40th Anniversary Booklet - 2026 Final

Jan u a r y 17, 2026

To our Women in Focus Family & Friends!

What an exciting and extraordinary moment this is — for all of us. As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Women In Focus, we are honoring four decades of sustained community and impact. This milestone represents the incredible work and dedication of generations of women who believed in lifting up our youth through literacy and education.

When I reflect on the origins of this organization — created as a support group for women of color navigating their professional worlds, often alone — I am truly in awe. What began as women coming together in community to break barriers and thrive through friendship and shared strength has grown into an organization that now uplifts and invests in our local youth of color. I imagine our founding members gathering around a table 40 years ago, supporting one another and dreaming of something bigger than themselves. They planted seeds they would never fully see bloom—yet today, we witness the fruit of their vision in every scholar’s success story, every literacy event, every partnership, and every committed member who continues to show up for this mission.

energy into our committees, and built partnerships that expand our reach while strengthening our long-term sustainability. And we do all of this as a fully volunteer-driven organization — an extraordinary example of what is possible when women unite around purpose.

To every member, donor, partner, and volunteer: thank you. You are the heartbeat of this organization. Every hour you give, every meeting you attend, every event you support, and every idea you contribute strengthens our mission. Whether you have been part of Women In Focus for decades or joined us more recently, your presence matters deeply.

As we look toward the next 40 years, we carry forward the same spirit that built the first 40—a commitment to uplift, empower, advocate, and transform lives through the power of education. I am honored to be part of this incredible organization and look forward to continuing this remarkable legacy together.

With love and gratitude, Kendra Gassner 2024–26 President, Women In Focus, Inc.

Today, our work continues to grow stronger. We have enhanced our scholarship review process, welcomed new

Women In Focus is excited to welcome Ms. Maia Pearson as our 2026 Keynote speaker. Maia is a native Madisonian, a working mother of three, a community organizer and serves as a Vice President of the Madison Metropolitan School District. She currently works as the program coordinator of the Mann Scholars program. In 2006, as a graduate of West High School, Maia received her Women In Focus scholarship. She went on to earn a degree in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin. Madison with a focus on cultures in the age of globalization and development. Her personal experiences have shaped her understanding of poverty, the importance of state support, and the value of hard work to secure a better future for families and communities. With a background in youth development, Maia has spent over a decade advocating for affordable and accessible college education and voter rights.

Dear Dream Ball Guests & Sponsors

As the 2026 Women In Focus Dream Ball Chair, I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you—our guests, sponsors, and supporters— who make it possible for Women In Focus to provide scholarships to Dane County students year after year. Your generosity fuels opportunity, hope, and lasting change.

Serving on this committee is truly a labor of love. While the work of volunteering is demanding, the reward is immeasurable. A successful Dream Ball allows us to invest directly in Dane County youth and, by extension, the strength and future of our entire community.

goals. It fills me with pride to know that, together, we are helping them move closer to achieving their dreams.

The 2026 Women In Focus Dream Ball is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary of giving—four decades of reinvesting in the dreams of children in our community. Through their future hard work, leadership, and skills, we will all benefit from the powerful contributions they will make as change agents in the world.

Each year, Women In Focus hosts a Scholarship Awards Reception. This is the one moment when I have the honor of meeting our scholarship recipients and their families face-to-face. Listening to these gifted and deserving students share their stories humbles me every time. Their poise, clarity of purpose, and ambition to pursue higher education are deeply inspiring.

When I was their age, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Today, I am in awe of how laser-focused these young people are on their educational and career

Thanks to the vision and mission of our Women In Focus founders, we have built an organization whose impact can continue fulfilling dreams in perpetuity through our Foundation.

As we gather to celebrate, we do so in the spirit of this year’s theme: A Night of Chance, a Lifetime of Change. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary legacy.

With gratitude, Marsann McCants

2026 Women In Focus Dream Ball Chair

Jackie Santana

2026 Women In Focus Dream Ball Co-Chair

Celebrating the Milestone

The Women In Focus “I Have a Dream” Ball has been an important community social event in January for forty years! The Ball has always been given in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Over the years Women In Focus turned the Ball from its original focus as a private social event into an open elegant gala with a purpose: to raise money for college scholarships for students of color from Dane County. Enjoy more nostalgic images on pages 22-23!

