

to move and rent a nicer apartment. When he told his mom how much the rent was going to be, she said, “That’s more than my mortgage!”

SummitCreditUnion.com Insured by NCUA

She suggested he go to Summit Credit Union and talk to a mortgage loan officer about first-time homebuying programs. He did – and guess what?

Kim Sponem is CEO and President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, a $7.5 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 266,700 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.

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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RELATE

A

A CELEBRATORY TIME

A FUN BRUNCH One of our favorite events to attend is United Way’s Women United annual brunch, this year on May 16. It’s a fun networking event and supports United Way’s fantastic work. Register at e.givesmart.com/events/HTN.

This issue feels particularly joyous to me because, besides the actual wins that the athletes in “Game Changers” experience, we’re also celebrating women throughout this issue, whether they own a business and are dispensing expert advice to our readers, are an amazing mom (P. 65) or are championing LGBTQ+ causes (P. 12).

Our annual Home & Garden Issue is a fun one to put together, and you’ll see a lot of inspiration, trends and tips for your home. A few pieces I particularly appreciated were the mood board that Nicole Fulton of Nest Interior Design assembled (P. 27), the stunning bathroom makeover that Architectural Building Arts executed (P. 30), homeowner Katie Cappozzo’s inspirational main-floor makeover (P. 37) and Brenda Hemenway’s whimsical garden tour (P. 45). Enjoy all of this eye candy!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the grandmas, mothers and mother figures in our lives.

Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

AN INAUGURAL EVENT Laura Lahti, a 2024 Woman to Watch and founder of AMASIAN, is hosting the organization’s first AAPI Celebration on May 17 at Madison College. Learn more at amasian.life/ projects/may-17th.

HILLARY SCHAVE

WE WON! We’re proud to announce that our January/February 2024 cover was awarded a Milwaukee Press Club award for Best Single Cover Design. Congrats to BRAVA designer Melissa Moody and photographer Hillary Schave!

funny thing happened back in mid-March. My family and I attended a League One Volleyball (LOVB) match against Omaha at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. As we settled into our seats to watch, I happened to glance over to my left, and just two rows away was the Madison Night Mares and Mallards’ management team. I waved to Samantha Rubin, general manager of both teams, as we had just met earlier that week.

A few minutes later, a woman behind me tapped me and asked if I’d take a picture of her group. Her sweatshirt said “Madison Roller Derby” on it. I asked if she was a team member. Indeed, she was, and she was there with a bunch of other team members — who I was taking a picture of. I thought to myself how cool that three of the four women/teams we’re profiling in our “Game Changers” feature (P. 52) are in the same place tonight — cheering on another female athlete, pro volleyball player and LOVB member, Lauren Carlini (shown left)!

While it would’ve been kismet if Jackie Crum, UW-Madison assistant women’s hockey coach, had been there too, she was just a little busy coaching at the National Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Championship — which the team ended up winning on March 23.

The LOVB match was fantastic, and we’re looking forward to attending another one next season.

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MAY/JUNE 2025

BUSINESS PUBLISHER Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Moody mmoody@ntmediagroup.com Meredith Johnson meredith@ntmediagroup.com FACT-CHECKER Mason Braasch

DIGITAL DIGITAL DIRECTOR Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Cici Rindy cici@ntmediagroup.com

SALES SALES MANAGER Dena Frisch dena@ntmediagroup.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com ACCOUNTING accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS Jane Burns, Nicole Hansen, Nikki Kallio, Maura Keller, MaryBeth Matzek, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Kevin Revolinski, Hillary Schave, Jessica Steinhoff, Sue Sveum, Katie Vaughn, Amanda N. 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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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) MAY/JUNE 2025, Volume 26, Number 03, 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.

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THRIVE

L-R: Linda Lenzke, Chez Dickson, Heidi Duss, Dana Pellebon, Shavana Talbert and Sue (Soukaseume) Neeley. Not pictured: Fernie Rodriguez.

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THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE

VOICES OF PRIDE Meet the changemakers on the frontlines of LGBTQ+ advocacy.

COMPILED BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

O

n a brisk spring afternoon, six LGBTQ+ leaders gathered outside of I/O Arcade Bar, in front of muralist Michael Owen’s iconic “LOVE” mural. Greetings and hugs were exchanged — these community changemakers often cross paths or partner up on projects. In honor of Pride Month, we asked each of them what brings them joy in their work — and what challenges the LGBTQ+ community still faces.

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE (she/they) Founder/executive director, OPEN Foundation The OPEN Foundation advances LGBTQ+ career readiness and workforce development by connecting job seekers with affirming employers and creating spaces for professional growth.

What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

When I came out as a queer woman eight years ago, that journey deepened my understanding of the barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face and reinforced my purpose. With my background in HR, talent management and DEIB consulting, I knew I could help create lasting change — leading me to get involved with OPEN and then founding the OPEN Foundation to ensure LGBTQ+ professionals have the resources, networks and opportunities to thrive in their careers.

What’s the most pressing issue facing the LGBTQ+ community today?

Workplace discrimination and economic disparities, especially for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

With rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, it’s more critical than ever to ensure safe, affirming workplaces where people can thrive without fear of being outed, harassed or denied opportunities.

SHAVANA TALBERT

root causes of health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities; promoting inclusion and belonging; and embedding equity within its policies, practices and services.

What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

As a Black queer woman, I’ve always wanted to create positive change for my community. Centering LGBTQ+ experiences enables me to shine a light on folx who are often targets of erasure, scapegoating or other forms of violence. However, I am also able to showcase the brilliance, dignity, beauty and humanity of our communities.

What role do you think allies play in advancing LGBTQ+ causes?

Allies must … use their privilege in ways that those without the same security cannot. This means sharing power, de-centering themselves, listening to those most affected, and speaking up and holding themselves and others accountable to repair harm when it happens.

SUE (SOUKASEUME) NEELEY (she/her) Director of family engagement and advocacy, GSAFE GSAFE supports LGBTQ+ youth and families across the state of Wisconsin.

(she/her) Senior inclusion, diversity, equity, and access program specialist in the Office of Health Equity (OHE) at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

I believe that queer and trans young people deserve the opportunity to fully embrace their true selves, and to grow, thrive and flourish in this world.

These issues are deeply personal to me and my family, which makes this cause even more important [to me].

DHS supports and promotes the health and safety of Wisconsinites so that all people can thrive. The OHE is committed to addressing

What’s the most pressing issue facing the LGBTQ+ community today?

The most pressing issues we face are efforts to ban gender-affirming health

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care, denying the right to change names and gender markers, and preventing individuals from participating in sports according to their affirmed gender. It’s all part of a broader attempt to erase the existence of transgender people.

LINDA LENZKE (she/her) LGBTQ+ AODA advocate, OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center OutReach’s mission is a commitment to equity and quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and human services, and economic, social and racial justice advocacy.

What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

I’ve been a lifelong social activist and was a volunteer at OutReach for 20 years. I’ve been working part-time in my current advocacy role for the past five years. As a person in recovery from alcohol, substances and harming behaviors for almost 40 years, I support those who still struggle as a Wisconsincertified peer specialist.

Why is your work rewarding?

[It’s gratifying to] share my lived experience and recovery as an advocate, writer and peer specialist to support LGBTQ+ community members. And equally, their stories and lived experience have supported me.

FERNIE RODRIGUEZ* (she/they) Associate vice chancellor for student affairs, UW–Madison Rodriguez says, “I help facilitate a campus environment in which all students feel seen and welcome.” She also oversees all identity centers on campus, including the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.

FERNIE RODRIGUEZ COURTESY UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN-MADISON

HEIDI DUSS

THRIVE | PERSPECTIVE What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

As a first-generation Mexican American and queer individual working in higher education for many years, I’ve come to know the value of pushing for changes to ensure voices who are not at the table are included. My commitment over the course of my career has always been to carry the stories of the most marginalized communities and bring to light our realities so they are considered.

What role do you think allies play in advancing LGBTQ+ causes?

Allies are critical, especially in this moment. I believe we have lost allyship over the years as our society has become more stratified. Allyship is the key to the future!

DANA PELLEBON (she/her) Executive director, RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center (formerly the Rape Crisis Center) The RCC provides supportive services to victims of sexual violence and their loved ones through advocacy, legal and medical accompaniments, case management, therapy and countywide education and prevention programming.

What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

As a queer woman, I am directly impacted by laws and policies that affect my community. Beyond that, my personal and professional life have been about working against oppression in all of its forms. We know that LGBQT+ folks, especially folks of color, experience more intersections of oppression, so centering my work and focus around oppression impacts my work in the LGBTQ+ community.

Why is your work rewarding?

Being … an elder in this space, I am old

enough to have lived through the ’80s and watched as so many people died.

It is an accomplishment to be queer and here at the age of 50 — so many didn’t make it. To be able to work with youth and impart my experiences and history is a blessing that many of us did not have because of how the [AIDS] epidemic affected our community deeply.

CHEZ DICKSON (she/her) Executive director/ president, Boardslide Mission, and development director, OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center Boardslide Mission aims to make snow sports more accessible to marginalized communities who may face cultural and financial barriers to enjoying them.

Live Inspired,

Stay Connected, Thrive in Your Life with

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What inspired you to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy?

As a queer person, I’ve learned that the LGBTQ+ community is one that promotes self-expression, acceptance, support and care for one another. A flourishing LGBTQ+ community sets a hopeful tone and is an example for how a healthy and happy society can function. I want to make the world better, and LGBTQ+ community [advocacy] feels like a [great place] for that.

What role do you think allies play in advancing LGBTQ+ causes?

Allies play an essential role for advancing LGBTQ+ causes. Allies have a built-in buffer against the direct harm caused by bigotry. Their advocacy efforts are often less socially and psychologically costly, and allyship provides immense emotional comfort and encouragement to the LGBTQ+ community by signifying that they are not alone. *Rodriguez was not able to attend the group shoot so she is not featured on the previous page.

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THRIVE | RETAIL THERAPY

A MOTHER DAUGHTER DREAM

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

W

hen Teresa McMahan spotted a “for lease” sign on a historic building in Paoli, she saw it as a nudge. She and her daughter, Lily, had always talked about opening a retail shop together. It was time.

In 2019, the duo opened Lily’s Mercantile & Makery, a home decor and gift shop, in the former Abel Contemporary Gallery building (now Seven Acre Dairy Company). The motherdaughter team each handle various parts of the business: Teresa (shown left) manages the business and does the buying, and Lily tackles the visual merchandising and creative aspects.

In 2022, McMahan and her husband, Cory, purchased the former Zazen Gallery building a few blocks down and moved the shop. The couple added a loft, reclaimed oak ceiling beams and wood floors, and infused the entire space with a rustic-boho vibe.

Teresa says she sees a lot of locals and tourists who are looking for unique gifts. Baby clothes and gifts, faux florals and candles always sell well. (Lollia’s heavenly bath and body collection are personal favorites, along with Finch + Fennel’s seasonings. It’s hard to leave the shop without something.)

