2025 Ball Program

39 TH ANNUAL

SCHoLArSHIP DrEaM BALL HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR .

JANUARY 18, 2025 • MONONA TERRACE

ME S S A G E FRO M THE PR ES ID EN T & BAL L CHAIRS

KENDRA GASSNER 2025-2026 WIF PRESIDENT

CAROLYN MORGAN 2025 BALL COMMITTEE CHAIR

VERONA MORGAN 2025 BALL COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

Dear Friends...

Women In Focus, Inc. warmly welcomes you to our 39th Annual “I Have a Dream” Ball,

honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. We are so glad you are here with us tonight! The words of Dr. King always inspire us, but especially in times of turmoil, uncertainty and division in our country and the world. Dr. King inspired hope and action when he said: “We stand in life at midnight; we are always at the threshold of a new dawn.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?”

Our theme for this evening is Creating Hope for the Future through Education. Tonight, your presence here and your support for the Women In Focus Scholarship Program unites us all! Together we are making a difference in the lives of WIF scholars, inspiring them to learn, grow and succeed in their lives! Through education beyond high school, our scholars prepare themselves to work, to live as educated citizens and to give back to the community. This is our communal act to help others and the reason we celebrate tonight!

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, auction donors and bidders, volunteers, speakers, guests, hardworking WIF Committee Chairs and members of Women In Focus for pulling together to make tonight’s event happen! Through your efforts we will add to the 453 scholarships we have awarded since 1986! We could not do this work without each and every one of you!

Please enjoy the words of our Keynote Speaker, Alex Booker, our WKOW Emcee Brandon Taylor and the Women In Focus Ball Committee team! And please join us on the dance floor for the Cupid Shuffle at the conclusion of our program!

Wishing you peace and health for the New Year, Kendra Gassner, 2025-2026 WIF President Carolyn Morgan, 2025 Ball Chair Verona Morgan, 2025 Ball Co-chair 2

Thank You!

B ALL P ROGRAM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025 MONONA TERRACE • MADISON, WI

HAPPy HOUr

DINNER

6:00 - 7:00pm

7:00-8:00pm

Music Provided by DJ Michael Flores

PROGRAM

SILENT AUCtiOn

8:00-8:45 pm

6:00 - 9:30 pm Bid high and bid often!

Your bids help fund WIF Scholarships in 2025!

• Welcome by Carolyn Morgan, Dream Ball Chair • Announcements and Auction Updates by Emcee Brandon Taylor, Channel 27 WKOW • Invocation • Greetings by Madison Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Gothard

Register and Bid at https://womeninfocusmadison.auctions. networkforgood.com/auctions/ wif-scholarship-auction

• Featured Speaker: Alex Booker, 2014 WIF Scholar • Presentation of 2025 “Inspiring the Dream” Award to Madison East Kiwanis Club • Presentation of the 2025 Outstanding Dedication Award to Sharyl Kato • Thank you to sponsors, volunteers, scholars and guests

Bidding Closes at 9:30pm

• Introduction of Women In Focus Members

DANcING!

8:45-11:00pm Music Provided by DJ Michael Flores

Enjoy!

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“

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

”

CN-2077411-24

By working together, we can create healthy communities for everyone.

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M ED IA S PO N S O R WK O W & BAL L EM CEE

2025 Ball Emcee BRANDON TAYLOR

WKOW CHANNEL 27 NEWS ANCHOR

Brandon was a WKOW Wake Up Wisconsin anchor from

2014-2018. He was most recently an anchor with WLTX in Columbia, South Carolina. Brandon graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC in 2007 with a degree in Communications and Journalism. Brandon is an awardwinning journalist who loves to share stories and connect with viewers. Throughout his life, Brandon has been very active in working with the United Methodist Church and has spent many years mentoring young people around the country.

When he isn’t bringing you the news, Brandon enjoys traveling, food and meeting new people. Brandon and his Goldendoodle “Monroe Madison” moved back to Wisconsin in April 2023. You can watch him weeknights on 27 News at 5, 6 and 10pm.

CAMERON • AMBER • BRANDON • KARLEY

WEEKNIGHTS AT 4, 5, 6 & 10PM

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Here’s to a wonderful Dream Ball !

Summit is proud to support the mission of Women in Focus and help support the education of scholars in our community.

SummitCreditUnion.com 800-236-5560 | 608-243-5000 Insured by NCUA.