Inspiring the Dream for 40 Years!

Historical Timeline of Women In Focus, Inc.

1983 Women In Focus was founded at a day-long retreat on November,12, 1983 and committee work began on projects centered on youth in the community as well as annual luncheons.

1986

The first “I Have a Dream” Ball, a 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.

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 are currently $2500 for each student.

1985-1995

WIF sponsored luncheons and other events showcasing dignitaries of color, including Dr. Johnetta 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.

1987 & 1988

Women In Focus was incorporated by WIF member and registered agent Barbara J. Whitmore April 28, 1987. Restated Articles of incorporation were signed by WIF President Virginia Henderson and Rose A. Brown, Secretary in May, 1988.

1989 Women In Focus 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.

1990-1995

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

2001-2026

WIF’s Literacy Program encourages parents to read to their young children. For seven years, WIF members distributed free books in the lobby of the Harambee Clinic each week. In 2008, WIF’s Literacy Program was held monthly at the YWCA and now the quarterly program is held at the Salvation Army. WIF also distributes free books at Juneteenth and other community events. Our books are now provided by our partner, the Madison Reading Project.

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.

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.

2010

WIF held its first Scholarship Reception for awardees and their families at Edgewood College. Receptions are on-going each year, providing the opportunities to recognize and encourage the scholars before they start their first college or tradeschool year. Receptions are now held at Goodman Community Center.

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

2014 The first WIF Founding Member Scholarship in memory of Jan Studesville was awarded to Taylor Kilgore.

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 The first scholarship in memory of Founding Member Dr. Virginia Henderson was awarded to Dija Manly.

2020 The first scholarship in memory of Julius Morgan was awarded to Angela Abongwa. The first scholarship in memory of Miss Milele Chikasa Anana was awarded to Nevaehia Boston.

2021 The first scholarship in memory of Founding Member Rose Ann Brown was awarded to Julian James.

2021 & 2022

Dream Balls and Silent Auctions were held virtually. We are so grateful for the generosity and resilience of our scholars, sponsors and donors!

2021

Isaiah Mielke received the first WIF “Inspiring Founders” four-year scholarship. A new WIF Scholarship Sponsor program began, recognizing sponsors who donate the full amount of a $2500 scholarship. In 2021 one scholarship was funded, and in 2025 ten were funded.

2023 The Dream Ball was held in person once again!

2017 Jared Biddle received the first Founding Member Scholarship in honor of Gloria Jones-Bey.

2025 WIF gave out a total of 482 scholarships since 1986, and the total amount awarded since 1986 was $922,000. We hope to soon raise that to a total of $1,000,000 in scholarships awarded!

2026

WIF celebrated our 40th Anniversary with a gala Ball including Casino Games! WIF is awarding a second four-year scholarship in April, 2026.

WIF’s Successful Areas of Focus since the 1980s

By Sally A. Hestad, 20 year WIF member, WIF 2025-26 Development Director

Women In Focus, Inc. is a group of 25 diverse women in Madison, WI. This year WIF is celebrating awarding scholarships to students of color annually since1986! A milestone of 40 years of impactful work!

WIF was organized in the 1980s by nine Madison women: Virginia Henderson, Verona Morgan, Jean Lythcott, Rose Ann Brown, Gloria Jones-Bey, Barbara Whitmore, Barbara Shade, Ida Gear and Sandra Henderson. These women clearly saw the needs of our Madison community. They soon recruited other members, including Edith Hilliard, Jan Studesville and Brenda Brown. The original Articles of Incorporation showed the founders focused on scholarships, the development of youth, civic/social engagement and development/mentoring for WIF members. WIF has been successful in each of these areas of focus over the years.

MENTORING

42 years ago, Edith Hilliard was a 36-year-old mother working in the corporate office at Wisconsin Power and Light (now known as Alliant Energy) when she was invited to join Women In Focus in its second year. Edith was the only African American in her department at Wisconsin Power and Light 42 years ago. WIF founding member Verona Morgan was in a similar situation in her employment in the management employment office at AT&T. Most of the WIF founding members were in the same situation at their jobs. Women In Focus members have mutually supported and empowered one another in their work lives and personal lives since the organization began in 1984. WIF was and still is a sisterhood in this way.

