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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

KENDRA GASSNER

CAROLYN MORGAN

VERONA MORGAN

H APP y H O U r

6:00 - 7:00pm

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025

MONONA TERRACE • MADISON, WI

Music Provided by DJ Michael Flores

S ILENT A UC ti O n

6:00 - 9:30 pm

Bid high and bid often! Your bids help fund WIF Scholarships in 2025!

D INNER

7:00-8:00pm

P ROGRAM

8:00-8:45 pm

• 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

• 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

D AN c ING!

8:45-11:00pm

Music Provided by DJ Michael Flores

“

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

– Martin Luther

King,

Jr.

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

MEDIA SPONSOR WKOW & BALL EMCEE

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.

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 DJ s

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.

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

• 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

FOLAJIMI “JIMMY” OMOLE B.ART AND GRAPHICS

OAK PARK PLACE AD

2025 Scholarship Sponsors

Women In Focus is extremely grateful for the generosity of the following Scholarship 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

DR. WILLIAM LISTWAN

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

EXACT SCIENCES

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.

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

HORIZON

CONSTRUCTION

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

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.

VERONA MORGAN

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

MADISON EAST KIWANIS CLUB

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.

ASHRO

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

RODNEY R. LUCAS, SOUTHSIDE FILMS

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

Thank You!

Scholarship Program

“Creating

Hope for the Future through Education”

Since 1983, Women In Focus, Inc. has been an active force in the Madison community 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!

Alcantra

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

HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

Isabel Arrieta-Jesus

La Follette HS

Ramatoulie Barry

Madison Country Day School

Ancha Barry

Madison Country Day School

Hadja Barry East HS

Jessica Caballos de Santiago East HS

Malachi Davis

La Follette HS

Randy Davis East HS

Melissa Hidalgo Jimenez

La Follette HS

Leon Li

Monona Grove HS

Dajon Shannon

Vel Phillips Memorial HS

Abigail Tuinstra East HS

Sounda Maly La Follette HS

Lulieth Martinez

Monona Grove HS

Valeria Moreno Lopez

La Follette HS

Leander Osuna Verona HS

Destiny Divine Reichenberger La Follette HS

Giselle Rodriguez East HS

Tina Davis-Pittman East HS

INSPIRING

FOUNDERS

FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP

Isaiah Mielke, Edgewood College

Scholarship lasts for four years

WIF FOUNDING MEMBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Andy Li

Monona Grove HS

In memory of Rose Ann Brown

Sally Phelps of the Odyssey Project

In memory of Jan Studesville

Yarianie Rodriguez Tapia

Monona Grove HS

In memory of Gloria Jones Bey

Sodik Gbadamassi

Vel Phillips Memorial HS

In memory of Virginia Henderson

FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Peilin Hu, West HS

Exact Sciences – awarded to a student entering the medical field

Anthony Galvez, East HS

Horizon Construction – awarded to a student in the trades, engineering or architecture

Cadence Jemilo, Stoughton HS

Madison East Kiwanis Club – awarded in memory of Gene Sturdevant

Jarvis Deh, Monona Grove HS

Hestad Family – awarded in memory of David J. Hestad

Anna Uriostegui, West HS

Dr. William Listwan – awarded in memory of Marlene Listwan

Joan Mejia Alcantara, La Follette HS

Verona Morgan – awarded in memory of Julius Morgan for a student entering a STEM field

Sandy Flores Ruiz, West HS

Your Family Law Center – awarded to a student entering law/political science

MTH DESIGN

Inspiring the Dream Award

Women In Focus publicly recognizes the contributions of Individuals and organizations who have significantly assisted in our mission to fund college and trade school scholarships for students of color from Dane County.

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.

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

The Dream Keeper by Langston Hughes, 1925

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.

OutstandingAwardDedication

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. 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

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’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

Sharyl and her guests at the 2024 WIF Dream Ball.

Fred Marshall and Sharyl

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.

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL STANKOWSKI

2024–2025

Membership

OFFICERS 2024-2025

President, Kendra Gassner

Vice President, Carolyn Morgan

Secretary, Deana Wright

Treasurer, Tashekia Jones

MEMBERS 2024-2025

Portia Adney

Nancy Wrenn Bauch

Shiva Bidar

Yvette Craig

Gail Groy

Michelle Heitzinger

Sheryl Henderson

Sally Hestad

Edith Hillard

Sharyl Kato

Marsann McCants

Rhoda McKinney

Annette Miller

Monica Mims

Donna Moreland

Verona Morgan

Anne Murphy-Lom

Jodie Pope

Jenny Pressman

Treater Prestine

Jackie Santana

Nicole Soulier

Michelle Wray

2025 BALL & AUCTION COMMITTEE

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HARDWORKING 2025 BALL COMMITTEE:

Carolyn Morgan, Ball Chair

Verona Morgan, Ball Co-Chair

Sally Hestad, Development

Michelle Wray, Decorations

Nancy Bauch, Decorations

Sharyl Kato, Past President

Anne Murphy-Lom, Auction Chair

Deana Wright

Kendra Gassner, President

Tashekia Jones, Treasurer

Rhoda McKinney

FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN FOCUS

Ramona Natera

Tina Murray

All WIF members Thank You!

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!

All auction proceeds will benefit the 2025 WIF Scholarship Fund.

BID HIGH! BID OFTEN!

• gift certificates

• 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!

committed to our community

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

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

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!