The “makery” in the name is a nod to Lily’s artistic creations for sale. Find a few of her paintings as well as hand-painted cow skulls.

Teresa says she’s grateful to own a business with her daughter.

“I can’t think of a better person to work with than my daughter. We get along really well. To get to work together every day — it’s very special,” she says.

6896 Paoli Rd., Belleville, lilysinpaoli.com 16

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We can make memories on vacation AND in a bigger home.

TM

— HANNAH, LIFELONG MEMBER

HANNAH’S STORY

While I never really struggled to make ends meet, I knew I had to manage my money better when I took on a bigger role in my godchildren’s lives. With Summit’s help, I paid down my debt and built a savings plan, and now we’re taking a family cruise and steps toward a bigger home. ________________ Summit Credit Union is proud to help people throughout our community create a better life – with tools and programs that help you build wealth and reduce stress.

Join us at SummitCreditUnion.com and we’ll help you Summit, too.

Insured by NCUA © Summit Credit Union 2024

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THRIVE | CAREER

WORK HARD, LIVE WELL The elusive search for work-life balance.

COURTESY MARY OKON

D

BY AMANDA N. WEGNER

espite what society wants us to believe, worklife balance is not 50/50.

“Work-life balance is not about an even split and giving yourself half to one thing and half to another,” says Mary Okon, owner of Mary Okon Coaching. “As women, we wear a lot of hats, so it’s about being present where you are and being able to give your all to what you’re doing in the moment.”

Okon is passionate about helping others achieve balance in their lives. Her work is inspired by her own journey to conquer burnout and achieve work-life balance, which she started in 2019.

“You can make way more impact in the world when you’re taking care of yourself,” explains Okon, a master certified nutrition and life coach.

One of the challenges to finding balance is accounting for your time, specifically, how you actually spend it compared to how you want to spend it. Through noncredit courses at Madison College, Okon helps individuals do this “accounting” with a time spent audit. This tool utilizes the time-as-money concept to determine how you want to spend your hours.

“Would you really want to spend money complaining about work for a half hour when you get home? By thinking of time as money, you’ll gain insights into how you’re spending your time, giving you the opportunity to choose how to spend your time more wisely moving forward.”

Okon also leverages another tool, a work-life balance audit, to help individuals better understand where their time and energy are going and prioritize what matters most.

While having an accounting of your time is a powerful start, the real work begins when you choose to shift the balance. To optimize your success in achieving a balance that works best for you, Okon offers five tips: 1. Small steps lead to lasting change.

“Achieving your goals doesn’t require turning your whole life upside down,” says Okon. “When working towards a goal, taking small steps is way more efficient and effective than trying to make one giant leap.”

“

As women, we wear a lot of hats, so it’s about being present where you are and being able to give your all to what you’re doing in the moment.

— Mary Okon

”

2. Practice progress, not perfection.

Give yourself time and grace and adjust as needed. “Not everything’s black and white,” says Okon. “The gray in between is often where the answer lies. If you find yourself stuck in either-or thinking, ask yourself what other MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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THRIVE | CAREER

options there are. Your answer may surprise you and may even lead to a much more positive result.”

3. Reset as needed.

Okon recommends checking in with yourself throughout the day and resetting as needed. Receive a rude email? Itinerary doesn’t go as planned?

A quick mental reset can help reframe your take on the day.

“The real flex is getting yourself back on track,” she says.

4. Make space for the parts of your day.

Have a workday “warmup” and leave time to unwind. For instance, at the end of the workday, close your laptop, take a few deep breaths and close your office door.

“It’s good to have a routine to separate your time between work and

home. If [you’re] working at an office, your commute to and from work is a great opportunity to mentally prepare and unwind from work. If [you’re] working at home, leave your office door closed when you aren’t working to keep work tasks confined to working hours,” says Okon.

5. Champion self-care.

“The biggest misconception I see women struggle with when it comes to self-care is thinking that putting themselves last is the best way to care for others,” says Okon. “But being your best for others starts with taking care of yourself, so you can give them the best of you.”

Amanda N. Wegner is a local freelance writer, and communications and marketing professional.

SIGNS THAT YOU MAY BE OUT OF BALANCE: • Feeling like you’re always “pushing through” • An increase in stress • Lack of focus or ability to be present; this may show up in the form of checking work emails at events or missing special moments because your mind is elsewhere • Inadvertently snapping at loved ones • Lack of sleep or fatigue from staying up worrying about work • Self-care declines; examples include skipping meals, not taking days off when you’re sick, putting off vacation or increasing your caffeine intake just to make it through the day

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ASK THE EXPERT When Government Agents Visit: Immigration Enforcement Q&A for Organizations What types of immigration visits can my organization expect and who conducts them?

Organizations should be prepared for three main types of immigration enforcement visits: • Form I-9 Inspections, conducted by the Department of Labor, Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE), ensure you’ve hired only work-authorized individuals.

• Work Visa Compliance Site Visits, conducted

by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Labor or ICE, verify work visa holders are following visa requirements.

Jennifer Johnson, Attorney

• ICE Raids, conducted exclusively by ICE, search for unauthorized individuals and may include seizing documents immediately. Each type of visit has different documentation requirements and limitations on where agents can go within your workplace.

How should we prepare in advance?

Establish clear physical boundaries by marking non-public areas as “private.” Designate specific individuals authorized to interact with government agents and ensure this authority is clearly communicated throughout your organization.

Maintain strict I-9 compliance through regular audits and proper recordkeeping.

What documents authorize different types of visits?

• Form I-9 Inspection: Requires a Notice of Inspection (served three days prior) or a judicial subpoena/warrant.

• Work Visa Compliance: No documentation required; often unannounced.

BOARDMAN CLARK 1 S. Pinckney St., Ste. 410 Madison, WI 53703 608.257.9521 boardmanclark.com

talk to you or let you inside. Please wait here while I notify the staff authorized to help you. They will ensure that we are in full compliance with the law.”

What should authorized representatives do when agents arrive?

Call your attorney immediately. Request and review the document authorizing the visit. Maintain professional composure throughout. Accompany agents during the visit and document everything through notes and copies.

Can agents enter any area of our workplace?

No. For I-9 inspections, agents may only enter spaces necessary to view I-9 records. For ICE raids, agents need a judicial warrant to enter non-public spaces, though they may enter areas open to the public. The warrant will specify which areas they may search.

What if an agent exceeds their authority?

State clear verbal objections to the agent’s action, document the incident in detail and inform your attorney. For example, say: “Officer, I object to you opening that door. There is no I-9 information in that room and your Notice of Inspection does not allow you to search that private space.”

What actions should be avoided during a visit?

Do not become aggressive with officers. Never encourage individuals to leave the premises or hide from officers, as this could be considered aiding and abetting a crime or harboring an undocumented worker.

What's the most important thing to remember?

Preparation is key. When in doubt, contact your immigration attorney before acting. The investment in advance preparation and professional response protocols will help protect your organization during any immigration enforcement visit.

• ICE Raid: Requires a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.

Note: Immigration law is complex and situation specific. Always consult with an immigration attorney for guidance tailored to your circumstances.

How should a front-point employee respond to government agents if they show up?

The employee should say: “I am not authorized to

Jennifer Johnson is an attorney in Boardman Clark’s Immigration and Family Law practice groups.

Contact her at jjohnson@boardmanclark.com or 608.286.7151.

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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THRIVE | WELLBEING

FROM BURNOUT TO BALANCE The lowdown on health coaching.

BY SUE SVEUM

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what the mind is thinking. If your mind is overwhelmed, stressed or stuck in negative patterns, it affects how we feel and how we take care of ourselves.”

Many women struggle with certain mindsets about food, nutrition and the number on the scale. “If a client is under-eating, I’ll gradually increase calorie intake,” Muntner explains. “Fueling their body properly will [result in] improved energy and feeling better — making it easier to accept eating more.”

“

Your body is wise — and when you learn to work with it instead of against it, everything begins to shift. .— Kari Mysker

”

Another area Muntner and Mysker address with clients is their hormones.

“When your hormones are off, it affects energy, sleep and mood,” says Muntner. “And when your body is under that stress, your hormones can get messed up, sleep suffers and you might

COURTESY KARI MYSKER

B

etween work, family commitments and trying to squeeze in a little me time, we often put our own health on the back burner. But carving out time for wellness is essential and that’s where a health coach — someone who helps clients create realistic, doable and healthy lifestyle habits that support physical and mental wellbeing — can come in, offering individualized coaching that goes beyond fitness.

“Health coaching supports people in making lifestyle and behavior changes that lead to better overall health and wellbeing,” explains Kari Mysker, founder and owner of Ether Wellness. “My coaching blends [in] yoga, breathwork, meditation, strength training, Pilates, nutrition and lifestyle coaching. No two women are the same, so I always start with where she’s at, what she needs and what stage of life she’s in.”

Dani Muntner, owner of Rise With Dani, agrees.

“I truly believe that real transformation begins from within, so I focus on a holistic approach that creates lasting change by addressing both physical and mental aspects of health,” she says. “Fitness goals are awesome to have, but they should be part of a bigger picture of overall wellness.”

It’s no coincidence that both coaches chose this field after experiencing mind/body issues of their own. Muntner struggled with body dysmorphia, an eating disorder and self-worth regarding how she looked. For Mysker, the stress of a corporate job led to gut issues, anxiety and fatigue.

“The way you see yourself and your approach to fitness can drive your actions,” says Muntner. “Mental health has a huge impact on physical health because the body always follows

THRIVE | WELLBEING

even experience irregular periods.” It’s a vicious cycle.

“Mainstream health and fitness [advice] often overlooks the unique hormonal changes of women during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and beyond,” says Mysker.

“Understanding these connections and making small shifts can create a big impact over time.”

Mysker has helped many women find success with cycle syncing — aligning movement, nutrition and self-care with the four phases of their menstrual cycle — to support hormone balance and help them feel more in sync.

While there’s no national licensure requirement for health coaches, a health coach may seek credentialing from the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), which ensures the training a coach has is "rigorous and reputable," according to Cleveland Clinic.

Many coaches have additional specialty training. Both Mysker and Muntner are certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches, and both hold other health and wellness-related certifications. (Note that health coaches don’t diagnose medical conditions or treat disease.)

Muntner offers in-person training, online coaching with personalized workout and nutrition plans, and her Empower HER course, which dives deeper into overall health.

Beyond one-on-one coaching, Mysker’s Ether Wellness also hosts workshops and offers education on women’s health, hormones and movement.

“Women deserve support [and] a space to reconnect with their bodies and sense of self,” says Mysker. “Your body is wise — and when you learn to work with it instead of against it, everything begins to shift.”

Sue Sveum is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to BRAVA.

At NuCare Senior Living, we are more than just a senior living community — we are a dedicated management company committed to enhancing communities and the quality of life for seniors. Our compassionate approach to senior living focuses on improving independence, fostering social connections and supporting overall well-being. Whether your loved one requires independent living, assisted living or memory care, we’re here to provide the highest level of care and comfort.