One of the original purposes of Women In Focus as an organization was to provide personal growth opportunities for WIF members. As it was (and still is) an organization run

by WIF members volunteering their time, new members like young Edith and young Verona were given responsibilities for aspects of these events.

When Edith was first assigned a big task, she shook her head and said:“Oh no, I couldn’t do that!” The answer from WIF President Virginia Henderson was: “Oh yes, you can! And you will!” And of course, Edith was empowered and succeeded at that challenge and so many more during her years at WIF. She is now an experienced event planner and corporate board member of WIF and many other organizations! In this way, the organization has stretched and empowered its members to accomplish things they never thought they could. Both Edith and Verona have used the skills they gained at Women In Focus in other non-profit organizations and in their workplaces throughout their lives.

CIVIC/SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH

To engage the community and youth, Women In Focus held a series of spring luncheons and performances in 1985-1995. WIF brought many prominent and successful African American role models to Madison. Adults and young minority students were invited to attend these events. Through its Literacy program, WIF has worked to develop youth by encouraging parents to read to young children and by giving out age – appropriate new books.

FUNDRAISING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Another purpose of the WIF organization that was stated in the WIF Articles of Incorporation in 1987 was to provide scholarships to improve education and opportunities for development of minority youth. Women In Focus has remained true to this mission by putting on 40 “I Have a Dream” Balls since 1986! WIF took a risk on the first Ball at the UW Madison Great Hall which featured live music by the Davis Family Band. Printed invites were handed out, tickets were $25 and WIF members worried: “Would anyone attend?” The first Ball drew about 100 guests and after expenses were paid, proceeds allowed WIF to award two book grants of $50 each! WIF was on its way with this important social event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

which was also a fundraiser for scholarships! Through 2025, WIF has given out 482 scholarships and the total amount of those is $922,000! Our goal is to make that $1,000,000 in scholarships in 2026!

A big change for the scholarship application process occurred during the Pandemic. Applicants for WIF scholarships can now find and complete the scholarship application on the WIF website. WIF simplified the organization’s internal work of rating of the applicants by bringing it completely online in the last few years as well.

KEEPING THE MISSION ALIVE

The late Gloria Jones Bey, WIF Founding member, always cautioned WIF members to remember our mission. In meetings and on paper she repeatedly said: ”Never forget the work that we do!” We all know how important the WIF mission is, and we all want to encourage Dane County students of color to pursue education through scholarships. We can and we will find ways to continue our work, even as times and circumstances change. We are proud of our 40 years of accomplishment but also excited about the future which lies ahead for our organization, our scholars and our community. Women In Focus, Inc. envisions a world in which dreams are

WIF Scholars Giving Back over 4 Decades!

WIF has awarded 482 scholarships from 1986 to 2025 to both women and men. Our mission is to encourage post high school education of Dane County students of color through scholarships. We are very proud of the accomplishments of ALL of our scholars. They are using their education to make the world a better place! Here are updates on 13 of our scholars over the years.

Roderick E. Brown received his WIF scholarship in 1986. He graduated from UW Medical School in 1995. He practices as an anesthesiologist in East Norrington, PA.

Nichelle Nichols received her WIF scholarship in 1987. She attended Morgan State, San Francisco State and graduated from UW Madison in 1998. She worked for Family Enhancement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Urban League, the Boys & Girls Club and MMSD. She is now on the MMSD School Board.

Ismael Ozanne received his WIF scholarship in 1989. He earned his BS in Political Science at UW Madison in 1994 and his JD from UW Law School in 1998. He was then hired as an Assistant District Attorney. He was appointed as Executive Assistant for the Department of Corrections in 2008. In 2010 he was appointed to his current position as Dane County District Attorney, notably the first African American to hold that position.

Glenn Parks received his WIF scholarship in 1990. He earned his BA in psychology and his MS in Counseling Psych at UW Madison and he is a military life counselor in Fort Stewart, GA.

Carlettra Stanford received her WIF scholarship in 1991. She graduated from Spelman College and received her Masters in Education from UW Madison. Over more than 30 years, she has held teacher and principal positions in several schools with MMSD, and she now serves as MMSD Assistant Superintendent.

Renita Beason Burrell received her WIF scholarships in 1996 and 1997. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is a practicing periodontic dentist, Milwaukee area.

