Issuu

35thAnniversary

VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP DREAM BALL & SILENT AUCTION HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

JANUARY 16, 2021

MES S AGE F ROM T H E P R ES I D EN T & B A LL C HA IR

Good Evening! Honored Guests, Sponsors, Students, Donors & Friends!

VERONA MORGAN

PRESIDENT, WOMEN IN FOCUS, INC.

GLORIA REYES

2021 BALL COMMITTEE CHAIR

Welcome to the Women In Focus 35th Anniversary Dream Ball Celebration,

in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! We are celebrating thirty-five years of scholarships awarded to 355 students since 1986! This is a joyous moment for WIF! We thank all of you for helping us advance the educations of so many students of color in Dane County! Yet this anniversary falls during a very difficult time. The pandemic underlines the inequities of opportunity and resources across this country and worldwide. Living through the pandemic also brings the message that we are all connected and what happens to the vulnerable everywhere affects us all. There have been so many tragic losses. We have been forced to create a new mindset, a new “normal” and in many ways, we cannot go back. Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.“ Through scholarships for education beyond high school, we give our bright young people of color the tools they need to create a new and better future for us and for global humanity. Barack Obama said: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: ”The time is always right to do what is right.” WIF believes that facilitating education of our young people through scholarships inspires hope! Those of you who assist us through your donations are beacons of hope! Thank you for partnering with us and supporting our scholarship program! Please enjoy our entertaining Virtual Ball program and bid on our auction items. We also encourage you to inspire hope by donating tonight on our event page, and your donation in any amount will fund WIF scholarships this spring! We’ll end the wonderful evening by dancing the Cupid’s Shuffle and we hope you’ll be dancing along with us in your living room! Stay safe! Sincerely yours, Verona Morgan, WIF President, 2020-2022 Gloria Reyes, WIF Ball Chair, 2021

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

BA L L PR OGR AM

Anniversary Scholarship VIRTUAL

HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

January 16, 2021 Happy Hour

35th Anniversary Program

Music provided by DJ Drew Masters

• MC Tajma Hall, Channel 15 News Anchor • MC Portia Adney, Actress, Teacher, WIF Member

6:30-7:00pm

Silent Auction 6:30-8:30pm

Shop and help fund WIF Scholarships for 2021!

Bidding Starts January 11, 2021 Closes 8:30pm January 16, 2021! Register now at www.wif.cbo.io

7:00-8:30pm

Speakers • Attorney Naman Siad, 2011 WIF Scholar • Dr. Carlton Jenkins, Superintendent of Madison Schools Comedian • Thaddeus McCants, BET Award winner, East HS graduate Dancer • Alexis Evans-Krueger, Broadway Dancer, East HS graduate First Annual WIF “Inspiring The Dream” Awards • Announcement of the winners: CUNA Mutual Foundation & MTH Design

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

MIS T RE S S E S O F C ER EM O N I ES • G U ES T SPEA KERS

Mistresses of Ceremonies Portia Adney graduated from

Hunter College and furthered her education with classes at the School of Visual Arts and Harvard University. She is a teacher, an actor and producer in theater, commercials, films, voice-over and videos, a singer, a dancer, a model, a yoga instructor and a marathon runner. Portia coaches and mentors young athletes through her company called Roots to Rise. Portia is also a member of Women in Focus!

Tajma Hall is a reporter and anchor at NBC15 and covers a wide variety of stories but is most passionate about topics that impact local youth, including mental health and education. Tajma has been a member of the National Association of Black Journalists since college and take great pride in keeping her community informed.

Guest Speakers Naman Siad received her

Women In Focus Scholarship in 2011. She is a proud Madison resident and a double graduate of the University of WisconsinMadison, where she pursued her bachelors in Community and Environmental Sociology, graduating in 2015, and further pursued her J.D., graduating in 2019. Naman has worked in the community at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and has worked in the Chicagoland area for the Chicago News Guild Labor Union and for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Naman is passionate about social justice and human rights and finished her Masters in Law (LLM) at SOAS University in London in 2020, where she studied Human Rights, Conflict, and Justice.

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

Dr. Carlton Jenkins

is superintendent of the Madison School District, and he is Madison’s first Black superintendent. Dr. Jenkins earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from UW Madison in 2009 and a master’s degree in educational administration from UW in 1993. Dr. Jenkins started his career as a health teacher, and then became associate principal at Madison Memorial High School in 1993-1994. After that he worked in administrative school roles in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. Dr. Jenkins was working as superintendent of the Robbinsdale Area Schools in suburban Minneapolis when he got the call to return to Madison. The Madison School Board chose Dr. Jenkins because of his ability to bring diverse groups together and his ability to respond to complex and challenging issues.