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and durability of your new home.

DWELL TASTE OF TRADITION Neutrals with a pop of blue are anything but boring.

BY SHAYNA MACE STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

Nicole Fulton, owner and lead designer at Nest Interior Design, pulls together what’s inspiring her now.

Clockwise from top: Olive wood rolling pin, $32, white rectangle mod charcuterie board, $142, beechwood cooking spoons, $20, Oyster Aquarius dining plate, $15, olive wood cheese utensils (set of three), $25, striped tea towels (set of two), $22, olive wood round spoon, $15, and footed ramekin, $7, all from anestedhome.com; Casablanca 5x5 matte ceramic tile in Attia, $8.79/sq. ft., bedrosians. com; brass oil cruet, $42, bobbin salt or pepper grinder, $87.50, twister salt or pepper grinder, $87.50, olive wood paddle board, $30, vine element mug, $15, vintage ceramic pie pan, $9, and alabaster opus dish, $9, all from anestedhome.com; Schumacher Horst Stripe fabric, schumacher.com; Benjamin Moore Sea View 836, benjaminmoore.com; Mont Blanc quartzite countertop, capitalstone.biz; Hicks large pendant light finishes, and black wishbone dining table finish sample, both from anestedhome.com.

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DWELL

GET THE LOOK

EXPERT OPINION

When pulling together her mood board (see prior page), Nest Interior Design’s Fulton was inspired by a recent kitchen/dining space she concepted for a client who needed more room for gatherings. She explains that the use of neutrals, along with strategic splashes of blue in the backsplash, wall color and throw pillows, guarantees the space has longevity — but can be changed down the road.

Fulton explains what makes a space really look polished.

Hicks extra large pendant light, $1,165, anestedhome.com

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Casablanca 5x5 matte ceramic tile in Attia, $8.79/sq. ft., bedrosians.com

Benjamin Moore Sea View 836, benjaminmoore.com

Mix It Up “A kitchen that’s going to stand the test of time has a healthy mix of textures. Using all matte textures (such as honed countertops, matte cabinetry and scrubbed oak floors) can look flat. Weaving in polished metals or countertops can really lift a space.”

Luxe Lighting “Lighting is so important! If everything is light and you’ve got good task lighting, that is a space you’re going to want to be in and love for the long term. With lighting, we do a mix of under-cabinet lighting, general lighting and pendant lights.”

COURTESY NEST INTERIOR DESIGN

Mont Blanc quartzite countertop, capitalstone.biz

Color Cues “I’m happy to see a mix of warm and cool woods. Embracing warm and cool neutrals (instead of everything being so cool the last few years) … gives spaces longevity. And because our winters are so long in Wisconsin, it’s nice to have warmer tones to visually warm up a space as well.”

From kitchens to basements, we bring your renovation vision to life.

DWELL DWELL

A SPACE THAT SINGS This bathroom transformed from boring to super-chic.

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen a local couple approached Autumn Cartee, residential project designer at Architectural Building Arts, to reimagine their main bathroom, they already had a few ideas in mind. “They were after something a little more modern, [wanted] some color … and they also wanted to have a bit of a midcentury modern feel,” says Cartee.

The down-to-the studs renovation took a few months, which included adding a private water closet, rearranging a few elements in the space and nailing the gorgeous design.

“The client was very complimentary with the attention to detail and were happy with the way it turned out,” says Cartee.

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DWELL DWELL

2

1 3 THE DETAILS 1.

2.

The freestanding vanity and sculptural sconces are from Rejuvenation. “We wanted the vanity to look like a furniture piece,” explains Cartee. The warm wood tone marries well with the room’s showstopping green tile — as well as with the rest of the furniture in the client’s home.

Ragno’s Look Oliva glossy emerald tile is used on the accent wall and wraps into the shower — and provides just the glow-up the bathroom needed.

Robern’s Oliver medicine cabinet looks like a mirror — but is cleverly inset into the wall and has lighting and outlets on the inside.

3.

The shower stayed in the same spot — but was vastly improved with the removal of a half-wall, adding in floor-to-ceiling glass walls and rearranging the plumbing fixtures, says Cartee. Brizo’s Brilliance fixtures in luxe gold are used throughout the bathroom.

4. In the new water closet, Hackney & Company’s Herbarium wallpaper livens up the space and SherwinWilliams’ Rookwood Dark Green coats the ceiling in luxurious color.

“The client wanted it to be kind of fun when you went in there and not just painted walls,” notes Cartee.

The marble hexagon floor tile is from Madison’s Molony Tile.

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DWELL

Stephanie Orkowski

HELPING PEOPLE GROW MSN Plant Collective caters from newbie up to experienced plant parents.

BY HANNAH WENTE

S

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

tephanie Orkowski has made it her mission to help people become better plant parents through her new Monroe Street shop, MSN Plant Collective. Every day, she connects with customers to share her horticulture knowledge and help them find the best houseplant(s) for their space.

“When people come in, I want to inspire them with an ‘I can … be a plant parent’ attitude,” she says. “I hope I’m giving people

confidence and nuggets of information to grow into the next level of plant parenting.” Orkowski offers some of her best tips.

WATERING The most common questions she gets are about watering houseplants — especially since dry air during our Midwest winters makes it a major concern. When houseplants are growing in perfect light conditions, they’re using and

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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DWELL

processing all of the water they receive. With less daylight during the winter, houseplants slow down their photosynthesis process and can’t process as much water.

“Trust that the plant needs less water in the winter,” Orkowski says. “Don’t overwater them — that creates root rot and can kill the plant. Always check the soil before watering.”

Stick a wooden chopstick or knitting needle into the soil.

If soil sticks to the chopstick or knitting needle, it means the houseplant has enough water, and you can wait a few days.

HUMIDITY

“Not all plants need humidity,” says Orkowski. “Tropical understory plants — monstera, philodendrons, pothos and spider plants — will appreciate extra humidity in air, especially in the winter. Succulent and snake plants don’t need it.”

Misters and spray bottles help, but are temporary fixes that don’t raise the humidity level of a room. Use a fancy humidifier or a pebble tray (a dish with stones on it). Spread natural or aquarium rocks on a tray, pour water halfway up the rocks, then place the houseplant on top — being careful to not allow the bottom of the planter to touch the water. The water evaporates over a large surface area to create moisture.

The other houseplant dilemma people struggle with is humidity. Winter can be difficult for indoor plants.

QUALITY When it comes to houseplant nutrition, using high-quality products sets them up for success. Think of it like making a recipe — superior ingredients usually make a dish taste better.

Orkowski mixes her own soil in the shop and is in the process of creating a branded soil blend. Certain soils are better suited to specific houseplants and needs. A general, chunky houseplant mix helps with drainage so houseplants don’t sit in too much water. A succulent mix without a lot of organic matter helps with drainage for those types of plants. General potting soil is heavier with organic matter.

Hannah Wente loves sharing the stories of farmers, chefs and entrepreneurs.

POPULAR PLANTS Snake plant This is a great houseplant for busy people because it’s hardy and forgiving — and can even be placed in a darker room. Longterm maintenance is easy — just divide it and repot it into one, two or three pots.

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Philodendron This versatile houseplant has varieties that are tall and upright, big and massive, or smaller and more contained. Its lush green foliage and varying sizes make it great for a living room or office. It can also be cut and divided.

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Health Series

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or generations, women have treated menopause like another phase of life to quietly power through. But that’s changing.

Now, conversations about perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause are popping up everywhere — from group chats to doctor’s offices. Women are speaking up and taking charge of their experience, pushing for more support and better care in their health journey.

• Joint or muscle pain • Mood swings and irritability H ealth Series • Sleep disturbances • Decreased libido • Vaginal dryness • Weight gain • Hair loss • Itchy skin

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Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause are natural stages in a woman’s life that bring about changes due to hormonal shifts, but they differ in timing, symptoms and management.

Perimenopause Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, starting in a woman’s 40s, but sometimes occurring as early as the mid30s. It can last anywhere from a few years to a decade. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and the body begins to adjust.

One of the first signs of perimenopause is an irregular menstrual cycle in which periods may become heavier, lighter, longer or shorter. Symptoms during perimenopause may include: • Irregular periods • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Fatigue

Menopause Is Having a Moment

UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s H e aquick l t h guide S e r i etos perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

THRIVE AFTER 55

risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease due to the decline of estrogen, a hormone essential to maintaining strong bones and protecting against heart attack, heart disease and stroke.

Menopause Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. The ovaries cease estrogen production entirely, which can lead to more intense symptoms than those experienced during perimenopause.

Common symptoms of menopause include: • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Vaginal dryness • Urinary incontinence • Sleep problems • Mood changes • Hair loss • Itchy skin Postmenopause Postmenopause is the absence of a menstrual cycle for 12 months and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. Symptoms of postmenopause are similar to those of perimenopause and menopause; however, symptoms may be less intense.

Postmenopausal women have a much higher

Managing Symptoms During all of these phases, various treatments can alleviate symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to balance hormonal changes.

This can significantly reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings — but it is not suitable for all women.

Non-hormonal medications like certain antidepressants can help with hot flashes.

Lifestyle changes — such as eating a balanced diet, staying active and managing stress — may alleviate some symptoms naturally.

Menopause can be an unfamiliar and sometimes difficult chapter in a woman’s life. At UnityPoint Health – Meriter, we offer a variety of providers who believe in compassionate, evidence-based care.

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Great Expectations A main-floor remodel yields a much more functional and family-friendly floor plan.

BY MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

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hen Katie and Dave Cappozzo moved into their 4,300-square-foot home on Lake Waubesa in 2014, they were thrilled to be living on the water. There was just one problem, and it was a big one.

The home was built in the 1960s as a cabin. Since then, it had undergone seven additions, with the seventh done in the 1980s.

So, the home had an unusual layout and was outdated. It was also too big for a tear-down and rebuild.

“Remodeling was an overwhelming prospect, because where do you even start?” says Katie.

The couple began by updating the home’s exterior, installing new windows and siding. Then, in 2021, they tapped Mojo Home Interiors, a Monona interior design and remodeling firm, to tackle the home’s second floor.

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The project went so well, with the work done on time and on budget, that they returned to Mojo when it was time to remodel the home’s main floor. This was more of a challenge, in part because the main level was laid out in a nonsensical manner, Katie says. The couple wanted a better flow to the space, fewer walls and a larger kitchen.

Rather than stressing about the details, as the couple had done during the upper-floor remodel, the Cappozzos turned over the entire project to Mojo — namely, Jodie Amerell, vice president and senior interior designer.

“All I did was pick out the lights and the door handles for the cupboards,” Katie says.

The results far exceeded the couple’s expectations. The home’s entry, once a compact space lacking amenities for a family of five, is now equipped with coat hooks, a bench crafted from a

While the fireplace dominates the dining room, all of the space’s elements pair together beautifully, including the paintings, which came from The Montage in McFarland. “They might be my favorite paintings in the entire house,” Katie says.