Erika Braunginn Gable received a WIF scholarship in 1999, attended Syracuse University and graduated in 2004. Erika is Managing Director at the Door, a creative relations agency with headquarters in NY and offices in LA, Austin and Miami.

Quilen Blackwell received his WIF scholarship in 2003. He graduated from UW Madison, served in the Peace Corps and then decided to fight poverty in Chicago. His company, South Side Blooms, turns empty city lots into flower farms, employing at risk youth. Blackwell just won the 2025 CNN Hero of the year and will receive $100,000 to expand his work!

Nathaniel Pharmer-Eden received his WIF scholarships in 2007 and 2008. He graduated from UW Whitewater in 2013 with a degree in social work and obtained his masters in 2018. He is the community coordinator for Seven Oaks Apartments in Madison, and he also pursues a career in real estate.

Tosha Songolo MD received her WIF scholarship in 2007. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2018 with honors and is now an anesthesiologist in San Diego CA.

Xai Xiong received his WIF scholarship in 2010. He graduated from UW Madison in 2015 and is now the marketing manager for the Morgridge Center for Public Service at UW. He also has a cinematic wedding videography business.

Taylor Kilgore received her WIF scholarship in 2014. Taylor attended Edgewood College and UW Madison where she graduated in journalism in 2018. She now works for TruStage as a social media consultant.

Isaiah Mielke received the WIF Inspiring Founders four-year scholarship in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. He graduated from Edgewood College in 2025. Isaiah started his business “Father’s Heart Home Care” while still in college. Isaiah’s father was disabled after an accident, and the family’s struggles to find care inspired Isaiah to start this business.

Tribute to Virginia & Perry Henderson

by Ayelen Flores and Jules DaCosta, Simpson Street Free Press

Women in Focus, Inc. is a well-known and respected local organization. The annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is a beloved tradition in Madison. The event has funded college scholarships and various other education programs for 40 years.

Today, the work of Women in Focus and the “I Have a Dream” Ball are well-known in Madison. But it wasn’t always that way. Through many twists and turns, a small but devoted group of local women turned an idea into a cause. The result was, and still is, tangible financial support for local college-bound students.

served on the board at Simpson Street Free Press. While they never sought attention, the couple was recognized many times for their generosity and volunteerism. Both the Dane County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award and Urban League Whitney M. Young Award have highlighted their service to our community.

Perry and Virginia Henderson were also active members of Madison Rotary Club and traveled abroad to support the work of the Rotary International Foundation. They were well-known philanthropists in Dane County and volunteered their time for several organizations. In addition to supporting scholarships through Women in Focus, they also established a Rotary scholarship for graduating seniors.

Dr. Virginia Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus. She sometimes chaired and always volunteered for the “I Have a Dream” Ball and was active in the organization’s work. She was president of Women in Focus in 1984-85. Virginia worked for the Madison school district and continued to be active in our schools after she retired.

The former Glendale Elementary School on the city’s southeast side is now named for Virginia Henderson.

Dr. Perry Henderson led the joint perinatal medicine program between Madison General Hospital (now UnityPoint Meriter Hospital) and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. He was on university faculty as Professor, was President of the Perinatal Foundation. He delivered over 3,000 babies during his medical career.

Together, Virginia and Perry Henderson supported many local education programs. Virginia helped found the African American Ethnic Academy and both Virginia and Perry

More that 450 local young people have received Women in Focus scholarships since 1986. And the idea of an “I Have a Dream” ball proved to be a lasting success. Forty years ago, Virginia and Perry Henderson were among a group of dedicated people who decided to make a lasting difference.

Over the years people like Verona Morgan, Edith Hillard, Rose Mary Jackson, Gloria Jones-Bey, Audrey Gilliam, Sally Hestad, Rose Ann Brown and many others guided the work of Women in Focus. From the beginning, the group’s focus

was literacy and education. Their members read to children in waiting rooms at local clinics and raised money to buy and distribute children’s books. And of course, through the years, they organized the “I Have a Dream” Ball.

It seems fitting that Virginia and Perry Henderson always supported the cause of Women in Focus. “Drs. Virginia and Perry Henderson were a power couple in Madison. They were so well respected and did so much good for the community that they were like Madison royalty” says Sally Hestad, a 20-year member of Women in Focus.