PERFORMERS • SPEC IA L REC O GNITION

Performers DJ Drew Masters

has 25 years DJ/Emcee experience, working clubs, youth and business events and fundraisers. He also has 4 years experience as a radio personality/ mix show host. DJ Drew always says “What time is it? It’s party time!”

Thaddeus McCants is a

playwright and an actor in film, off Broadway, NY and regional theater. He was in the original cast of Disney’s "Freaky Friday the Musical.” He is currently pursuing his MFA in playwriting at NYU. He graduated from East HS in Madison WI.

Special Thanks to our 2021 Talented Performers!

Alexis “Tilly” EvansKrueger

started her dance career at age three in Madison, WI. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in dance from Wright State University. Tilly was most recently with Company XIV's production of Nutcracker Rouge. She has toured nationally and internationally with BODYTRAFFIC and with Spectrum Dance Theater + Donald Byrd, The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and DCDC II.

Special Recognition

for Donations of Fully Paid Scholarships for 2021

Fully funding a WIF Scholarship

is a wonderful way to do good and to help Dane County students of color as they start on their college education journey. The need is great! The scholarship can be awarded in memory of a loved one or to a student who will study in a certain field, such as the arts, health, STEM, law, etc.

For more info: sallyhestad@gmail.com

Debra & Robert Kurth for donating a fully paid scholarship in memory of Debra’s daughter, Jasmine Davida Sledge Cox.

PIC Wisconsin Community Trust for donating a fully paid scholarship for 2021, to be awarded to a student entering a health career.

Dr. William & Maureen Listwan

Jasmine Davida Sledge Cox

for donating a fully paid scholarship for 2021, to be awarded to a student entering a health career.

4/16/90-9/12/02

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

IN S P IRIN G T HE D R EA M A WA R D S

Inspiring the Dream Award The Dream Keeper by Langston Hughes, 1925

Bring me all of your dreams, You dreamer, Bring me all your Heart melodies That I may wrap them In a blue cloud-cloth Away from the too-rough fingers of the world.

A very bright spot in the pandemic is the creation of the Women In Focus “Inspiring the Dream” Awards!

On our 35th Anniversary, WIF publicly recognizes

the contributions of individuals and organizations who

have significantly assisted in our mission to fund college scholarships for students of color from Dane County.

Our awardees have been instrumental to the success of the WIF Scholarship Program and they deserve to be honored! We thank each awardee with a lovely engraved plaque.

MTH DESIGN Awardee Sandy Wagener, MTH Design Sandy has been our graphic designer since 2007 and each year she creates another outstanding design for us. As a result of her awesome talent, the beautiful Women In Focus Dream Ball invitation is highly anticipated each year by our guests. Sandy also designs and organizes our Ball Program Booklet, a piece which sets the elegant tone for our event. The amount of work for each program is staggering but Sandy thrives on challenge! Recently, we added Sandy’s designs to our website and email newsletter. This year our Ball Program Booklet is electronic and a larger format, and Sandy took on this new challenge and created our stunning program. Sandy strongly believes in the mission of Women In Focus and this is why she donates her valuable work. Thank you so much Sandy! You have been instrumental to our ability to fund scholarships over the past fourteen years!

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

Awardee CUNA Mutual Group and CUNA Mutual Group Foundation CUNA Mutual Group and its Foundation are headquartered in Madison, WI. CUNA Mutual Group has been a trusted insurance and investment partner for credit unions, businesses and hardworking Americans for 85 years. CUNA Mutual Group and its Foundation make good happen in Madison by funding community partners! In 2019, they awarded $3.8 million and 43% went to education initiatives. They have sponsored the “I Have a Dream” Ball every year since 2005. Thank you, CUNA Mutual Group and CUNA Mutual Group Foundation for consistently supporting our mission to fund college scholarships for Dane County students of color! You have been instrumental to our ability to fund scholarships over the past sixteen years!

SIL ENT AUCTION

Scholarship Silent Auction 2020 marks the very first WIF Scholarship Silent Auction!

Pivoting in the Pandemic, WIF chose to add to the ways that people can support our scholarships. The Silent Auction is virtual, safe and fun for all! We hope you visit and bid high! All auction proceeds will benefit the 2021 WIF Scholarship Fund.

BID HIGH! BID OFTEN! • gift certificates • gift baskets • massage • jewelry • original artwork and more! Register and bid now at www.wif.cbo.io Bidding opened on January 11 and closes January 16 at 8:30 pm.

omen 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 despite the Pandemic!

Thank You!

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

S CHO L ARS HIP P R O G R A M

Scholarship Program 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 appli-

cants 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 35 years. In 2020, Women In Focus, Inc. was able to award 13 high school students scholarships from the proceeds of the 2020 Dream Ball and donations. In addition, we awarded one scholarship to a

non-traditional student in honor of the late Jan and Al Studesville, bringing the total number of scholarships to 14 and the total amount awarded from the 2020 Ball proceeds to $35,000.