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G UES T S PEA KER & D J

Guest Speaker ALEX BOOKER

2014 WOMEN IN FOCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Alex Booker received his Women In Focus scholarship when

he was starting his freshman year at Edgewood College in 2014. Alex is a Madison native whose interesting journey has led him to his work building community through the land, as a farmer, a teacher and workshop leader. As the 2024 Naturalist in Residence at the Madison Public Library, Alex connected kids with nature. In addition to coordinating the Black Excellence life readiness cooking series, Alex grows culturally significant crops at Firm Footing farm, crops that he uses in his culinary and herbalism workshops. Alex is also a part of the ASE cooperative that honors the troubled connection Black Americans have to the land. His overall goal is to help people get reconnected to their food systems and the land.

Ball DJ MICHAEL FLORES DOS AMIGOS DJs

With over 16 years of experience, Michael Flores and

Dos Amigos DJs have been creating unforgettable musical experiences across Wisconsin since 2008. Specializing in weddings, school events, and private parties, Michael brings an intuitive understanding of music selection that keeps dance floors packed and guests entertained. His professional reputation and community involvement have opened notable doors, including being invited as a guest to the Governor's Mansion for Latino Leaders in 2012. Beyond commercial events, Dos Amigos DJs demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, regularly volunteering their services for charitable organizations, with upcoming support for the Polar Bear Plunge. Michael's passion for bringing people together through music traces back to his early years, when he was honored with the MLK award during middle school, reflecting his long-standing dedication to community service and leadership.

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PHO TO G RA PHER & PHO TO BO O TH

Photographer DYNAE ALLICE SABA

COMMUNITY STORYTELLER & ADVOCATE THROUGH THE LENS

Based in Madison, WI, Dynae Allice Saba is a native artist

and passionate photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty, resilience, and authenticity of her community.

Through her lens, she transforms everyday moments into powerful visual stories that amplify under represented voices and inspire change. Deeply committed to advocacy and social justice, Dynae uses her photography to shed light on social issues, foster connection, and celebrate diversity. Her work reflects her belief in the power of art to preserve stories and empower individuals.

Working from her studio space, Dynae creates intimate portraits that honor identity and heritage. Whether documenting local events or community-driven movements, her photography resonates with authenticity and purpose.

Dynae’s art invites viewers to see the world through an empathetic lens — one that uplifts community spirit and highlights the stories that matter most.

The link to the photos Dynae takes at the Dream Ball will be posted on the WIF website

www.womeninfocusmadison.org.

360 Photo Booth FOLAJIMI “JIMMY” OMOLE B.ART AND GRAPHICS

• Awesome 360 Photo Booth by “Jimmy” • Full Service Rental Includes Delivery, Set Up and Props • Guests can download their videos onto their phones • Fun for all ages!

• Contact “Jimmy” 920-234-1060

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OAK PARK PLACE AD

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20 25 FUL L Y FUN D ED S CHO L ARS HIPS

2025 Scholarship Sponsors

Women In Focus is extremely grateful for the generosity of the following Schol-

arship Sponsors! Each has donated $2500 to fully fund a 2025 WIF Scholarship.

Some scholarships are in memory of a loved one. Some sponsors chose the field of study of their scholar. These gifts make a huge impact on the WIF scholars who receive them. Our scholarships kickstart post high school studies and launch the scholars on their educational journeys!

For more information about donating a scholarship, please visit:

www.womeninfocusmadison.org

VERONA MORGAN

DR. WILLIAM LISTWAN

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship in memory of the late Julius Morgan to a student entering a STEM field.

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship in honor of his late wife Marlene Listwan.

EXACT SCIENCES

MADISON EAST KIWANIS CLUB

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a student entering the sciences.

PAUL SMITH

made a very generous donation in memory of his late wife Ladonna Smith.

donated two fully funded 2025 scholarships to students entering the field of teaching. One in memory of Gene Sturdevant and another scholarship in memory of Marilyn Ryan.

This donation will fund a four year WIF scholarship, starting in 2025.

ASHRO

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a student entering the field of business.

HORIZON CONSTRUCTION donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a scholar entering the trades.

RODNEY R. LUCAS, SOUTHSIDE FILMS

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a student entering the field of arts and entertainment.

ANDY & ANNA BURISH donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a student entering the field of finance.

TRUSTAGE

donated a fully funded 2025 scholarship to a student entering the field of business or accounting.

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Thank You!

A B O U T THE WO M EN IN FO CUS IN C. S CHO LARSHIPS

Scholarship Program “Creating Hope for the Future through Education” Since 1983, Women In Focus, Inc. has been an active force in the Madison com-

munity working on behalf of children and students of color. Each November the scholarship application is posted on our website at www.womeninfocusmadison. org. After applicants complete and submit their applications, the WIF scholarship Committee selects the recipients, taking into consideration academic achievements, school activities, financial need and community service. Women In Focus, Inc. is pleased to have been able to further the dreams of Dane County students for 39 years. In 2024, Women In Focus, Inc. was able to award 28 scholarships to high school students. In addition, we awarded one scholarship to a nontraditional student in honor of the late Jan and Al Studesville, and we awarded the fourth year of our “Inspiring Founders” 4 year Scholarship, bringing the total number of 2024 scholarships to 30 and the total amount awarded to $75,000!