A good cause with good results requires lots of good people. For 40 years, this good cause has resulted in scholarships for young people like us. It’s important to remember the history. So to us, it seems important to remember that Dr. King’s dream lives on today and that people like Virginia and Perry Henderson and the volunteers of Women in Focus blazed a trail for us to follow.

Women in Focus will soon pass the $1,000,000 mark in scholarships awarded. To help celebrate this milestone, and celebrate Virginia and Perry Henderson, Women in Focus encourages its supporters to contribute to the scholarship fund at www.womeninfocusmadison.org. Thank you for attending the Dream Ball, a cherished Madison tradition and for helping support the college dreams of local young people.

[Sources:

Simpson Street Free Press delivers high-impact academic instruction during after-school and summer hours. We publish newspapers. Our writers are kids. They practice spelling, vocabulary, and phonics. Students follow their curiosity, conduct research, and use technology. More experienced students assist younger peers. Writing, skill acquisition, and academic confidence are central to SSFP pedagogy. Students in grades 2-12 write across the curriculum. They make outlines, check facts, and publish their work. We use “7-Traits of a Writer” and plenty of peer-to-peer editing. Our student reporters learn practical skills that quickly transfer to the classroom.

The founding members of Women in Focus, including Virginia Henderson, had a special relationship with students from Simpson Street Free Press. Beginning in the early 1990s, the two organizations have often worked together to promote academic achievement and literacy. Simpson Street student reporters attended and covered the annual "I Have a Dream" Ball and, over the years, assisted WIF volunteers in various ways. Today, both organizations continue to advance the cause of student learning. Women in Focus funds scholarships while Simpson Street Free Press publishes student newspapers. Our newest publication, Virginia Henderson Free Press, is staffed by local elementary school students in grades 3-6.

You can read Virginia Henderson Free Press online at: www.simpsonstreetfreepress.org/henderson-free-press

And you can view all five Simpson Street Free Press publications at: www.simpsonstreetfreepress.org

2025 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. 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 40 years. In 2025, Women In Focus, Inc. was able to award 23 scholarships from donations and the proceeds of the 2025 Dream Ball and Auction. Seven of those were two year scholarships and one was a four year scholarship. The amount awarded in 2025 was an awesome $82,000, thanks to the generosity of our WIF family of sponsors and donors!

2025 One-Year WIF Scholarships

Patrick-Poshi Kahite, Vel Phillips Memorial High School

Yaridhza Nava Garcia, La Follette High School

2025-26 Two-Year WIF Scholarships

Angie Barrera Gonzalez, La Follette High School

Alleanah Hancock-Jammeh, Madison West High School

Jhonny Mejia, La Follette High School

Lavell Rattliffe, Vel Phillips Memorial High School

2025 One-Year Sponsored Scholarships

Destiny Flowers, Vel Phillips Memorial High School Scholarship funded by Oak Park Place

Deja Yang, Madison East High School Scholarship funded by TruStage

Jaeda Walters, Vel Phillips Memorial High School Scholarship funded by Exact Sciences

Eva Tiako, Madison East High School Scholarship funded by Horizon Construction

Natalie Trampf, Edgewood High School Scholarship funded by Your Family Law Center

Julieta Chavez, Vel Phillips Memorial High School

Scholarship funded by ASHRO

Naaliyah Currie, Sun Prairie West High School

Scholarship funded by Andy and Anna Burish

2025-28 Four-Year Scholarship

Jaylen Eubanks, La Follette High School

Scholarship in memory of Ladonna Smith, funded by Paul Smith.

2025 One-Year Memorial Scholarships

Grace Huang, Madison West High School Scholarship in memory of Gene Sturdevant, funded by Kiwanis Club Madison East

Fatou Kujabi, Madison East High School Scholarship in memory of Marilyn Ryan, funded by Kiwanis Club Madison East

Vanessa Carillo, La Follette High School

Scholarship in memory of Marlene Listwan, funded by William Listwan, MD

Ornella Adanhou, Verona Area High School

Julius Morgan Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Morgan Family

2025 WIF Founding Member Memorial Scholarships

Camila Cruz, Madison West High School

2 year Scholarship in memory of Dr. Virginia Henderson

Lina Arach, Madison East High School

2 year Scholarship in memory of Gloria Jones-Bey

Yarielly Bautista Caballero, La Follette High School

2 year Scholarship in memory of Rose Ann Brown

Adrianne Farrow, University of Wisconsin-Madison 1 year Scholarship in memory of Jan Studesville