2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Danielle Crim Cristian Cruz-Montes De Oca Luisa Lutes Davidson Kehinde Mary Fadele Hayley Gaines Victoria Greer

Jada Jarreau Robert Murphy, Jr. Paphankon Raksakhet Monahdee Anaya Sayeh Marcus Williams

WIF proudly awarded three scholarships in honor of our late founding members: Deniye Mitchell – the 2020 Dr. Virginia Henderson Memorial Scholarship Camille Miles – the 2020 Gloria Jones Bey Memorial Scholarship Ngina Ali, Madison College – the 2020 Al & Jan Studesville Memorial Scholarship

WIF selected the recipients of two independently funded scholarships: Joshua Jacobson, East HS– the Julius Morgan Memorial Scholarship Nevaehia Boston, East HS, – the first Miss Milele Memorial Scholarship 8

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

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Recipient Biographies These Women In Focus 2020 scholarships were awarded based on the

students’ academic achievement and service to the community while in high

school. Each of the awardees is now enrolled in college and continuing the path to success through education. WIF and the community are very proud of what these students have achieved.

DANIELLE CRIM

Danielle Crim is currently a freshman at Columbia College in Chicago. She graduated from West High School in June of 2020 with excellent grades. One of Danielle’s references said Danelle is an exceptional natural leader, in the classroom with her teachers and classmates, among her peers in the community, on the stage performing her original award-winning musical arrangements or speaking to officials on behalf of her peers for social justice. Danielle is extremely talented. She is constantly challenging herself; she is a person of strong moral character and integrity, trusted and respected in her school and community, prepared for success in life with her strong commitment to academic excellence, her passion about making a difference and her leadership skills.

CRISTIAN CRUZ-MONTES DE OCA

Cristian is now a freshman at UW Madison. He graduated from West HS in June of 2020 with excellent grades. The first-born child of an immigrant family, Cristian has a strong interest in education, working with children and the medical field. Starting in sixth grade, he was actively involved in the Simpson Street Free Press, where he worked as a writer and newspaper editor, and often acted as a mentor for younger students. Cristian was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society and he

participated in the UW Madison Information Technology Academy, a college prep program. Cris’ references said Cris is a courageous leader with a sophisticated understanding of racial inequities and disparate outcomes. Cris was a leader in the Black Student Union and Familia Latina and worked to plan and implement steps to improve West High School for all. He is an absolute gem and is bound to excel at the college level.

LUISA LUTES DAVIDSON

Luisa Lutes Davidson is now a freshman at Cornell College. She graduated in May of 2020 from Waunakee HS with excellent grades. Luisa lost her mother at age 10 in Columbia and she and her siblings had to find their way in foster care. Luisa overcame these obstacles and became an excellent student. She came to Waunakee and began life with her new American family when she was already in high school. She had to learn English in addition to her high school subjects. In addition, she volunteered weekly at River Food Pantry and serving food to the homeless. She participated in the Latinx Student Union at Waunakee HS called the Sonadores and she mentored middle school Latino kids in the Waunakee School district. Her references said Luisa is passionate, caring, engaging and thoughtful. She takes initiative when a task is required, and then goes above and beyond. She is incredibly organized and always exceeds expectations. She enjoys guiding and empowering other students to reach their full potential. continued... 3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

2 020 HIGH S CH O O L R EC I P I EN T B I O G R A PHIES

KEHINDE MARY FADELE

Kehinde (Mary) Fadele is a freshman at UW Madison. She graduated in June of 2020 from East High School with excellent grades. Mary and her family immigrated to Madison from Nigeria due to the political corruption and lack of opportunities there. In college, Mary plans to study political science with the goal of attending law school. Her references said Mary seems to have boundless energy. She is passionate about racial and social justice and she is determined to become a lawyer and right some of the injustices in the world. She astutely analyses every situation and uses her bold, strong voice to lift up the concerns of marginalized groups. She thrives on being active and engaged in her communities. Mary definitely has the skills and determination to be successful in college.

HAYLEY GAINES

Hayley Mae Gaines currently is a freshman at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Memorial High School in June, 2020. Hayley excelled in the classroom, taking as many as five AP classes a semester in her senior year. She also excelled as a high school athlete in volleyball, track and field, competing on the state level. Hayley is attracted to architecture because architects use the endless bounds of imagination along with problem solving skills and a drive for innovation as they create. One of Hayley’s references said Hayley is diligent, motivated and a superb thinker. She is a positive force in our community and will be a valuable asset to her university community.