Each year the number of scholarships we award depends on the donations from our sponsors, donors, auction bidders and guests! To help, please visit www.womeninfocusmadison.org. Thank you for your support!

Front row left to right: Hadja Barry, Melissa Hidalgo Jimenez, Sandy Flores Ruiz, Yarianie Rodriguez Tapia, Peilin Hu, Jessica Ceballos de Santiago, Tina Davis-Pittman Middle row: Ancha Barry, Ramatoulie Barry, Anna Uriostegui, isabel Arrieta-Jesus, Valeria Moreno Lopez, Souneda Maly, Cadence Jemillo, Andy Li, Leon Li, Lulieth Martinez, Giselle Rodriguez, Sally Phelps Back row: Destiny Rechenberger, Leander Osuna, Isaiah Mielke, Sodik Gbadamassi, Dajon Shannon, Malachi Davis, Randy Davis, Jarvis Deh, Abigail Tuinstra, Behind Jarvis is Anthony Galvez Not pictured: Joan Mejia Alcantra

We believe in you!

WIF Scholarship applications for 2025 are currently available at www.womeninfocusmadison.org

Completed applications are due February 15, 2025 12

20 24 S CHO L A RS WIF FOUNDING MEMBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS Isabel Arrieta-Jesus La Follette HS

Andy Li Monona Grove HS In memory of Rose Ann Brown

Ramatoulie Barry Madison Country Day School

Sally Phelps of the Odyssey Project In memory of Jan Studesville

Ancha Barry Madison Country Day School Hadja Barry East HS

Yarianie Rodriguez Tapia Monona Grove HS In memory of Gloria Jones Bey

Jessica Caballos de Santiago East HS

Sodik Gbadamassi Vel Phillips Memorial HS In memory of Virginia Henderson

Malachi Davis La Follette HS Randy Davis East HS Melissa Hidalgo Jimenez La Follette HS

FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Leon Li Monona Grove HS

Peilin Hu, West HS Exact Sciences – awarded to a student entering the medical field

Dajon Shannon Vel Phillips Memorial HS

Anthony Galvez, East HS Horizon Construction – awarded to a student in the trades, engineering or architecture

Abigail Tuinstra East HS Sounda Maly La Follette HS

Cadence Jemilo, Stoughton HS Madison East Kiwanis Club – awarded in memory of Gene Sturdevant

Lulieth Martinez Monona Grove HS

Jarvis Deh, Monona Grove HS Hestad Family – awarded in memory of David J. Hestad

Valeria Moreno Lopez La Follette HS Leander Osuna Verona HS

Anna Uriostegui, West HS Dr. William Listwan – awarded in memory of Marlene Listwan

Destiny Divine Reichenberger La Follette HS

Joan Mejia Alcantara, La Follette HS Verona Morgan – awarded in memory of Julius Morgan for a student entering a STEM field

Giselle Rodriguez East HS Tina Davis-Pittman East HS

Sandy Flores Ruiz, West HS Your Family Law Center – awarded to a student entering law/political science

INSPIRING FOUNDERS FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP Isaiah Mielke, Edgewood College Scholarship lasts for four years

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Congratulations!

MTH DESIGN

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W IF 20 25 IN S PIRIN G THE D REA M A WARD

Inspiring the Dream Award

Women In Focus publicly recognizes the contributions of

The Dream Keeper

by Langston Hughes, 1925

Bring me all of your dreams, You dreamer, Bring me all your

Individuals and organizations who have significantly assisted in our mission to fund college and trade school scholarships for students of color from Dane County.

Heart melodies

Women In Focus is proud to bestow the 2025 WIF “Inspiring the Dream” Award to our longtime partner, Madison East Kiwanis. The Madison East Kiwanis have consistently supported the WIF Scholarship Fund by generous donations and in recent years by donating fully funded scholarships in memory of the late Gene Sturdevant and the late Marilyn Ryan. At the 39th Annual Dream Ball, the representative of Madison East Kiwanis will receive a lovely award to commemorate their loyal support of WIF’s mission. Thank you so much for making a difference for our scholars! Giving a scholarship is an inspiring and moving way to remember and honor loved ones who have passed.

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud-cloth

Away from the too-rough fingers of the world.