Keely Nelson-Gray, Madison Area Technical College 1 year Scholarship in memory of Jan Studesville

2025-2026 Membership

OFFICERS

President, Kendra Gassner

Vice President, Carolyn Morgan

Secretary, Deana Wright

Treasurer, Tashekia Jones

MEMBERS

Portia Adney

Nancy Wrenn Bauch

Gail Groy

Michelle Heitzinger

Sheryl Henderson

Sally Hestad

Edith Hilliard

Sharyl Kato

Marsann McCants

Rhoda McKinney

Annette Miller

Monica Mims

Verona Morgan

Anne Murphy Lom

Jodie Pope

Jenny Pressman

Treater Prestine

Jackie Santana

Nicole Soulier

Michelle Wray

2026 BALL COMMITTEE

A special thanks to the hard working 2026 Ball Committee:

Marsann McCants, Ball Chair

Jackie Santana, Ball Co-Chair

Portia Adney

Kendra Gassner

Michelle Heitzinger

Sally Hestad

Tashekia Jones

Carolyn Morgan

Verona Morgan

Edith Hilliard

Nicole Soulier

FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN FOCUS

Tina Murray

Lynn Brown

My WIF Sisters changed my life! They gave me the confidence, support, willingness to serve in our community to make a difference. My role models were Dr. Virginia Henderson, Gloria Jones-Bey, Rose Ann Brown and Verona Morgan. They were my lifeline for encouragement and gave me a foundation for upward mobility. My WIF sisters were my champions in a world where few looked like us. In the past 42 years, I have attended all of Women In Focus’ signature events. I am blessed and committed to continue to support this stellar organization to reach ONE MILLION Dollars in 2026 supporting students of color.

– Edith Hilliard

Early Women In Focus Sisters

Intelligent, articulate and hardworking, our early Women In Focus sisters built WIF into a small but mighty organization in Madison. They tackled education of students of color, early childhood literacy and created the “I Have a Dream” Ball. We stand on their shoulders today as we face the future, knowing as they did that education and scholarships are more important now than ever.

Women In Focus from its founding in 1983 has been instrumental in my life. At a time when I was the only African American woman in a non-traditional role at Wisconsin Telephone managing telephone installers and repairmen, WIF became my place of affirmation, growth, and encouragement. It is a sisterhood that saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. Through shared leadership, mentorship, and service to our community, I learned to step forward, take risks, and lead with purpose. What began as a group of women responding to the needs around us became a lifelong source of strength and support. Forty years later, I am proud that our work — especially our commitment to raise funds for scholarships — continues to open doors for youth of color and reminds us all why this mission matters. – Verona Morgan

Special Thanks for Outstanding Contributions

Thank you to John Urban & Lea Culver, of Big Dreamers United, a company that helps non-profits tell their story. View our wonderful WIF video in May 2026 at www.womeninfocusmadison.org.

Thank you to the Studesville & Barry families for their very generous donations since the tragic loss of WIF member Jan Studesville and her husband Al in 2013.

Thank you to Major Donors:

Susan Neely Denholm

Fidelity Charitable Grant

Nicholas & Elaine Mischler

Deborah Neff

Susan Goldwomon

Arlene Zaucha

Jessica & James Doyle

Kathleen Dare

Judy Raebel-McKinney

Philip Stefonick

Kevin Conroy

PRL Keystone Foundation

Judy Fowler

Audrey & Hayward Gilliam

Ismael Ozanne

Dr. Sheryl Henderson

Lea Culver

Anonymous

Thank you to Paul Smith for being the first to donate a fully funded four-year scholarship. This scholarship was donated in memory of Ladonna Smith. The scholarship was awarded to Jaylen Eubanks, who is now a freshman at UW Madison.