VICTORIA GREER

Victoria Greer is now a freshman, attending Howard University. She graduated from Lafollette HS in June of 2020 with excellent grades. During high school, Victoria attended Early STEM Academy at Madison College, and learned tech skills at the Information Technology

Academy at UW Madison. She is considering pursuing a degree in communications. Her references said Victoria has an extroverted nature and she invites everyone into conversation and reflection. Her communication skills and public speaking skills are truly remarkable. She has the widest array of interests and accomplishments and community-mindedness of any high school student I have met. Victoria’s energy, voice and dedication will be an outstanding addition to her college campus. Beyond academic success, she will nurture her community with refreshing perspectives and questions that will lead to reflection and growth.

JADA JARREAU

Jada Jarreau is currently a freshman at Carroll University in Waukesha. She graduated from Edgewood High School with stellar grades. In high school Jada volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Olbrich Gardens and was a Salvation Army bell ringer. Jada has always loved science. Under the microscope is her passion. She plans to major in forensic science in college and continue to volunteer in her community. Jada’s references said Jada is a talented, bright and motivated student, a creative and thoughtful young woman with mature and interesting insights. She is also warm and friendly and compassionately looks out for the well-being of others. These attributes will take her far. Jada said life is about sharing our gifts with the world and sharing the best moments in life with the ones we love.

ROBERT MURPHY, JR.

Robert Murphy is currently a freshman at UW Madison. He is pursuing an undergraduate and master’s degree in mechanical Engineering. Robert’s goal is to use engineering to better the world! Robert graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in June of 2020 with excellent grades. His passion for engineering was fueled by his success in two highly competitive summer engineering internships at UW Madison in 2018 and 2019. He received multiple community awards. His long-term goal is to mentor continued...

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

20 20 HIG H SC HOOL REC IPIENT BIO GR APH IE S

Black students who are interested in the STEM field. His reference said Robert expects the best from both himself and those around him. His honesty and personal values are above reproach. He consistently makes decisions that are right for him and is not swayed by peer pressure. Robert has the skills and drive to do well in college.

PAPHANKON RAKSAKHET

Paphankon Raksakhet is now a freshman at UW Madison, the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from LaFollette HS in June of 2020 with top grades in advanced placement courses. Pap came to the USA at age 10 from rural Thailand. He worked very hard to learn English and succeed in school. He joined the AVID program and continuously worked part time in a grocery store to help his family. Now he is interested in pursuing a degree in computer science at UW so he can continue to help his family and make them proud. Papâ€™s references say he is a kind and generous student who has his goals and dreams set high. Pap has not allowed obstacles to stand in his way. He is optimistic, tenacious and resilient, and always approaches people with a friendly and cheerful demeanor. He will be a great asset to his college.

MONAHDEE ANAYA SAYEH

Monahdee Sayeh is currently a freshman UW Madison where she intends to study media arts. Monahdee graduated from Abundant Life Christian School in May, 2020 with excellent grades. Despite health challenges, she displayed grit and drive to maintain her studies, participate in many extracurricular activities and volunteer in her community. She is a media artist who seeks to

capture emotions in her photography and tell stories in her videos. At ALCS, she created an in-school TV station for announcements of news and school activities. She worked as a camp counselor in Monrovia, Liberia at the Cachelle Creative Arts Center. Her references said Monahdee is a leader, passionate, motivated, dependable. She has also served children in the community where she encouraged them to succeed and grow in their passions and abilities. She embodies the values of Women In Focus.

MARCUS WILLIAMS

Marcus Williams graduated in June, 2020 from East High School. His grades are excellent, and he took challenging AP classes. Marcus attended the Information Technology Academy at UW, an innovative pre-college program focusing on technology skills. In middle school, Marcus became interested in fashion design, sewing and creating. His dream was to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. His reference said Marcus is a Renaissance man. He excels in math, art, science, athletics and has a genuine curiosity about the world and those around him. He is hardworking and outgoing, which makes him well respected by his teachers and his peers. Marcus is well-prepared for the rigors of college and is going to thrive with all the opportunities that college will offer him.

Congratulations!

WIF Scholarship applications for 2021 are currently available at www.womeninfocusmadison.org Completed applications are due February 15, 2021. 3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

MEMO RIAL S CH O L A R S H I P S

Miss me Milele mo rial scholarship Miss Milele Chikasa Anana was the

editor and publisher of UMOJA Magazine for nearly three decades. Known as Miss Milele, she is remembered as a champion of positive Black news. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin called her contributions “overwhelming” and credited her with increasing diversity recruitment in school, opening employment opportunities for women and people of color, and obtaining public and private contracts for minority and women-owned businesses. Miss Milele went to every event involving the community for her magazine, which meant that she was always in attendance at Women In Focus events over almost thirty years. Miss Milele’s values aligned closely with those of WIF. In the last two years of her life, Miss Milele herself raised money for a scholarship endowment fund which now resides at the Madison Community Foundation. Women In Focus, Inc. had the privilege of selecting the student to receive the first Miss Milele Memorial Scholarship, Nevaehia Boston.