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Top: The home’s new lounge area features four swivel chairs so it’s easy to chat with family and friends, or turn around to take in the gorgeous lake views.

“This is a whole new space in our home that is used constantly,” Katie says.

Bottom: The butler’s pantry added needed storage as well as a place to hide everyday kitchen messes from the open-concept kitchen.

backyard tree they had removed and a cabinet for stashing quick-grab items.

The old, cramped kitchen now includes a butler’s pantry, where the family hides bulky kitchen appliances. The new, spacious kitchen features a striking black island and many other amenities.

But the most stunning part of the remodel is the dining room, which features a massive stone fireplace. The stones were once shades of red, yellow and gold — warm tones that clashed with the home’s updated palette of black, gray and white. So Amerell suggested painting the stones black to masterfully blend the fireplace into the new aesthetic.

“Everybody said, ‘Do what?!’” Amerell says. “But after we painted it, then added the light fixture and other elements, we were like, ‘Holy, moly!’ The room sang so much you could hear it hum.”

“We were so happy with the entire project,” Katie says. “It all turned out way better than we expected.”

Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance travel writer and speaker based in Sun Prairie.

MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Designer Directives If your budget allows, hire an interior designer to help with your home remodel, says Jodie Amerell, vice president and senior interior designer at Mojo Home Interiors. And she doesn’t say this out of self-interest.

“Interior designers can always see things better and greater than what you can envision for yourself,” Amerell says. “They’re good visionaries who are able to create a plan and then stick to it.”

Whether or not you end up tapping an interior designer for your next project, Amerell offers three pieces of advice for those planning a home renovation: • Pick the mood or feeling you want to create first, then select colors and textures to support that feeling.

• Select a focal point to build your room around.

COURTESY JODIE AMERELL

• To create a cohesive look, repeat three elements, such as a shape, color or material.

Top: The Cappozzos’ new bar used to be a “dead” wall, Katie says. Now, the family has easy access to drinks in the fridge plus more storage space.

Right: Colorful Thibaut wallpaper in the entry makes an immediate statement.

“It’s something fun, unexpected and out of the ordinary,” says Amerell. The white cabinet comes from Minnesota’s Crystal Cabinet Works, and the multipanel mirror is from Pottery Barn.

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A Generational Garden

One woman’s artistic vision comes to life in her backyard.

BY HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF

renda Hemenway started her garden in 1985 when her kids were young. She expresses herself through its many plantings, sculptures and family keepsakes — seamlessly blending the old with the new.

“I have a little bit of this and that,” Hemenway says. “I wanted to be an artist at one time. Gardening was a way I could still be artistic and change things, and no one could tell me what to do. It let me be free to be creative.”

She has an affinity for planting and tending multi-colored zinnias.

“Every year, I save, collect and share the seeds with everyone I know,” she says. “I have all different colors and kinds.”

Various glass pieces on metal rods decorate her garden, creating a bejeweled look. The glass is grouped by color: white milk, cobalt blue, orange and maroon/cranberry.

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“

I wanted to be an artist at one time. Gardening was a way I could still be artistic ...

As a retired physical education teacher, Hemenway loves to create interactive experiences for her garden visitors. One of her favorites: a scavenger hunt featuring 30 white bird figurines hidden throughout her garden — and she challenges guests to find all of them. Can you spot one in the image above?

”

“I started way back when Martha Stewart used cobalt blue bottles and vases to make bottle trees,” she says. “I get them from thrift stores and antique stores. They look great in the snow where there’s no foliage.”

Hemenway has monuments from her mother, grandparents and great-grandmother throughout her garden. Her favorite is a 1940s stone planter that used to sit on her grandmother’s front porch.

She contributes to the garden’s evolution by adding a new element each year.

“My personal motto has always been, ‘Be the change,’” she says. “It is my personal challenge to create a different experience in my yard each summer.”

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Grab a beverage and take a stroll in the Gardens with your sweetheart, play a game of bocce ball or cornhole with your pals, or start a dance party on the Great Lawn. From fantastic local food cart fare, to giant lawn games, to tunes from local musicians, there’s something for EVERYONE at Summer Breeze!

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GROOVE

GRAZE

Top: This stone border is comprised of stones from Hemenway’s sister’s home in the country, the neighbor’s and her parent’s home. Over time, she hauled them to her backyard and placed them herself.

Right: Hemenway has hosted four garden tours, including a fundraiser for a student with cancer.

Left: Hemenway collected orange, red/cranberry, milk glass and cobalt bottles for her decor from flea markets, and vintage and thrift stores throughout the state.

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Focus on Flowers Hemenway’s garden has a vast variety of plantings.

Hibiscus: These bloom in late summer into the fall and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its blooms can be as big as dinner plates and come in a variety of colors, including bright red and orange.

Zinnias: In addition to sharing zinnia seeds with friends and family, Hemenway has also sold seeds to benefit local causes.

Top: This vintage bench and lawn chairs (see P. 51) were rescued from the basement of Hemenway’s daughter’s house. Many of the annuals in planters were purchased from the Sun Prairie East and West High School FFA spring plant sale. One of the club’s advisors is a former student of Hemenway’s.

Bottom: Hemenway’s husband, Clay, built this shed and all of the other wooden structures in the garden.

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Chinese astilbe: “I enjoy a large variety of astilbes because they bloom during different parts of [spring and summer], making my garden everchanging,” says Hemenway.

Left: The tall, blue flower-like structure is a blue bottle tree, with native blackeyed Susans, astilbes and Miss Kim lilacs surrounding it. Right: Garden paths throughout are comprised of grass, bricks, small rocks and stepping stones.

The large, silver-leafed plants are called “Angel Wings” and Hemenway plants them annually.

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Game Changers

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MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE SHAPING AND GROWING MADISON’S SPORTS SCENE.

BY JANE BURNS, NIKKI KALLIO, SUE SVEUM AND KATIE VAUGHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION AT BAKKE RECREATION & WELLBEING CENTER

M

eet any of the women who are on these pages and they’ll tell you the same thing:

Playing sports guided the trajectory of their lives and positively influenced who they are today. But more importantly, all of them are cultivating female athletes, bringing new sports franchises to the city and championing women’s sports. (Oh, and one of them is an Olympian and another has won five national championships as a coach — no biggie.)

L-R: Jackie Crum, Samantha Rubin and Lauren Carlini MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Manifesting Her Dream Career Lauren Carlini, LOVB player and UW-Madison women’s volleyball coach

V

olleyball star Lauren Carlini’s entire life has led to moments she’s experiencing now and dreams that have already come true. Now she’s building on those dreams to help others achieve theirs, too.

The former Badgers All-American returned to Madison last fall after helping the U.S. win a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, then joined UW-Madison Head Volleyball Coach Kelly Sheffield’s coaching staff as offensive analyst and strategy consultant. She juggles those duties with a pro volleyball career, as a member of Madison’s club in the new League One Volleyball (also called LOVB). Carlini is also a founding athlete of LOVB, which has six pro teams across the U.S. In some ways, it was all meant to be. As a child, Carlini drew a picture of herself standing on an Olympic podium, a picture she still has, and put up an Olympic flag on her bedroom wall.

“There was a lot of manifesting from a young age,” she says.

The opportunity to play pro volleyball in the U.S. wasn’t part of the plan — until it was. LOVB gave her a chance to come home after a pro career in Italy, Russia and Turkey.

“Right time, right place, right situation,” she says. “I would have been dumb to say no to this.”

The dual coach/player role is an inspiring one. Given Carlini’s path in life and the chance for those players to see her in action with LOVB, her mere presence shows players what is possible.

“There’s credibility there,” she says. “When you see someone do it in person, then you think, ‘OK, if she can do it, I can do it, too.’”

— Jane Burns

What would your advice be if a little girl said, “I want to be you when I grow up?”

Honestly, I would say don’t try to be me. Be better. Be yourself and be better. And don’t be afraid to put in the hard work and don’t be afraid to dream big.

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team player Samantha Rubin, general manager of the Madison Night Mares and the Madison Mallards

S

amantha Rubin will never forget opening day for the Madison Night Mares. The near-constant rain of June 2024 held off as 2,300 softball fans flocked to Warner Park to welcome the city’s new collegiate softball team.

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“The community really showed up,” says Rubin, who moved to Madison in 2021 to become general manager of the Madison Mallards men’s baseball league and now also oversees the Night Mares.

“We won 18 to 1, but that was just icing on the cake.”

While this summer brings the 25th season of the Mallards, it’s the second for the Night Mares, and Rubin can’t wait to get going. She’s excited about new head coach Lexi Godwin, who hails from the University of Oklahoma’s “softball dynasty” and a strong roster of players.

The Night Mares will also have more games, new jerseys and enhanced ticket options — including suites and the beloved Busch Light Duck Blind section — for certain games.

“We’re really going all in on year two,” Rubin says.

But Rubin’s work last season garnered attention. In 2024, the Northwoods League named her both Softball Executive and Baseball Executive of the Year, and awarded the Night Mares Softball Organization of the Year.

Rubin, who played both softball and basketball at her Clearwater, Florida, high school and rowed for the University of Florida, attributes the success to the culture she cultivates among her staff, coaches and players.

“The team atmosphere is No. 1,” she says. “That’s always the priority for me.

There’s no sugarcoating it — the hours are long, it’s hot, it’s a demanding job.

So, morale and how things are done matter.”

— Katie Vaughn

What has sports taught you?

Resilience. Sports teaches you from a young age that there’s a winner and a loser, and whichever one you are, that’s okay.

There’s always another opportunity. Sports has taught me to pick myself back up and do it again, to try it again.

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frozen dreams Jackie Crum, UW-Madison assistant women’s hockey coach

J

ackie Crum’s hockey experience at UW-Madison includes far more than than the eight total NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championships the team has won since its inception — including the thriller the Badgers just won in March 2025. (Crum has helped the team win five of those championships as a coach.) She’s been a part of the UW’s women’s hockey program most of its entire tenure.

Crum just finished her 16th season as an assistant women’s hockey coach on Mark Johnson’s staff.

Before that, she was a Badger herself. Her 2001-05 playing career began in the third season of women’s hockey at Wisconsin. (The inaugural season was 1999-2000.)

“When you have time to reflect, it’s really incredible where the program has gone,” Crum says.

Growing up in Saskatchewan playing hockey against boys, coaching was not a career that Crum thought she would have. Just getting to play college hockey was amazing enough, but a career in coaching?

Get outta here.

“I loved teaching and was going to be a [physical education] teacher,” Crum says. “Now you ask my players, ‘What do you want to do someday?’ They say, ‘Be a coach.’ And at a Division I school, they can.”

Crum has held fast to the teacher she wanted to be.

Her approach, like the entire Badgers’ staff, is more about teaching the game and less about following a system.

“We want them to have the ability to make decisions themselves,” she says. “We call it hockey sense.”