Thank you so much to all the fully-funded scholarship sponsors who helped with the success of this program since 2022:

Kiwanis Club of Madison East in memory of Gene Sturdevant, Marilyn Ryan and Bob Schwan

Your Family Law Center

Dr. William Listwan in memory of Marlene Listwan

Hestad Family in memory of David J. Hestad

Exact Sciences

Horizon Construction

Annex Charitable Foundation

Summit Credit Union

Debra & Robert Kurth in memory of Jasmine Davida Sledge Cox

PIC Community Trust

Laurel Frazier in memory of Kamrynn Thomas

Verona Morgan in memory of Julius Morgan

Andy & Anna Burish

Nancy Wrenn Bauch & Jim Bauch

Scott & Shari Frank

Annex Wealth Management

TruStage ASHRO

Oak Park Place GIRLS'BIZ

Inspiring the Dream Award

In 2021, Women In Focus began public recognition of individuals and organizations who have assisted in our mission to encourage Dane County students of color to pursue post high school education, at college, tech or trade school. Our awardees have been instrumental to the success of the WIF Scholarship Program, and they deserve to be honored! Thank you to all our awardees! WIF simply could not accomplish our mission without you!

In 2021 our awardees were MTH Design and CUNA (now known as TruStage)

MTH DESIGN

In 2022 our awardees were UW Health and UnityPoint Health—Meriter

In 2023 our awardee was Madison Gas and Electric

In 2024 our awardee was UW Madison Department of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement

In 2026 our awardee is Summit Credit Union, our loyal sponsor and also WIF’s bank!

CUNA, Inc. founded CUNA Credit Union, on September 17, 1935 in Madison WI. After a merger with the State Capitol Employees Credit Union, the name was changed to Summit Credit Union.

At Summit, they believe anyone can be financially successful. They are especially passionate about serving women who want to improve their financial lives and contribute to a strong and thriving community. Their purpose is to help women and their families avoid poverty in retirement by building wealth, making good financial decisions, and reducing stress through making it easy.

In 2025 our awardee was the Kiwanis Club of Madison East

Summit is a leader in financial education. Summit meets people where they are and provides services, tools and guidance to make day-to-day money management easier, more fun and more impactful.

summitcreditunion.com

Women In Focus deeply appreciates the support from Summit Credit Union, every year since 2013. Thank you, Summit Credit Union, for believing in the mission of Women In Focus!

1986-2026

Financial History of WIF Scholarships

Women In Focus held the very first “I Have a Dream” Ball at the UW Memorial Union in 1986. Ball tickets then were $25 each! After paying expenses, WIF had enough proceeds to award two $50 book grants.

From these humble beginnings, WIF’s annual proceeds for scholarships from the Dream Ball increased to $24,000 a year from 2006-2013; then increased to $35,000 in 2014. During the pandemic years the proceeds rose to $45,000 annually and in 2025, reached $82,500 thanks to a wonderful donation of a four-year scholarship. The total awarded from 1986 to 2025 is $922,000 in scholarships! In 2026, with the help of our generous donors, sponsors and Ball guests, we hope to increase the total amount of scholarships awarded to $1,000,000! Through 2025, we have given scholarships to 482 scholars and hope to raise that total to over 500 scholars in 2026.

FUNDRAISING DATABASE ADDED

In 2018, a very important tool was added to assist with fundraising: the WIF database and software at Network for Good/ Bonterra Tech. This allows WIF to easily send electronic newsletters and emails to our supporters and to easily update information.

SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

Whether to place some of our Ball proceeds into a Scholarship Endowment was discussed in WIF meetings over several years. Members who advocated strongly for establishing an Endowment were Gloria Jones-Bey and Jan Studesville. In 2011, we took our first check to Madison Community Foundation and opened our Scholarship Endowment. We are grateful for several large donations that came into the fund, and each year we contribute 5% of the Ball proceeds to the Endowment. The fund has grown with a balance in 2025 over $140,000. The Endowment generates interest which now funds two of our $2500 scholarships per year.

Each year we use the funds we collect through the Ball and donations to award WIF scholarships. The scholarship checks are written in August, causing the Scholarship Fund to go down to zero. Each year we look again to the help of our generous donors, sponsors and Ball guests to grow the fund for a new group of deserving scholars! When charging your donation to WIF on our website, you can very easily click to make it a monthly donation! A monthly amount is easy on your budget. Your $40 monthly contribution in honor of our 40th Anniversary would total an impactful $480 for the year! WIF will be seeking more monthly donors in 2026 and beyond.