The Kiwanis Club of Madison East is a small

but active service club of approximately 30 members dedicated to serving the youth and elderly. During their meetings, Madison East Kiwanis meet with multiple local non-profit organizations to learn more about their work.

The Club members also lead monthly bingo games at Belmont Nursing Home, and volunteer at the Brat Wagon at U.W. games.

For more information about the Club, please contact Larry Ryan at:

lw_ryan@msn.com

WIF Member Edith Hilliard visited the Madison East Kiwanis Club meeting in July of 2023.

Madison East Kiwanis Club members at the 2024 Dream Ball, (right to left)Val and Gaston Razafinanja, President Elect Bonnie Nissly, WIF member Sally Hestad and President Karen Bailey.

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WIF 20 25 O UTS TAN D IN G D ED ICA TIO N AWARD

Outstanding Dedication Award THE 2025 WIF OUTSTANDING DEDICATION AWARD GOES TO WIF PAST PRESIDENT...

SHARYL KATO Sharyl Kato joined Women In Focus in

2005 and has been an active member ever since. Despite Sharyl's very busy schedule as CEO of the Rainbow Project, she played an essential role in the Women In Focus Literacy program at the YWCA. Her insights into the needs of children and families and her empathy were invaluable to the success of the WIF program at the Y.

WIF President Sharyl Kato presents the 2024 “Inspiring the Dream” Award to Dr. Chan, assistant vice provost of the UW Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement.

Sharyl always volunteered for the WIF book table at Juneteenth. Sharyl served as Vice President and President of WIF, ending her term in the spring of 2024. Under her leadership, WIF continued to thrive and grow. Women In Focus appreciates Sharyl’s dedication to the needs of the organization and our mission as well as her love of the color PURPLE!

Sharyl Kato is a stellar leader in numerous organizations in the Madison community. WIF is one of those Sharyl has been a major part of, making a vast difference in educational opportunities for children of Color. I salute Sharyl for her continued passion, commitment and LOVE pushing WIF to higher levels.

Your purple compadre – Edith Hilliard

Edith Hilliard and Sharyl

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WIF 20 25 O UTS TA N D IN G D ED ICA TIO N AWARD

Sharyl’s caring and generous leadership has been a value to Women in Focus for nearly 15 years, leaving an enduring mark on our organization. From fostering meaningful retreats to encouraging every voice to shine, her legacy is one of connection, joy, and inspiration, bringing individuals closer to each other, our mission, and their own value.

Kendra Gassner, WIF 2025-2026 President Fred Marshall and Sharyl

Sharyl and her guests at the 2024 WIF Dream Ball.

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A BO UT WO M EN IN FO CUS , IN C.

Formed in 1983 Women In Focus, Inc. (WIF) is a group of about 30 energetic

professional women in Madison, Wisconsin. For over thirty-nine years our members have been dedicated to the mission of creating a community in which dreams are fulfilled through a worldwide partnership where all barriers to education are erased for students of color. Every year we raise funds to provide college scholarships to both high school students and non-traditional students by hosting our annual Scholarship Dream Ball, honoring the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To date we have granted 453 scholarships for a total in excess of $838,000. Women In Focus, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

In 2011, WIF opened its Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Madison Community Foundation. We continue to grow this permanent fund so that we can use the income to provide scholarships for students of color into the future.

Through our Literacy Project, WIF members encourage families to read and we distribute books to children in the community. We are currently helping families at the Salvation Army shelter with books and activities. Our literacy program is supported through donations, grants and partnerships with other community organizations.

Learn more by visiting our website

www.womeninfocusmadison.org.

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL STANKOWSKI

2024 Women In Focus, Inc. Members 19

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WO M EN IN FO CUS , IN C. M EM BER S HIP

2024–2025

Membership OFFICERS 2024-2025

2025 BALL & AUCTION COMMITTEE

President, Kendra Gassner Secretary, Deana Wright

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HARDWORKING 2025 BALL COMMITTEE:

Treasurer, Tashekia Jones

Carolyn Morgan, Ball Chair

Vice President, Carolyn Morgan

Verona Morgan, Ball Co-Chair

MEMBERS 2024-2025

Sally Hestad, Development

Portia Adney

Michelle Wray, Decorations

Nancy Wrenn Bauch

Nancy Bauch, Decorations

Shiva Bidar

Sharyl Kato, Past President

Yvette Craig

Anne Murphy-Lom, Auction Chair

Gail Groy

Deana Wright

Michelle Heitzinger

Kendra Gassner, President

Sheryl Henderson

Tashekia Jones, Treasurer

Sally Hestad

Rhoda McKinney

Edith Hillard

All WIF members

Sharyl Kato Marsann McCants Rhoda McKinney Annette Miller

FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN FOCUS

Monica Mims

Ramona Natera

Donna Moreland

Tina Murray

Verona Morgan Anne Murphy-Lom Jodie Pope Jenny Pressman Treater Prestine Jackie Santana Nicole Soulier Michelle Wray 21

Thank You!