Crum juggles coaching with family; she and her husband, Tim, have two daughters, ages 6 and 4.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” she says. “But it’s so rewarding. Times like after the championship game when my kids are skating around with the players — they just think that it’s normal. It’s just the coolest.”

— Jane Burns

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LEFT TOP, BOTTOM COURTESY UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN-MADISON

Crum with her husband, Tim, and her two daughters after the NCAA Championship

Crum with head women’s hockey coach, Mark Johnson

What are some of the most valuable lessons girls and young women can take from sports?

Confidence is No. 1 …

And you learn about being part of a team. That’s what I want for my girls. I couldn't care less if they become college players, but if they’re part of a team sport, they’ll learn how to persevere and gain confidence in themselves.

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L-R: Katrin Madayag-Ard (Hello, Sailor), Emily Gorvego (Ditch Witch), Sarah Larson (Gouda Riddance), Mandy Box (Badaboom Box), Zooma Thurman and Amber Gordon (Amber(dex)trous)

hell on wheels Sarah Larson, executive director of the Madison Roller Derby

A

bout 20 years ago, Sarah Larson was scrolling through Craigslist ads for writing gigs and came across one to cover the roller derby beat for the former Dane101.com. Roller derby is a fast-moving sport that’s played by two teams, each with four blockers and one jammer, who earns

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points for every blockers hip they pass from the opposite team.

“I was like, ‘Oh, man. This is so fun.’

It reminded me of being in punk rock basement shows and mosh pits,” says Larson, who covered what was then the Mad Rollin’ Dolls (now called Madison Roller Derby, or MRD) for two seasons.

“It was grassroots and had that DIY ethos. It was campy and sassy, and had some controlled, community-based aggression,” she says.

Larson (whose derby name is Gouda Riddance), has been a part of the MRD team for 13 years. In 2023, she took on the role of executive director. In her day

job, Larson is the director of the Food Finance Institute at the Universities of Wisconsin.

MRD, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has four home teams — Cosmic Crush, Quad Squad, Reservoir Dolls and the Unholy Rollers — as well as several competitive travel teams and a recreational derby.

Currently, Larson is looking at whether the derby can support a juniors program.

“There are so many stories … of people who say ‘Derby gave me the confidence to do or be X or Y,’” Larson says. “I have become a better human, a better leader, an athlete and more confident in my other work, and I have felt so supported by this community through tough times.”

—Nikki Kallio

U’RE INVITED O Y

TO

What has sports taught you?

[Sports has] taught me that I am an athlete … and that I [can] compete and that my body has this ability across aging to remain strong [and] to be able to do amazing things …

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The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin (GFW) is on a mission to boost and promote golf opportunities for Wisconsin’s female golfers.

“We’re working to grow and expand access to golf for girls and women by providing an inclusive and supportive environment that helps them excel in the sport,” explains Travis Becker, GFW’s director of instruction.

The foundation’s programs focus on teens and women in a variety of formats.

Female Youth Athlete Programs • Inner-City Golf Academy: This two-day event in June is for girls in grades 7-12 that matriculate to or currently attend Madison East or La Follette high schools. It covers swing fundamentals, on-course play and more.

• Non-Metropolitan Golf Academy: This program focuses on smaller schools lacking professional golf instruction, with female students from grades 7-12 invited to participate in a two-day academy in July.

• Diversity Outreach Program: The GFW provides a scholarship to a female golfer of color to take part in its spring and summer junior golf program.

For adults, the GFW partners with the LPGA Amateur Association to hold women’s golf clinics in June, July and August, and will host a women’s collegiate event at TPC Wisconsin this September.

— Sue Sveum

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HER LEGACY

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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY In my earliest memories, my mother had me and my younger brother out in the garden every possible day, at the bottom of the hill behind our house. She raised carrots, peas, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and two little veggie bandits.

(We used to eat fresh okra right off the plant until she’d catch us and chase us away.)

Gardening with her taught us to be patient, detail-oriented and optimistic about the future. Sure, working in the dirt under a hot sun seemed insufferable, while we were asked to make certain each plant was exactly positioned for maximum success. Of course, my brother and I didn’t understand that these little plants were also helping sustain a family making less than $10,000 a year.

In 1984, Mom got a part-time job working for a charming young man named Gordy Kopke on his farm in the pastoral township of Dunn, just outside of Oregon, Wisconsin. His talent for spotting beauty was not just limited to flowers,

and he eventually convinced her to make the move into the countryside. Over the next 35 years, they planted and harvested. Gordy built additional greenhouses and Mom helped fill them with the plants and flowers they loved. All the while, my brother and I watched, played in the dirt, and learned of growth, compassion, patience, and joy. Today, Mom and Gordy still ensure we focus on the details and are helping mentor the next generation of our family. There are a few more of us hanging around now, and we’re grateful for the privilege to be a part of it all. Thank you both for helping us plant some memories.

(Love ya, Mom!) … also, we sell gorgeous flowers and amazing veggie plants you’ll really enjoy. Please check us out!

- Josh Smith

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Where She Ends, I Begin Exploring the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

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Heather Lott and Jane Clark

COURTESY HEATHER LOTT AND LANNIA STENZ

Instilling a Love of Education Jane and Ted Clark, my mom and dad, were the world’s best teachers. My parents encouraged me to pursue the career that brought them such joy. I became a teacher because of them and I married one, too. Our daughters are also now educators, carrying on the family tradition.

My mom offered this timeless wisdom: “We will always need good teachers and you’re one of them.

Always love kids more than you love your subject and you’ll find joy in it.” I loved seeing her pride in the students she taught.

I badly wanted to be like my mom. Like her, I made excellent decisions as a young person, choosing a career and a spouse by the age of 20. I wanted to live the way she did, by modeling the values one needs as a teacher: believing the best about people, having a love of learning, forgiveness, equality, commitment, independence and easy laughter.

I’m still learning from her example.

– Heather Lott, director, Dane County New Teacher Project, and BRAVA 2025 Woman to Watch

La

nni

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She Had Grit and Grace When I was a child, my mom taught me to navigate life like the ocean, finding calm in the waves, joy in the ride and strength to stand my ground without letting anyone kick sand in my face. She showed me that community, humor and connection can anchor you, even when the tide gets rough. My mom faced pancreatic cancer with grit and grace. Her strength helped shape how I show up for others at Gilda’s Club: with resilience, heart and a sense of purpose.

– Lannia Stenz, executive director/CEO, Gilda's Club Madison

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2025 Theme: Legends and Fairytales

June 11th 2025 at the sylvee MadisonReadingProject/ ReadyToWear

A Legacy of Listening, Leading and Love

Tom m

i and Sue nn Thomps A

on

My mom’s compassion and resolution continue to guide me, and I’m proud to walk the path she helped create.

My mom, Sue Ann Thompson, taught me a lot of things — but one of the most lasting lessons was simple: “Get a good night of sleep. Things always feel better in the morning.” It was her way of reminding me that, no matter how overwhelming life feels, clarity often comes with rest and a fresh perspective. That advice has stayed with me through life, motherhood, and leadership.

When my mom was undergoing breast cancer treatment in Madison, she was also serving as Wisconsin’s First Lady. As she traveled the state, she saw firsthand how women in rural areas lacked access to the care, information and support she was receiving. She recognized that gap — and instead of walking away from it, she leaned in. In 1997, she founded the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) to bring resources, support, and education to women who needed it.

Now, as executive director of WWHF, I carry forward her vision. She taught me to see a need and respond with purpose.

That mindset is woven into the DNA of our organization: When we see a gap in the healthcare landscape, we look to see if this is something we are uniquely able to fill and help.

My mom’s compassion and resolution continue to guide me, and I’m proud to walk the path she helped create.

– Tommi Thompson, executive director, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation

COURTESY TOMMI THOMPSON AND SONIA SPENCER

A Woman of Wisdom and Style

My mom is a woman of grace and grit. A beautiful blend of African roots and American resilience. She immigrated to this country with nothing but hope in her heart and strength in her spirit. And while she didn’t come with much, she brought everything she needed: her values, her laughter, her style and an unwavering work ethic.

Growing up, I watched her move through the world with an elegance that couldn’t be taught, only inherited. She would be ironing clothes in the early morning and cracking a joke by dinner that had the whole house in tears. No matter what life threw at her, she faced it with her head high and a purse that matched her shoes.

She taught me that hard work isn’t just about clocking in and out. It’s about showing up fully, with integrity and pride. I learned from her that style isn’t about what you wear; it’s about how you carry yourself. And most importantly, I learned that being “ladylike” doesn’t mean being quiet or small; it means being strong, wise and knowing when to speak and listen. Her discipline shaped my character. Her love taught me how to love others deeply and without apology.

When I think about the woman I strive to be, I think of her. She’s my reminder that you can be soft and strong. Joyful and focused. Stylish and humble. She’s my mother, and everything I’ve become is what I learned from watching her live and pour unto my sisters and me.

– Sonia Spencer, senior strategic partnerships coordinator, Madison Metropolitan School District department of engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Sonia Spencer and Cecilia Kambwa

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dr. ananda de oliveira mirilli and Breana Mirilli

Breaking the Cycle, Holding the Thread

I wish I had beautiful stories about my mom. I don’t — but that doesn’t mean she didn’t teach me or give me the chance to become the kind of mother I am to my daughter.

I recently learned that a granddaughter’s eggs begin forming in her grandmother’s womb, when the mother is still a fetus. That image — three generations held within one body — feels like poetry. A reminder that we are connected, even in silence.

Generationally, survival has shaped my matrilineal line. My great-grandmother forced my grandmother to marry a lighterskinned cousin — a man she did not love. My grandmother migrated from Brazil’s northeast to Rio de Janeiro after her mother died at age 43. My grandmother became a mother without the support of her own. My mother was raised by her older sister, in the shadow of poverty, absence and violence.

There are no photos of my mom with her mother; no memories of warmth passed down. By 16, I felt my mother’s distance. By 20, I left Brazil and never returned.

Still, we shared what we could. One month before my mother died, I happened to be home in Brazil. My mother had COVID and I was living with my aunt — the same sister who raised her. It was an unexpected goodbye, quietly woven into time — the final closeness we didn’t know we needed.

As I approach my 50s, I honor a lineage of women who endured racism, patriarchy and displacement. They gave me breath and the strength to create something gentler. I dedicated my doctoral thesis to them. And because of my daughter, Breana, I keep learning how to break cycles.

Magical people come from magical people — even if their magic went unrecognized.

At age 12, I remember my first volunteer experience visiting a long-term senior care facility with my student council group. We went from room to room singing holiday carols. One woman was confined to her bed and she couldn’t talk. When we began singing, tears rolled down her cheeks and a smile spread across her face. Our teachers shared how meaningful our visit was to her and many others that day. It ignited my interest and eventual career path in giving back.

Experiences like this shape who we are and who we will become. While empathy may be innate, philanthropy and volunteering are learned behaviors.