NEVAEHIA BOSTON

Nevaehia Boston is now a freshman at Jackson State University. She graduated in June of 2020 from East High School with strong grades. Nevaehia was Vice President of the Black Student Union, participated in DECA where she went to state and national competitions. She excelled at varsity Girls Basketball and varsity Track and Field where she was captain of both teams in her senior year. She worked as an intern at Summit Credit Union and developed an interest in finance and financial planning. She traveled to Kenya for three weeks as part of the Sister School Project at East HS and this has given her a global perspective. Her reference said Nevaehia is charismatic, outgoing and determined. When she has a goal, she goes for it all the way. Nevaehia will bring her drive to learn, her leadership abilities and her curiosity about the world with her to college and beyond.

Read more about Miss Milele at www.womeninfocusmadison.org 12

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

MEMORIA L SC HO LAR SH IPS

JuliuS Morgan

Al & Jan Studesville

This new memorial scholarship honors the inspir-

The late Jan Studesville was a founding member

memorial scholarship ing life and accomplishments of the late Julius Morgan who passed on December 27, 2019. Julius believed that education is the foundation for everything in life. After his death, his wife, WIF Founding Member Verona Morgan, and the Morgan family established a permanent Endowment Fund at the Madison Community Foundation to honor Julius and they requested that Women In Focus select the scholar.

JOSHUA JACOBSON

Joshua Jacobson is the first recipient of the Julius Morgan Memorial Scholarship. Joshua is currently a freshman at UW Madison and the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from East High School in June of 2020. His high school academic record is outstanding. Due to his familyâ€™s limited income, Joshua worked a part-time job through high school. Joshua is interested in Computer Science and hopes one day to help the world with STEM innovations. Joshua is a very hard worker who chose to challenge himself in high school by taking on difficult math and science courses. One of his references said Joshua has a creative, analytical mind. He wants to develop ways to apply technology to solve world problems. He sees what is needed to make his community a better place and will make an excellent addition to any team.

memorial scholarship

of Women In Focus. She and her late husband Al were active participants in all WIF activities and in the community until their tragic passing in 2013. The Studesville family has generously contributed to the WIF Scholarship Endowment Fund in memory of Jan and Al. The first Jan and Al Studesville Scholarship was awarded in 2014 and we will continue to award the Studesville scholarship to a deserving continuing education student each year.

NGINA ALI

Ngina Ali is a continuing adult student studying nursing at Madison College. She is a graduate of the UW Odyssey Project in 2017. She maintains an excellent GPA but attends school while working to support her family. She works fulltime as a billing coordinator and she takes additional part time work as a banquet server. She squeezes every penny to keep her bills paid and keep housing for her family and herself. Continuing her education is both a time struggle and a financial struggle. There is little time for sleep. Yet Ngina persists because she knows that at the end of her education road, she will be qualified as a nurse and be able to help people and get them the best compassionate care possible. A reference wrote Ngina is an excellent student, mother, grandmother and citizen who will make a terrific nurse and an engaged community member who will continue to give back to others.

Read more about WIF Founding Member Memorial Scholarships at www.womeninfocusmadison.org 3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

MEMO RIAL S CH O L A R S H I P S

Virgina Henderson

Gloria Jones-Bey

The late Dr. Virginia Henderson was a founding

WIF Founding Member Gloria Jones-Bey earned

memorial scholarship member of Women In Focus and a leader in our community. Dr. Henderson worked her entire life to inspire and improve children’s education in Madison. She was the embodiment of our theme “Inspiring the Dream." The first Henderson Memorial Scholarship was awarded in April of 2019 and Women In Focus will continue to award this scholarship to a deserving high school student of color each year.

DENIYE MITCHELL

Deniye Mitchell is currently attending Clark Atlanta University as a first-generation college student. She graduated from East High School in June of 2020 with impressive grades in advanced placement classes. Deniye found many opportunities at East HS where she became a varsity basketball player, a varsity softball player and president of the Black Student Union. Deniye’s goal is to study social work and psychology to help the Black community break out of generations of trauma and to help fix unhealed wounds of people in the community. Her references said Deniye is intelligent, a strong leader with strong interpersonal skills and a passionate learner. She cares deeply about her community and will use her education to create positive change.

memorial scholarship a BS in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in public administration. She worked as Vice President of Patient Care at Meriter Hospital and came out of retirement to teach at Edgewood College and Madison College. She was truly dedicated to the success of young people in her life and she worked tirelessly to accomplish the mission of Women In Focus right up to the time of her passing on November 12, 2016. Women In Focus, Inc. began awarding this memorial scholarship in 2017.