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY

Working together to close gaps and create opportunities for youth in Dane County.

www.unitedwaydanecounty.org www.unitedwaydan • 2059 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 • (608) 246-4350

2025 I have a dream ball ad.indd 1

12/3/2024 12:48:23 PM

The Wisconsin Alumni Association® (WAA) congratulates the 2025 scholarship recipients.

We wish you continued success through your educational journey.

Find out how you can get involved with WAA’s diverse alumni communities.

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S IL EN T AUCTIO N

Silent Auction Join us for the fifth annual WIF Scholarship Silent Auction.

This year’s auction is online, easy to attend and fun for all! The Silent Auction has wonderful, unique donated items.

Please visit the auction site often and bid high!

BID HIGH! BID OFTEN! All auction proceeds will benefit • gift certificates the 2025 WIF Scholarship Fund.

• gift baskets • massage • jewelry • original artwork and more!

Scan to Register and Bid Now

Bidding closes January 18 at 9:30 pm

Women In Focus extends heartfelt thanks to those who have donated money and auction items! We are so gratified that all of you are stepping up to assist us this year, a year when we do need your help more than ever! Because of your generosity, we are on track to continue funding our college scholarship program for students of color this year!

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committed to our

community Invested in the growth, health and success of those we serve.

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WOM EN IN FO CUS , IN C L ITERA CY PR O GRAM

Literacy Program

Women in Focus (WIF) members believe the ability to read is fundamental to

future success and that access to books builds reading skills and a love for reading.

Since 2001, WIF has worked to promote reading and early childhood education in the greater Madison community. WIF strives to reach families of color and children with limited access to books. The WIF Literacy program’s purpose is to promote reading as a positive activity and experience for young children: to support and encourage parents to read and learn together: support school readiness and to provide age-appropriate and interesting books to families.

In 2022, Women in Focus began a wonderful partnership with the Salvation Army of Dane County. WIF members provide monthly programs, snacks and new books to families staying at the family shelter. Our programs are enjoyed by all.

WIF continues to promote reading at community events such as Juneteenth, the Urban League's Unity Picnic and other community events by distributing new books and learning games to children.

WIF members are very excited to now partner with The Madison Reading Project, a local group which provides books for our literacy program and community events.

The Madison Reading Project has brought their bookmobile to give the children at the Salvation Army Shelter the experience of finding their books at a mobile library.

We thank the Madison Reading Project and we also thank our previous grantors: the Madison Rotary Foundation and the Capital Times Kids Fund.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

- Margaret Fuller 25

20 25 S PO N S O R S

Supporting the Dream

Women In Focus, Inc. expresses its deepest thanks to our sponsors, donors, friends and supporters who have so generously contributed to the 2025 Dream Ball Scholarship Program. We hope you will let our sponsors know that their support is appreciated!

IMPACT SPONSOR

MTH DESIGN

BENEFACTOR

ANGEL

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20 25 S PO N S O R S SUSTAINER

Nancy Wrenn Bauch & Jim Bauch

SUPPORTER

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

DR. WILLIAM LISTWAN

VERONA MORGAN

PAUL SMITH

RODNEY R. LUCAS SOUTHSIDE FILMS

ANDY & ANNA BURISH

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL THE GENEROUS INDIVIDUALS WHO DONATED TO THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM! 27

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Simpson Street Free Press Est. 1992

James Wright Free Press Virginia Henderson Free Press Sennett Free Press La Prensa

Helping Young Women Grow as Leaders and Mentors Since 1992

www.SimpsonStreetFreePress.org

Your Goals.

Our Expert Planning.

Let’s Build Your Legacy.

800-236-1992 annexwealth.com

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Madison365.org Madison365 provides excellent journalism, podcasts and events to start conversations, find real solutions, build community, and foster dialogue between members of diverse communities.

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BECOME A MEMBER CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND YOU!

DANE

COUNTY W W W . N A A C P O F D A N E C O . O R G

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SmartToyota.com 5901 Odana Road ~ MADISON, WI ~ 608-275-7808 31

JA NU A R Y 1 7 , 20 26 Women In Focus 40th Annual Scholarship Dream Ball

PLEASE SEND QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BALL TO

info@womeninfocusmadison.org P.O. Box 44013 • Madison, WI 53744

www.womeninfocusmadison.org