My son is now 12 years old. Since he was little, I’ve tried to teach him kindness and generosity through volunteering and giving activities. Every year, he helps me choose which nonprofits we’ll donate to. We talk about the missions of these organizations and why their work is important. As a nonprofit professional, I’ve brought him with me to a variety of volunteer opportunities and nonprofit events.

With over 4,000 charitable organizations in the Madison region, there are many volunteer programs that children can participate in. There are also simple things that can be done at home: baking cookies for neighbors or food pantries, donating clothes or toys to local schools or shelters, and shoveling the sidewalk for an older neighbor.

My hope for my son and the next generation is that they will create a kinder, better world by engaging in experiences at an early age that teach them to think beyond their own lives and challenges, to care for others and to invest in the wellbeing of their communities.

– Amanda White, principal and lead consultant, Amanda White Consulting

– dr. ananda de oliveira mirilli, co-creator of nINA Collective Cooperative Left: Déa Lucia de Oliveira Mirilli

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an d

a and Gre gor y W

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COURTESY DR. ANANDA DE OLIVEIRA MIRELLI AND AMANDA WHITE

How I’m Teaching My Son Kindness Through Giving

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2025 INTERIOR DESIGN PROFILES

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Please describe your design style.

We focus on a transitional style. This uses a combination of both traditional and soft, contemporary elements. We create spaces that welcome you into them via color, texture and the use of patterns.

What home trends are you most excited about right now?

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Warm colors including tans, browns, greens, plums and burgundy. These colors return us to the traditional period of the past. People are looking to warm up their homes and remove the gray tones that have been so popular the past few years.

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What common mistakes do homeowners make when attempting to pull together a room’s design on their own?

People aren’t aware of how scale is vital to the design of a room. Lamps, rugs and even upholstered pieces need to be correctly scaled within a space. They also need to be the correct size with one another to create balance and cohesion.

Often, people don’t have a clear vision of what they want their room to look like when it’s finished. They may purchase items one at a time, without thinking about the overall room design. When everything in a room finally comes together, it can still feel off. There’s often a lack of cohesion, and people aren’t sure how to fix it or make the space feel unified.

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A cohesive color scheme, repetition of design elements, layers of patterns, window treatments and finishing touches.

Details such as wallpapers, appropriately scaled accessories and layers of bedding all reflect a well thought out space.

Our $150 in-home design consultations include all of these selections and more. Describe your vision, existing pieces you want to keep and your budget — and we’ll take it from there!

2025 INTERIOR DESIGN PROFILES

SPONSORED CONTENT

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2025 INTERIOR DESIGN PROFILES

SPONSORED CONTENT

Olivine Designs & Home Solutions

Melissa Dale, owner melissa.dale03@gmail.com

What are the signature touches of a professionally designed room?

One of my goals as a designer is to create a visually cohesive home with unity where each room flows into the other. A professionally designed room will feature elements that reflect the client’s needs as well as incorporate design fundamentals that set the client’s home apart from others.

With the help of a professional designer, clients receive expert advice on how to incorporate color, texture and overall design.

What home trends are you most excited about right now?

• Texture • Natural elements • Wallpaper • Lighter wood tones in cabinets, flooring and trim • Patterned textiles

What colors are popular right now in interior design?

Neutrals are popular on walls, furniture and textiles. We’re also seeing black incorporated in trim, cabinets and more.

Lighter wood tones are becoming more common, eclipsing darker woods.

What are your favorite budget-friendly ways to refresh a room?

A paint refresh, changing accessories or furniture arrangement. Sometimes the simplest change can make a world of difference.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Dream House Dream Kitchens

Linda Eberle, senior designer leberle@drmkit.com

How do you create a design that stays timeless and doesn’t feel outdated after a few years?

If the permanent features of the home are done in timeless finishes and the decor incorporates neutrals (shades of white, black, gray and brown, as well as certain blues and greens in my opinion), everything else around this can easily change over time.

One example of this is a white kitchen. We hear so many people say they don’t want a white kitchen because it’s too trendy. Believe it or not, white kitchens have been around since the early 1900s! White cabinets with clean lines and a classic door style are timeless. The hardware, countertops, light fixtures and wall colors that are used will dictate how in or out of style that white kitchen is. This holds true for other rooms with neutral color schemes as well.

To transform a neutral room, you can install fun new light fixtures, or add stools, accessories or throw pillows in a trendy style or finish. These all add a pop of personality and are easier to change out as trends evolve.

How do you incorporate a client’s personality into your designs?

I had one client who wanted to update the kitchen and gravitated toward a warm, country style. Their kitchen featured classic stained wood cabinets, a custom rustic steel range hood and a live-edge walnut wood snack bar top. Those one-of-a-kind features became talking points.

We removed the traditional breakfast nook table that was seldom used and replaced it with a comfortable seating area with unique pendants where they can sit comfortably and sip their morning coffee or have an afternoon cocktail.

Another client loved ornate French style and liked to entertain. For that project, we used classic white cabinetry and a black island, but incorporated a custom painted ceiling treatment above the island and some fun light fixtures — all in the French provincial style — creating those touches of personality. This kitchen even had a baby grand piano in it, too!

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2025 INTERIOR DESIGN PROFILES

SPONSORED CONTENT

DesignWell Interiors

Amanda Van Wie, owner, Principal designer amanda@designwellhome.com

What home trends are you most excited about right now?

• Brass finishes and fixtures are a trend we hope is here to stay.

Accenting a room with brass lighting, fixtures or hardware adds so much warmth to that space.

• We love the popularity of warm wood tones in cabinets, room accents and furniture. Not only does it warm up a space and make it feel more inviting, it also complements other natural elements and textures such as stone and fabrics.

is such an easy way to soften it and add interest and dimension, and it creates a well-defined focal point.

What are your favorite budgetfriendly ways to refresh a room?

Paint, lighting and furniture are the easiest ways to update any space on a budget. A soothing, updated paint color sets the tone for adding in beautiful furnishings that is pleasing to the eye. We love classic lighting and we believe it is one of the most important elements and can have a big impact when updating any space.

• We cannot seem to get enough of arches. Adding an arch into a space

Linen & Clove

Dani Petta,Principal designer and co-founder dani@linenandclove.com

What home trends are you most excited about right now?

Color drenching, which is painting the walls, ceiling and trim the same color to create an immersive, cohesive and intentionally designed space.

Another is pattern drenching, which is combining complementary patterns of different scales throughout a room, covering walls, furniture and even ceilings, to create a bold, unique, personalized space.

What colors are popular right now in interior design?

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palettes, we’re now seeing rich brown tones in furniture, paint, flooring and décor. Think walnut floors, vintage dark wood furniture and chocolatey velvet textiles. Mocha Mousse, a sophisticated, nougaty brown, was named Pantone’s 2025 color of the year. It pairs beautifully with soft creams, muted greens or terracotta, creating an earthy, welcoming aesthetic.

How do you create a design that stays timeless and doesn’t feel outdated after a few years?

The key to great interior design is balancing trends and ensuring

the aesthetics align with comfort and functionality. Also, well-crafted furniture, neutral palettes and natural materials will never go out of style.

2025 INTERIOR DESIGN PROFILES

SPONSORED CONTENT

DC Interiors & Renovations, Decor for the Well-Dressed Home

Deb Corning, owner, designer, general contractor deb@dcinteriorsllc.com

What home trends are you most excited about right now?

• Rich wood cabinets in moody blues and deep greens, and natural materials like soapstone countertops provide a cozy, timeless vibe [in kitchens].

• Sofas, tables and mirrors with gentle curves add a soft, organic touch to interiors. Arched designs in doorways and mirrors also bring a playful yet elegant aesthetic to any space.

• Fully enclosed glass showers

create a spa-like atmosphere with options for steam and aromatherapy.

• Incorporating natural elements like plants, wood and stone to connect indoor spaces with nature.

• Bold, veined marble and other striking stone materials used in countertops, backsplashes and more.

How do you incorporate a client’s personality into your designs?

It’s about listening, observing and translating their unique story into the space. For example, imagine a book-loving client who also loves entertaining. We might design a living room with custom-

built, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a cozy reading nook. For entertaining, we’d integrate modular seating and a sleek bar cart to keep the space flexible and functional. Adding personal touches, such as lighting inspired by their favorite design era or art that resonates with their travels, and the room becomes a true extension of who they are.

From Bloom to Bottle Pure, Plant-Powered Performance for Face, Body, and Hair

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2025 Women to Watch Celebration Photography by Hillary Schave

On March 4, 2025, BRAVA Magazine and the Madison community celebrated our 2025 Women to Watch at the Wisconsin School of Business. Our 10 Women to Watch were honored during the program, which highlighted their accomplishments and upcoming initiatives.

The celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, who embody the idea of uplifting women in our community and beyond.

Special thanks to:

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YOUR HOME FOR BUILDING HOME .

WE ARE

Bring your vision to life.

At Espire, we specialize in building high-quality custom and semi-custom homes tailored to your lifestyle. As your partner in building a home, we’ll guide you through every step, from site selection and architectural planning to interior design and construction. With innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, we build homes that reflect your unique style, making your dream a reality.

We are custom luxury homes.

We are customizable model homes.

3 MODEL S . 2 PAR ADE OF HOMES . H O M E S TA R T S H E R E .

Visit The Welsh in the MABA Parade of 78

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Homes from June 20 - 29.

MAY/JUNE 2025

E S P I R E | N U PAT H 262-746-2000 W E B EspireHomes.com

GO+DO

Zen Ramen

SPICE, SIZZLE AND STREET FOODS A new crop of Asian spots offer worldly flavors.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

M

adison’s Asian food scene has grown so much in recent years.

Have a need for noodles or a hankering for hotpot? Check out these new places to satisfy your cravings.

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Hotco Noodles

ZEN RAMEN Japanese comfort food has taken over Madison, and this strip-mall shop is a great East Side option with table and counter service. The menu has several ramen options, including the classic tonkotsu (pork bone), chicken, beef and miso; but also udon noodles, gyoza, various fried rices, rice bowls and kids’ menu combos. zenramenmadison.com

KORILL HUT KOREAN GRILL & HOTPOT Offering a true grill with overhead vacuum venting, this new Korean spot serves all-you-can-eat grill fare, hotpot or a combo. Each grill ingredient — beef, pork, chicken,

Hotco Noodles

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seafood and vegetables — includes several options, and hotpot comes with individual bowls and a selection of eight broths. korillhut.com

SGD DUBU SO GONG DONG TOFU & BBQ The Madison location of this growing Chicago-based franchise specializes in Soondubu jjigae, a traditional silken tofu stew served with your choice of meat, seafood, tofu and veggies.

Bulgogi comes sizzling on a hot plate, and you can order bibimbap in a hot stone bowl. Each table gets an assortment of sides, such as kimchi, that are refillable. sgdrestaurant.com

HOTCO NOODLES Originally inside the Fresh Mart grocery store and now in the Global Market and Food Hall, this counterservice joint is run by a Sichuan native and features hand-pulled noodles.