CAMILLE MILES

Camille Miles is currently attending UW Madison where she plans to study psychology. Camille graduated from Edgewood High School in June of 2020 with an excellent academic record and was a member of the National Honor Society. She demonstrated strong leadership skills in school, part-time work and extracurricular activities. Her largest life goal is to uplift youth who are struggling with mental health obstacles and other disparities. She hopes to help youth find their spark! One of her references wrote Camille exudes a quiet and contagious joy as she works actively as a student, a volunteer and a teammate to build a compassionate community. Her gentle kindness has been a boundless gift to Edgewood HS.

Read more about WIF Founding Member Memorial Scholarships at www.womeninfocusmadison.org 14

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

A BOUT W OMEN IN FOCUS, INC.

About Women In Focus, Inc. Formed in 1983 Women In Focus, Inc. (WIF) is a group of about 25 energetic professional women in Madison, Wisconsin. For over thirty-eight 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 over 355 scholarships for a total in excess of $500,000.00. 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 are now focused on growing this permanent fund so that we can continue 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 meet monthly with single

mothers and their children at the YWCAâ€™s 3rd Street program. WIF also distributes books to children at Juneteenth and other community events. Our literacy

program is supported through donations, grants and partnerships with other community organizations.

2019 Women In Focus, Inc. Members.

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2020-2021 Membership

OFFICERS 2020â€“2022:

President, Verona Morgan Vice President, Sharyl Kato Secretary, Portia Adney Treasurer, Kendra Gassner MEMBERS 2020-2021: Portia Adney Nancy Wren-Bauch Makda Fessahaye Kendra Gassner Michelle Heitzinger Roxie Hentz Sally Hestad Edith Hilliard Sharyl Kato Marsann McCants Rhoda McKinney Annette Miller Donna Moreland Carolyn Morgan Verona Morgan Ramona Natera Teran Peterson Susan Piazza Treater Prestine Amber Rafeet-August Gloria Reyes Venus Washington Jodie Pope Williams

2021 BALL COMMITTEE

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HARDWORKING 2021 BALL COMMITTEE:

Gloria Reyes, Chair Portia Adney, WIF Secretary Nancy Wren-Bauch Kendra Gassner, WIF Treasurer Sally Hestad Michelle Heitzinger

Sharyl Kato 2020-22 Vice-President Member since 2009

Portia Adney, 2020-22 Secretary Member since 2018

Kendra Gassner, 2020-22 Treasurer Member since 2017

Edith Hilliard Sharyl Kato, WIF Vice President Marsann McCants Rhoda McKinney Annette Miller Carolyn Morgan Verona Morgan, WIF President Roxie Hentz Ramona Natera Amber Raffeet-August Jodie Pope Williams Michelle Wray FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN FOCUS Dr. Sheryl Henderson Tina Murray

Michelle Wray

Verona Morgan, 2020-22 President Member since 1983

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

I am inspired by the group of incredible, professional women I get to collaborate with and work with to help make higher education more accessible for our underserved population. - Portia Adney

20 20 - 20 21 MEM BE R SH IP

What do you find inspiring about OUR ORGANIZATION?

Our passion to give to our students and Madison Community. - Venus Washington

Nancy Wren-Bauch Member since 2020

Makda Fessahaye Member since 2018

Michelle Heitzinger Member since 2013

Roxie Hentz Member since 2014

Sally Hestad Member since 2005

Edith Hilliard Member since 1984

Marsann McCants Member since 2020

Rhoda McKinney Member since 2019

Women In Focus is a staple in the Dane County community. The organization's work and legacy spans decades and has supported and impacted generations of students of color. - Makda Fessahaye

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

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Annette Miller Member since 2019

Donna Moreland Member since 2019

Carolyn Morgan Member since 2020

Ramona Natera Member since 2019

Teran Peterson Member since 2020

Susan Piazza Member since 2017

What do you find inspiring about OUR ORGANIZATION?

I am inspired by the Women In Focus mission & activities to ensure students of color can reach their educational goals and I am inspired by the amazing WIF founders and members who I am so proud to be affiliated with. We work, laugh & play together, side by side, making a difference now and in the future. I am very choosy and particular about what I choose to be involved in outside of work and I have cherished each moment. - Sharyl Kato

Treater Prestine Member since 2013

Amber Rafeet-August Member since 2014

The Mission and the dedication of the members to the Mission. - Annette Miller

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

20 20 - 20 21 MEM BE R SH IP

What do you find inspiring about OUR STUDENTS?

These students dare to dream big and they do the hard work to reach their goals. - Donna Moreland

Our scholarship recipients are amazing! They come to us with so much knowledge, drive, and passion to learn more and contribute to their community. - Susan Piazza

Gloria Reyes Member since 2019

Venus Washington Member since 2016

Jodie Pope Williams Member since 2019

Michelle Wray Member since 2019

What do you find inspiring about OUR DREAM BALL?