Donate at www.womeninfocusmadison.org

Ways To Donate

The number of scholarships that Women In Focus can award each year depends on how much money we receive in sponsorships and donations. We are so thankful to everyone who supported our 2025 Scholarship Campaign and the 40th Anniversary Dream Ball! We could not do this work without your generosity!

Text "Give" or “Donate” on your phone to 1-866-460-5364 and follow the prompts.

Charge your donation on the website www.womeninfocusmadison.org (Donate tab)

Send a check or money order payable to Women In Focus, Inc. in any amount. Mail to WIF, PO Box 44013, Madison, WI 53744

Donate from your IRA Required Minimum Distribution. Direct your financial advisor to send a check directly to Women In Focus, Inc. from your RMD amount and you will receive a tax benefit.

Make Women In Focus, Inc. a beneficiary in your will.

You can also donate to the Women in Focus Scholarship Endowment at Madison Community Foundation. This fund is permanent and will produce scholarship funding in perpetuity. A gift to WIF’s Scholarship Endowment creates your legacy!

Donate at https://godonate.akoyago.com/madisongives/fund/1030233

Questions?

Contact us at info@womeninfocusmadison.org

Women in Focus Memories

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 2026 Dream Ball Scholarship Program. We hope you will let our sponsors know that their support is appreciated!

IMPACT SPONSOR

MTH DESIGN

BENEFACTOR

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

DR. WILLIAM LISTWAN

DR. GABRIELLE BANICK & GARY SCHWAGER

VERONA MORGAN

ANDY & ANNA BURISH

NANCY WRENN BAUCH & JIM BAUCH

ATTORNEY LINDA BALISLE

ANGEL

SUSTAINER

PAUL SMITH

MAKDA FESSAHAYE SUPPORTER

GAMING SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

Women in Focus, Inc. 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 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

building community

Together, we can achieve great things.

Together, we can achieve great things.

At TruStage™, we prioritize making a difference, which drives us to give back in so many ways. Last year alone, we contributed nearly $3.5 million to support the communities where we live, work and serve. TruStage employees raised over $539,000 for nonprofits and volunteered 8,333 hours of their time. All this, to help build a brighter tomorrow.

At TruStage™, we believe in making a difference, which drives us to give back in so many ways. Last year alone, we contributed nearly $3.5 million to support the communities where we live, work and serve. TruStage employees raised nearly $539,000 for non-profits and volunteered more than 8,300 hours of their time. All this, to help build a brighter tomorrow.

Learn more about how we help create brighter financial futures for all at www.trustage.com/ about-us

Learn more about how we help create brighter financial futures for all at www.trustage.com/about-us

TruStage™ is the marketing name for TruStage Financial Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis. © TruStage CORP-5705193.4-0325-0427

PARK® Place is a family of senior living communities with a big heart, a welcoming smile, and a single purpose – to help seniors write the very best next chapter.

OAK PARK® Place Madison | 608-663-8600 718 Jupiter Drive madisonsales@oakparkplace.com OAK PARK® Place Nakoma | 608-640-4100 4327 Nakoma Road nakomasales@oakparkplace.com

OAK PARK® Place congratulates Women in Focus, Inc. for 40 years of helping women write their next chapters.

Congrats on your 2026 Dream Ball! Proud to support student's dreams of college! committed to our c o m m u n i t y

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

What: Applications for Women In Focus Scholarships.

Where: Online on the website www.womeninfocusmadison.org under the Scholarship tab.

Who: Dane County high school seniors beginning college in the Fall.

Would you like to start college or a tech program this fall?

Need financial help with expenses?

Find out if you are eligible to apply for a WIF Scholarship!

Both men and women of color with GPA of 2.5 or above are eligible to apply.

When: Apply starting November 1. Check the website www.womeninfocusmadison.org for the exact dates in February that applications close.

Required submissions:

• Application

• Essay

• High school transcript

• List of extracurricular activities and volunteer activities

• Two reference letters and photo.

Questions?

Send your questions to info@womeninfocusmadison.org

– Martin Luther King, Jr. “

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

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

E

xpressing our Gratitude to Kendra Gassner, WIF President from 2024-2026, our WIF treasurer over many years, and our WIF systems innovator who brought our scholarship application and review process on line!

Thank you for all the time, energy and brainpower you have invested in Women In Focus!

We love you, Kendra!