Try the dandan noodles, a Sichuan street food with ground pork and the characteristic numbing spice.

The menu also offers mini-hotpots.

Order one mild or spicy and adjust if you need to with the house-made chili crunch, which is also for sale. hotconoodles.com

RAJNI Find some familiar dishes here such as chicken tikka, but the menu focuses on less common southern Indian cuisine, with flaky layered parotta and 24 large dosa options.

Try the idli (fermented rice and lentil cakes), Andhra chicken curry, or the goat curry and stir-fry from Tamil

IZAKAYA KUROYAMA

In Japan, the izakaya is a casual place for after-work drinking and snacking. At Izakaya Kuroyama on State Street, bright paper lanterns dot the front windows and decorative umbrellas hang from the ceiling, lending the place a festive vibe. The menu offers a wide range of small plates from takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a sort of seafood pancake) to gyoza, fried chicken and edamame. Small grill items, including yakitori (a selection of snackable meats and veggies) and oyakodon (chicken over rice) are popular Japanese comfort foods. izakayakuroyama.com

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

JUNE SPECIAL EVENT Presented by

SPEED NETWORKING EVENT

TUESDAY, JUNE 17 4-6:30pm Java Cat

Zen Ramen

4221 Lien Road, Madison

Taigu Noodles

Connect, collaborate, and grow your network in a fun and fast-paced setting!

Taigu Noodles

Hotco Noodles

Nadu, India’s southernmost state.

Vegetarian dishes are many, including curries with eggplant, okra, lentils or chickpeas. rajnimadison.com

the diverse menu includes several authentic street foods such as shashlik (meat skewers). Prices are reasonable as well.

CHIN UP

TAIGU NOODLES

The owners of this canteen-style spot are a charming Chinese couple who will guide you to what you may like if you’re having trouble choosing.

Chongqing noodles and xiao long bao dumplings are popular, and

This popular Middleton Chinese restaurant, specializing in housemade, knife-cut Shanxi noodles, opened a second location in the former Knoche’s Market and Butcher Shop on Old Middleton Road. The

Join us on the beautiful outdoor patio of Java Cat, a local women-owned gem. Enjoy meaningful conversations while savoring a delicious charcuterie spread and your choice of wine, coffee, or tea. Don’t miss this chance to build valuable connections in a relaxed and empowering atmosphere!

REGISTER TODAY!

$20 for TBF members $25 for non-members

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Middleton location transitioned to takeout for dinner only, but succumbed to public pleading and brought back limited, in-person dining Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Try the chicken stir-fried noodles, a fan favorite. taigumadison.com

THE MEKONG The Mekong River passes through the homelands of the cuisines on this menu: Laotian, Hmong, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese. Expect beef pho, pad thai, Hmong/Lao sausage and pork laab, and some exceptional spring rolls. mekongbanquet.com Kevin Revolinski writes about travel and food, Zen Ramen

YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS!

and often travels for food.

Javier Neira 608-338-5010

Ronda Thompson 608-576-9405

Jennifer Rios 608-575-3009

Liz Erickson 608-843-3630

Matt Silvern 608-332-7565

Sue Gilbertson 608-576-4488

Gayle Galston 608-239-0842

Ginny Hazen Damman 608-334-8544

Barb Stephani 608-235-5124

Rene Caminata 608-239-7711

Faith Morledge 608-444-8330

Kris Ramsden 608-235-4682

Trish Boelter 608-206-7417

Pam Boersma 608-332-3745

Teressa Smith 608-845-7777

NINE AREA LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! FITCHBURG | MADISON EAST MONROE STREET | DOWNTOWN SUN PRAIRIE | MOUNT HOREB NEW GLARUS | PORTAGE | BARABOO

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Tip Top Tavern

SIX GREAT BRUNCH SPOTS Breakfast is too early and you can’t wait for lunch. These eateries have you covered for a fabulous late-morning meal.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI

HILLARY SCHAVE

TIP TOP TAVERN This popular neighborhood bar is a great choice for brunch, with a scramble of the day, carnitas verdes, pastrami hash, and Eggs Benny with bourbon-glazed ham or a vegetarian version with spinach and tomato. Plus, there are burgers — one with an egg on it — and a veggie patty option. Besides bottomless coffee, adult beverages include Bellinis,

mimosas and a solid Bloody Mary with a PBR chaser, as nature intended. thetiptoptavern.com

ERA CAFÉ This Waunakee eatery has an old-school café counter with a modern flourish. It serves Instagram-ready dishes from a menu that includes banana bread French toast, waffles, MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Mint Mark

Tip Top Tavern

Mint Mark

KETTLE BLACK KITCHEN

MINT MARK

It’s all in the details at Kettle Black Kitchen, where an ordinary dish is taken up a couple of notches, such as a breakfast burrito made with smoked brisket; biscuits with smoked chile gravy and chorizo; buckwheat

Open with a pastry board, complete with a cinnamon roll with brown butter cream cheese glaze, Earl Grey honey cake and butterscotch cardamom bread. (Note: the pastry board’s offerings constantly change.)

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Or try The Mensch Platter: housemade lox and pastrami with potato latkes, eggs and smoked trout roe. The menu also includes a seasonal frittata, and standards such as pancakes, and biscuits and gravy. Order a mimosa or the Mugroni, a mezcal twist on the classic Italian Negroni. mintmarkmadison.com

PAOLI SCHOOLHOUSE AMERICAN BISTRO This 186 4 schoolhouse converted to an elegant bistro offers Tres Leches

BOTTOM LEFT COURTESY MINT MARK

pancakes with smoked peach butter; or a veggie frittata with feta and mint salsa verde. Other than Nueske’s fabulous bacon, they use Fox Heritage Farms’ meats. kettleblackkitchen.com

TOP RIGHT NICOLE HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

pancakes, chicken-fried steak and a Barbacoa Benedict. It offers nextlevel coffee, espresso drinks and vegan milk alternatives, as well as a full bar for a mimosa or Bloody Mary. eracafewaunakee.com

TOP LEFT, BOTTOM RIGHT HILLARY SCHAVE

Tip Top Tavern

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

WOMEN RUN THIS WORLDLet’s ceLebrate it!

Reserve your ad now in BRAVA Magazine’s Annual Women in Business Issue.

DEaDLiNE JULy 31st SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

You can do it!

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Contact Dena Frisch 608-220-2120 dena@ntmediagroup.com Mint Mark

French toast with peach and pineapple compote on the sweet side, or the Croque Madame — ham and Gruyère on brioche with béchamel and egg for savory lovers. In addition to shrimp and grits, huevos rancheros and prime rib hash, there is a daily quiche, omelets and handhelds — a burger, prime rib panini or a portabella on sourdough. schoolhousebistro.com

May 31 - June 7 CEDARBURG, WISCONSIN

165 ARTISTS

Just minutes north of downtown Milwaukee The largest gathering of plein air artists in Wisconsin!

CEDARBURG

presents

400+ ORIGINAL PAINTINGS FOR PURCHASE

COURTESY MINT MARK

SARDINE In a nibbling mood? Share plates of fine cheeses, charcuterie or salmon at this French-inspired, waterfront restaurant. Or try a salad such as the warm duck confit and frisée or the salt-roasted beets. Omelets feature delectable combos, and the baked creamed eggs with prosciutto and spinach really hit. The menu spans more, from Belgian waffles to panroasted rainbow trout. Cocktails and oysters on a Sunday? You got it here! sardinemadison.com

FIND YOUR PERFECT PAINTING!

Fresh From Cedarburg Sunday, June 1, 3-5pm

Public sale and exhibition featuring paintings of the artists’ favorite Cedarburg scenes

Main Event

Friday, June 6, 5-8pm Saturday, June 7, 10am-5pm

Public sale and exhibition showcasing plein air paintings from picturesque Ozaukee County

cedarburgartistsguild.com

With one of the largest selections of designer fabrics in the city, we can do more for you than just beautiful window treatments!

We’re OPEN! Stop in and look around.

Creative Energy Designs, Inc. 125 S. Dickinson St., Madison • 608-256-7696 www.CreativeEnergyDesignsInc.com MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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Leticia Torres Zaldivar

ROOTED IN TRADITION How one woman honors her heritage, one tortilla at a time.

BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

L

eticia Torres Zaldivar, co-owner of Tortillas Los Angeles, never imagined that making tortillas — a tradition passed down by her grandmother and mother — would become her family’s livelihood. But when her life shifted in a profound way, she transformed her skills into a thriving business.

Torres Zaldivar and her husband, Ángel Flores, founded Tortillas Los Angeles in 2016. She oversees production and staff training, while Flores manages administration.

Prior to founding Tortillas Los Angeles, Torres Zaldivar made tortillas for family and friends with corn she grew herself. But when the couple’s second child was diagnosed with autism and needed intensive therapy, she left working in restaurants to care for him full time. At night, she made tortillas to support her family.

As she juggled her son’s appointments, another family crisis unfolded: Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in Mexico and needed financial support for chemotherapy.

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Torres Zaldivar’s tortillas became a lifeline.

“This business is our only family income, and I am happy I did everything this way, because I was able to help the two people who needed me most,” says Torres Zaldivar.

Torres Zaldivar began making tortillas at 10 years old in her hometown in Mexico, where she says girls were traditionally taught the nixtamalization process early on. Nixtamalization is a practice in which dried corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution (usually limewater) to improve its nutritional value, flavor and texture before being ground into masa for tortillas and other dishes.

She took her tortilla-making process one step further by adapting the corn seed she wanted to use — which took her 10 years to perfect. Tortillas Los Angeles uses only whole corn (unlike mass-produced tortillas made from corn flour), which is grown on farms in Wyocena and Pardeeville, and nixtamalized in house.

GO + DO | EATS + DRINKS

The company has worked out of FEED Kitchens since 2016, but is in the process of building its own tortilla factory.

“We’re almost done — just a couple more investments are needed to finish it — and we’re very eager to complete the project,” says Torres Zaldivar.

Find Tortillas Los Angeles’ products at the Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market, Westside Community Market, Monroe Street Farmers’ Market, Fitchburg Market, Eastside Farmers’ Market and at local restaurants, including La Playita Tacos y Mariscos, Marigold Kitchen, Taco Madre and El Gran Taco Gato.

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Holistic Endocrinology and Metabolic Health

Health and Healing Deserve Time and Attention Perimenopause and Menopause

Insulin Resistance • Metabolic Syndrome • Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes • Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis • Obesity • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome • Low Testosterone • Hypoactive Sexual Desire • General Endocrine Conditions

Contact Dr. Glinberg simoneglinbergmd.com

or call 608-957-7910

I have always been a people person, so the choice to become a real estate agent came naturally. I have spent the last 30 years as a teacher and coach doing everything I can to help young people succeed. Now I would like to help you succeed in selling your home or finding the perfect home to buy.