Women In Focus brings diverse communities together that are dedicated to a common goal of supporting and encouraging the education of students of color. - Makda Fessahaye

At times when the world seems stacked against students of color, hundreds of people come to the Ball each year to stand collectively to breathe hope, support, and love into them. It is such a powerful image to witness! - Roxie Hentz

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

ROSE A NN BROW N M E MOR IAL

ose Ann Brown was born September 18, 1943 and went home to be with her Savior on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Rose Ann was born in St. Louis and raised in Milwaukee WI. She and her husband Whittie Brown had been married for 42 years when he passed away in 2005. Rose Ann worked for 40 years in banking at M&I Bank, where she graciously helped hundreds of people each year. Rose Ann was proud to be part of the changing landscape of the banking industry in Madison which now includes many more women and people of color than it did when she entered the field. In 1983, Rose Ann was one of the group of professional Black women who joined together to start Women In Focus, Inc. For 37 years, Rose Ann was a dedicated and active member in Women in Focus, serving as President and in many other capacities over the years. She secured crucial sponsorships for the Dream Ball and enjoyed working in our literacy program at the YWCA. She believed deeply in our mission to encourage students of color to succeed in college through our scholarships. Rose Ann faithfully attended WIF monthly meetings and expressed her views in a spirited manner. She had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor and was welcoming to all but especially to new WIF members. She contributed greatly to the success of Women In Focus and we miss her very much. In the spring of 2021, WIF will honor Rose Ann by awarding a scholarship in her name.

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

35 YE ARS IN RE I V EW

Inspiring the Dream for 35 years!

Historical Timeline of Women In Focus, Inc.

1983

Women In Focus was founded and began work on its mission to encourage students of color to succeed in education.

1989 Women In Focus

1986 The first “I Have a Dream” Ball, a

3rd annual “I have a Dream Scholarship Ball” held at the Holiday Inn East. This was our first Program booklet the cover designed by Madison Artist Antonio Testolin in 1989.

black-tie event held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place at the UW Memorial Union, with 100 guests. Dr. Virginia Henderson was WIF President that year.

1990-1995 WIF

The first scholarships with funds from the “I Have a Dream” Ball were small book grants. Over the years the amounts given as scholarships have risen to $1000, then $2000, and currently $2500 for each student.

sponsored wonderful concerts featuring the Morehouse College Glee Club, Spelman College Glee Club and the Spelman College Jazz Ensemble.

1985-1995 WIF sponsored luncheons and other events showcasing dignitaries of color, including

Dr. Johnette Cole, then president of Spelman College, UW Madison professor Nellie Y. McKay, co-author (with Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.) of the initial “Norton Anthology of Black Writers of America,” A’lelia Bundles, granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, early Black entrepreneur.

2001 WIF Literacy Program to

encourage reading and by giving children free books began once a week in the lobby of the Harambee Clinic. 22

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

2002

Guided by the efforts of Gloria Jones-Bey, WIF received 501(c)3 tax exempt status.

35 YEA RS I N R E VIE W

2006

WIF received 77 hats from the Estate of Miss Annie Mae McClain. A display of these church hats was organized and toured the State. An auction of the hats raised money for our scholarship fund.

2011 Women In Focus established a Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Madison Community Foundation. The growth of this fund is used to award a WIF scholarship each year in perpetuity.

2012 WIF began its participation in free book

distributions at Juneteenth celebrations each June.

2014 WIF Founding Member Memorial

Scholarships began with a scholarship in memory of Jan Studesville who along with her husband Al, died tragically in a motorcycle accident in 2013. The first Studesville Memorial scholarship went to Taylor Kilgore.

2006 WIF presented a plaque commemorating our Ball to Yolanda King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when she was in Madison presenting at Edgewood College.

2008 WIF Literacy Program began a partnership with the YWCA and began hosting monthly programs for children and mothers from the 3rd Street Program at the YWCA and capped off each year with a summer reading bookfair. This program has been funded by grants.

2008 & 2009 WIF held

scholarship fundraising events called “Hats Off in the Garden” at Olbrich Gardens. Attendees were encouraged to wear and purchase beautiful hats.

2010 WIF held its first annual Scholarship

Reception for the student awardees and their families at Edgewood College. Receptions are on-going each year, providing an opportunity to recognize and encourage the students before they start their college year.

2015 WIF awarded a special scholarship hon-

oring DaRen Morris, funded with the donation of book proceeds from Judy Adrian’s book about him.

2017 Jared Biddle received the first WIF Scholarship in honor of the late Gloria Jones-Bey.

2018

WIF began to distribute books at the Madison Children’s Museum’s event Summerpalooza in June. WIF Literacy Committee worked with the Goodman Center to construct four Little Libraries, which were then placed in neighborhood centers and supplied with books.