Success as a realtor is about me focusing on YOU and your needs!

mschreier@restainohomes.com

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Greenbush Bakery

DYNAMITE DONUTS Feel like a sweet treat with your morning coffee?

Consider these great Madison-area options.

BY KEVIN REVOLINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

GREENBUSH BAKERY Marv “Donutman” and Barb Miller took over a failing donut shop on Regent Street in 1996 and turned it into a hometown favorite. The kosher bakery offers both cake and yeastraised donuts daily. The company uses a special sour cream batter for its popular old-fashioned donut, which comes in five flavors: sour cream, blueberry, cherry, chocolate and apple cinnamon. Many other donut options abound daily,

including crullers, filled and cake donuts, glazed rings and more. The large apple fritters are legendary here. Check out their second location on the far east side. greenbushbakery.com

DUCK DONUTS The Pennsylvania-based chain boasts that your order is “customized before your eyes.” Duck Donuts makes vanilla

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Glazed

are also on the menu if you crave a savory bite. Top it off with a coffee or espresso. zippylubemadison.com

Glazed

cake donuts and serves them warm.

You then choose a coating (sugar, glaze, flavored icings), a topping (sprinkles, crumbs, nuts and even bacon) and a drizzle or icing. Or select from seasonal and featured varieties or pre-selected assortments. Order online if you prefer. duckdonuts.com

LEVEL 5 DONUTS Wife-and-husband team Caitlin Rockey and Aaron Mooney started this all-vegan donut operation as a pop-up — and they’ll continue forging ahead until they find a brickand-mortar space. Meanwhile you can order customized boxes with 48 hours’ notice for pickup at Ledger

Coffee Roasters. Flavors range from chocolate and vanilla to churro and chai, and all but the Boston Dream and cinnamon roll are gluten-free.

Also find their donuts at Broken Board Coffee, Forward Craft & Coffee, Johnson Public House, Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse and several other locations. level5donuts.com

ZIPPY LUBE This former automotive shop switched from motor to fry oil and offers fried chicken after 11 a.m., but you can find fresh cake donuts here starting at 7 a.m. Drool over glazed, powdered and “super premium” donuts with ganache or cream fillings. Breakfast sammies

BLOOM BAKE SHOP Among this Monroe Street bakery’s many offerings is its sweet potato doughnut (spelled the traditional way on the menu), and vegan and glutenfree donuts as well. Daily selections are also delivered to its Eken Park location at Northstreet, which shares a space with Café Domestique and Young Blood Beer Company. bloombakeshop.com

GLAZED Located inside the Global Market & Food Hall, this family operation offers mochi donuts. Resembling a ring of donut holes, the treat is made with glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch so you get a light crunch from the exterior and a surprisingly chewy interior. Flavors vary weekly and are posted on the Facebook page. glazedmadison.com

FOSDAL HOME BAKERY

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Greenbush Bakery

In 1939, Olav and Mildred Fosdal purchased Home Bakery on Main Street in Stoughton and added their surname. Their son took over in 1976.

And, since 2005, longtime employee Joe Crubaugh has been at the helm.

While it makes breads, pastries and buns with a Norwegian flair, the bakery is also known for its donuts — especially its chocolate donut — made with raised chocolate dough and chocolate icing. fosdalhomebakery.net

brennan's greenhouse

Now open!!

8210 Watts Rd, Madison (608) 833-2893 BrennansMarket.com

Dogs • Cats • Birds • Fish • Reptiles • Other Small Pets ®

$10 OFF A Purchase $60 or More

Enter 81030 at checkout

Toenail Tuesday

Every Tuesday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

No appointment necessary $14 Dog nail trim | $18 Dog nail grind $20 Cats and Exotic pet nail trims

FITCHBURG 2928 Hardrock Rd. 608.416.5767 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

MONONA 2171 W. Broadway 608.893.1020 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Scan for huge savings!

petsuppliesplus.com MAY/JUNE 2025 BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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a b e n e f i t f o r c h i l d r e n ' s t h e at e r o f m a di s o n

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE PRESENTS

y a r Hoo for

Hollywood

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 5:00 p.m. until sunset B U R R OW S PA R K

SYMPHONY at SUNSET

Join us for a memorable evening to benefit the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Community Engagement Programs

The evening begins with a reception (cash bar and passed hors d’oeuvres), followed by a 50-minute concert at 6:00 p.m. by members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro John DeMain. The program features selections from beloved Hollywood films, including Hooray for Hollywood by Henry Mancini, The Raiders March from Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams, and highlights from Wicked, by Stephen Schwartz/arr. Ted Rickets. Violinist and Bolz Young Artist Competition winner, Indre Raghavan, will also be featured in a performance. After the concert, there will be an elegant plated dinner and live auction that includes two tickets to Coldplay’s soldout Madison concert and a signed concert poster, a six-night stay in a luxurious five-bedroom home in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and a private dinner for up to eight people cooked by the Maestro.

COST: $225 per person ($165 tax deductible) Thank You to Our Sponsors! DOUBLE WHOLE NOTE An Anonymous Friend WHOLE NOTE Barbara & Norm Berven, American Printing, Fields Auto Group, WMTV 15 News, Richman & Richman LLC, West Bend HALF NOTE Brava Magazine, Madison Media Partners, Judith & Nick Topitzes EIGTH NOTE Rozan & Brian Anderson, Rosemarie & Fred Blancke, Capitol Bank, Marilyn Ebben, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Bill & Nancy Haight, Charles McLimans & Richard Merrion, Elaine & Nicholas Mischler, Beth & Peter Rahko, Katie & Doug Reuhl, Risk Alternatives, Joe & Mary Ellyn Sensenbrenner, Carolyn White

RSVP BY JUNE 7 92

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REGISTER NOW (online only)

madisonsymphony.org/sunset

GO + DO | ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

NOW PLAYING Your creative calendar of what to do in May and June.

TOP EVAN ZIMMERMAN FOR MURPHYMADE | MIDDLE COURTESY DIGITAL UNDERGROUND | BOTTOM COURTESY WATCHHOUSE

BY JESSICA STEINHOFF

“Clue”

“CLUE”

WORLD’S LARGEST BRAT FEST

May 13-18, Overture Center It’s a mystery, a comedy, a board game and a movie-to-musical adaptation rolled into one. No matter what you call this genre, you get to solve a murder sordid enough for a true crime podcast. overture.org

May 23-May 25, Willow Island at Alliant Energy Center Come for the food, stay for the entertainment. This sausage-themed fundraiser is the place to travel back in time through music. For maximum nostalgic fun, cheer on Digital

Watchhouse

JERRY SEINFELD

WATCHHOUSE

May 30, Overture Center Whether you’re a dyedin-the-wool “Seinfeld” fan or a casual bingewatcher, here’s a chance to laugh with a living legend. overture.org

June 18, The Sylvee Bluegrass meets psychedelia when this North Carolina folk duo hits the stage. thesylvee.com

Digital Underground

HYE-JIN YOUR BETS June 20, UW Hamel Music Center Enjoy a Dvořák-centric program starring virtuosic violinist Hye-Jin Kim. artsticketing.wisc.edu

“DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY” June 27, Overture Center Don’t miss this hilarious show highlighting mindboggling uses for plastic bowls and a saleswoman you’ll never forget. overture.org

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GO + DO | ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Underground at the Everlight Solar Grand Stage (May 25). You might even see Grandma do “The Humpty Dance.” bratfest.com

June 6, Breese Stevens Field Instead of an afterparty, the American Family Insurance Championship has a post-golf concert. This year’s performance stars two country hit-makers who write their own material: Grammy Award winner Black and chart-climber Moroney, whose 2024 single “Am I Okay?” showed off her pop chops. breesestevensfield.com

Sleigh Bells

SLEIGH BELLS June 15, Majestic Theatre Squeeze the last ounce of fun out of your weekend at this blissfully noisy all-ages concert filled with pop hooks and electronic beats. You’ll be among the first to hear the live rendition of the band’s new album, “Bunky Becky Birthday Boy.” majesticmadison.com

NATE BARGATZE June 21, Alliant Energy Center, Coliseum Need a Father’s Day present? You’re 94

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MARQUETTE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL June 14 & 15, Yahara Place Park Festival season is upon us! Celebrate with two stages of local and national music acts, plus beloved traditions like Fools’ Flotilla. The River Alliance of Wisconsin's wild and crazy boat parade sets sail at Tenney Lock on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. marquette-neighborhood.org/ festivals

welcome. This eminently likeable comedian proves that you don’t have to be mean-spirited to be funny.

After breaking 20 arenas’ attendance records and hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2024, Bargatze visits Madison to share his first book, “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind” — another great dad gift. alliantenergycenter.com

CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE: DANCING IN THE STREET June 25, Capitol Square (King Street corner) Motown comes to Mad City by way of Sin City. Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra teams up with Las Vegas tribute act Radiance to present soulful mega-hits such as “Respect” and “Heatwave” al fresco. wcoconcerts.org Jessica Steinhoff is a Madison-area mom, writer and mental health professional.

Wisconsin-made contemporary art and the people who create it are the focus of the Wisconsin Triennial (through Sept. 14, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art), the every-three-years event hosted

by MMoCA. The 2025 lineup explores the ingenuity of two dozen established and emerging artists from across the state, including 15 who call Madison home.

The Madison contingent includes Christina Ruhaak, whose endless imagination comes alive through textile arts, and Taj Matumbi, whose paintings use alter egos to unpack complicated questions about identity.

Paul Baker Prindle, MMoCA’s Gabriele Haberland director, says this year’s Triennial is more important than ever for artists and spectators alike. That’s because art inspires critical thinking and conversations that help us connect in unexpected ways. When the country — and our community — feels divided, these opportunities can provide hope and inspire courageous acts.

“This year’s Triennial is not only a celebration of artistic excellence, but a testament to the power of art to connect, question and transform,” he says, adding that events like this nurture artists’ efforts to “explore the ever-evolving meaning of contemporary life and inspire critical conversations within our community and beyond.”

LEFT DAVID PEREZ | MIDDLE RIVER ALLIANCE OF WISCONSIN | RIGHT ”FOUR HORSEMEN,” 2025, COURTESY TAJ MATUMBI AND MAUS CONTEMPORARY, PHOTOGRAPH BY JIM ESCALANTE

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LAST LOOKS | Top left: Sarah Larson (Gouda Riddance) has been a part of the Madison Roller Derby for 13 years and took over as executive director in 2023 (P. 60). Top right: Houseplants are MSN Plant Collective's specialty. Owner Stephanie Orkowski helps newbie up to experienced plant parents pick out the perfect plants for their home (P. 33). Bottom right: Chez Dickson, executive director/president of Boardslide Mission and development director of OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center, playfully strikes a pose (P. 12). Bottom left: Hotco Noodles' adorable bao — soft, fluffy steamed buns — come in a variety of adorable shapes (P. 79).

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TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM HILLARY SCHAVE | TOP RIGHT SHANNA WOLF

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