2019 WIF awarded the first scholarship in honor

of the late Virginia Henderson to Dija Manly, now a student at Stanford.

2020 WIF chose the first recipients of the

Julius Morgan Memorial Scholarship and the Miss Milele Chikasa Anana Memorial Scholarship.

2021

WIF holds its 35th Anniversary Dream Ball virtually due to the pandemic, along with its first Silent Auction to benefit the WIF Scholarship Fund. 3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

DA N E CO U N T Y P R O C L A M A T I O N

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

W IF L IT ERA C Y P R OGR AM

Women In Focus (WIF) members believe the ability to read is fundamental to future success. Since 2001, WIF has worked to promote reading and early childhood education in the Madison community. We have partnered with the single mothers and their children at the YWCA’s 3rd Street program. The program’s purpose is to promote reading as a positive activity and experience for young children; to support and encourage parents and children to read, learn, and enjoy reading together; and to donate age-appropriate and interesting books to all families and children who participate in the program. COVID-19 has made our lives and our efforts difficult, but we continue to provide books to the mothers and their children to keep the connection strong during these strange and difficult times.

WIF also distributes books to children at Juneteenth and other community events. Our literacy program is supported through donations, grants, and partnerships with other community organizations. If you are interested in supporting our literacy program, please check it out at our website. Happy Reading, everyone!

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” - Margaret Fuller

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

S PON S ORS

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 2021 Dream Ball Scholarship Program. We hope you will let our sponsors know that their support is appreciated!

IMPACT SPONSOR

MTH DESIGN

BENEFACTOR

ANGEL

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

SPONSOR S

SUSTAINER

SHARYL KATO SUPPORTER

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL THE GENEROUS INDIVIDUALS WHO DONATED TO THE 2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM! 3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CLAIM? Email for your FREE consultation with Sally Hestad at hestad@hestadlaw.com

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35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

35th Anniversary Virtual Dream Ball

Creativity is the soul of the true scholar Proudly supporting the dreams of all scholarship recipients

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3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGR CONGR ATS ATS

to the 2021 recipients of the Women Focusrecipients Scholarship. to thein2021 of the

to the 2021 recipients of the Women in Focus We wish you success Women incontinued Focus Scholarship. Scholarship. on your educational journey!

We We wish wish you you continued continued success success on on your your educational educational journey! journey!

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35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

Larry Sain, Agent Legion of Honor

424 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715-1618 Bus 608 257 5132 Fax 608 257 5393 www.larrysain.com larry@larrysain.com

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How Martin Jr Day Luther King Became A Holiday e — The Timelin

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100 Years of Empowering and Communities Changing Lives

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35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

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Wegner CPAs is about people – our clients, our employees, our community. Dedicated to your success, we’re more than just your accounting firm. We’re proud to support the mission of Women in Focus!

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

CONGRATULATIONS Women in Focus

on your 35th I Have a Dream Ball Anniversary from All of Us at the Rainbow Project Child & Family Counseling & Resource Clinic!

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY IS A

GROUP EFFORT

CUNA Mutual Group and it’s Foundation are proud to support students of color through the “I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball Learn more at cunamutual.com/about-us CORP-1221083.2-0617-0719 ©CUNA Mutual Group, 2020 All Rights Reserved.

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Simpson Street Free Press Teaching Young Women to Be Leaders and Mentors Since 1992 Read Their Work Online: www.SimpsonStreetFreePress.org

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35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

Founded in 1971, Briarpatch Youth Services has a long history in providing services to youth in need. The agency serves adolescent-aged youth and their families throughout Dane County. Briarpatch remains the only youth shelter in the county. In addition, we offer 24-hour helpline, case management, parent groups and a variety of other programs and services. For more information, visit our website at www.briarpatch.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

Making a difference The Burish Group is proud to support the Dream Ball and Women in Focus and their mission of promoting educational excellence and healthy development for young students of color.

The Burish Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 8020 Excelsior Drive, Suite 400 Madison, WI 53717 608-831-4282 burishgroup@ubs.com ubs.com/burishgroup

The University of Wisconsin–Madison congratulates

Women in Focus on

35 years of

“Inspiring the Dream” through college scholarships supporting the educational goals of students in our community.

35 YEARS OF INSPI RI NG THE DREAM!

Exp.: 11/30/2021

L ET ' S D ANCE !

Let'S Dance!

Past Dream Ball participants enjoy the dance floor!

3 5 YEARS OF INSPIRING TH E DREAM!

Save the Date

Women In Focus 36th Annual Scholarship Dream Ball January 15, 2022

PLEASE SEND QUESTIONS TO

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