BRAVA September/October 2024

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Fialkowska on Fire

November 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Janina Fialkowska, piano

Márquez & Meyers

January 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Anne Akiko Meyers, violin

Davis & Dvořák with Madison Ballet

February 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM

John DeMain, Conductor

Tommy Mesa, Cello

Greg Zelek, Organ

Umoja, the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of the African holiday Kwanzaa, is a beautiful way to bring us together again. We begin our 99th season journey with a work of the same name by African-American composer Valerie Coleman. Our Principal Organist, Greg Zelek, plays one of the great works for organ and orchestra, Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. Tommy Mesa thrilled audiences with Greg on our organ series program and again as a soloist with the Symphony. He returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Our first concert of the season wraps up with a suite from Manuel de Falla’s colorful, Spanish-flavored ballet, The ThreeCornered Hat

Valerie Coleman, Umoja: Anthem of Unity*

Joseph Jongen, Symphonie Concertante, Op. 81

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 Manuel de Falla, Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat

*MSO Premiere

PRESENTING SPONSOR Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation

MAJOR SPONSORS Capitol Lakes, Elaine and Nicholas Mischler, Diane Ballweg, Stephen Caldwell, Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske, John and Twila Sheskey Charitable Fund, in memory of Jennie Biel Sheskey

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Reynold V. Peterson, The Schrank Family, Wisconsin Arts Board

Nicholas Hersh, Guest Conductor

Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Violin

The first of several guest conductors appearing with us this season is Nicholas Hersh. In his words, “The music on this program is immensely evocative, and it’s all about the relationship of the human and the supernatural.” Join us for the MSO premiere of This Midnight Hour by British Composer Anna Clyne, a piece based on poetry by Charles Baudelaire and Juan Ramón Jiménez that is sure to evoke a visual journey for the listener. Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins returns to perform two works, beginning with the gentle The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, based upon a poem by George Meredith. She then plays Tzigane, Maurice Ravel’s virtuosic take on Roma fiddling. This program finishes with the monumental Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz, a passionate and musical vision.

Anna Clyne, This Midnight Hour*  Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Lark Ascending

Maurice Ravel, Tzigane Hector Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14

*MSO Premiere

PRESENTING SPONSOR Marvin J. Levy

MAJOR SPONSORS Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Inc., Peter and Leslie Overton, Michael and Claire Ann Richman, Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann

ADDITIONAL SPONSOR Wisconsin Arts Board

GREG ZELEK TOMMY MESA

123

Purely Political

Women who work in politics discuss mentorship, making an impact and bridging divides.

WisconsinEye’s Lisa Pugh

49

A Perfect Fit

An interior designer makes her dream home a reality — with gorgeous design details throughout.

Success Stories

Our annual Women in Business feature shares profiles of women who tackled life and career challenges, each forging their own extraordinary path. 66

113

Is a Mammogram Enough?

A mammogram is still the standard for breast cancer screening — but experts say it might not be enough for some women.

DEPARTMENTS

HONORING SUCCESSFUL WOMEN

About a year ago, Julia SteegeReimann invited me to tour two of her downtown Madison rental properties. Steege-Reimann and her husband, Kristopher, own seven furnished, extended-stay properties downtown through their company, Voyageur Extended Stays. I was struck by the care and detail the couple put into each apartment unit. At The Medallion, where our cover shoot was held, Steege-Reimann explained that Voyageur commissioned all of the furnishings, lighting and rugs for its 21 units. The couple wanted the building to reflect the aesthetic of Frank Lloyd Wright, whom they admire.

I always love organizing our group shoots because the chatter is lively throughout the day — the five cover women all knew at least one of the other women there — and at the end of the shoot, they exchanged information to connect further. This is what BRAVA is all about!

What’s also special about our Annual Women in Business Issue is that we hosted our first-ever Women in Business Celebration on Sept. 10. Although the event will have passed by the time you’re reading this, I’m extremely proud of the team that pulled this together. This event was a direct result of women telling us throughout the last year that they wanted more ways to meaningfully connect with one another.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our feature “Is a Mammogram Enough?” (P. 113) tackles

the topic of how Wisconsin insurance companies aren’t currently required to cover supplemental screenings for women at high risk for breast cancer, or, for those with dense breasts. Why does this matter? Because ultrasound and MRI are much more sensitive to catching abnormalities in breast tissue than mammograms are. For women with dense breast tissue, spotting cancer in a mammogram can be akin to finding a snowflake in a snowball — nearly impossible.

I feel passionately about this issue not only because I have a relative who’s a breast cancer survivor, but I have a few colleagues at Nei-Turner Media Group (which owns BRAVA) who are breast cancer survivors. You’ll want to read this feature to educate yourself on this important health-related topic. By the way, this is our largest issue ever in BRAVA’s 22-year history, at 172 pages! There is so much excellent content in this magazine, including spotlighting political issues women care about this election season (P. 123), meeting the Madison Public Market’s new CEO (P. 13) and loads of arts and entertainment events to check out this fall and winter (P. 154).

Enjoy the issue!

Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace

DO YOU KNOW A W2W? There’s still time to nominate a 2025 Woman to Watch! If you know a woman who has actionable plans for the coming year to make our community a better place, we want to know about her! Nominate her by Sept. 23 at bravamagazine.com/w2w.

MONEY MATTERS

BRAVA and Summit Credit Union are hosting a free Empower Coffee Hour live event and webinar on Oct. 16 at 8 a.m. on the topic of navigating talking about money and relationships. Learn how to align your financial goals with your loved ones and make thoughtful decisions about your spending. Register at bravamagazine.com

A NOTABLE SHOP

I first interviewed Katie Calnin, owner of Calnin Design Studio, about a year ago. When she told me she was opening a retail store, I was excited to see her vision. Her Calnin House shop (P. 22) carries classic, rustic and refined home items. It’s one of those places that just feels good when you walk in.

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melissa Moody mmoody@ntmediagroup.com

Jerriann Mullen jem@ntmediagroup.com

FACT - CHECKER

Mason Braasch

DIGITAL

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Cici Rindy cici@ntmediagroup.com

SALES

SALES MANAGER

Dena Frisch dena@ntmediagroup.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Amy Jacobs ads@ntmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTING accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Barber, Laura Anne Bird, Heidi Duss, Jennifer Garrett, Kristine Hansen, Maura Keller, Faatima Khan, Susan Lampert Smith, Melanie Lee, Katy Macek, MaryBeth Matzek, Dawn Mullarney, Melanie Radzicki McManus, Hillary Schave, Katrina Simyab, Lisa J. Smith, Chantel Soumis, Jessica Steinhoff, Sue Sveum, Amanda N. Wegner, Hannah Wente, Shanna Wolf

BRAVA Magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman, William Turner, President.

This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. ©2024

951 Kimball Lane, Suite 122, Verona, WI. (608) 848-6700

SUBSCRIBE AT BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM

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BRAVA (ISSN 1934-4317) SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

2024, Volume 25, Number 05, is published bimonthly (six times a year) by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at 3902 Milwaukee St., Madison, WI 53714 and additional offices. Postmaster send address changes to: BRAVA Magazine, 951 Kimball Ln., Ste. 122, Verona, WI 53593-1786.

JENNIFER GARRETT

Jennifer is a former writer and editor who has, for the past five years, worked at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. She came out of freelancing retirement to write about Sarah Smith and Janet Piraino (P. 113), two of her role models in Gov. Tony Evers’ administration.

MARYBETH MATZEK

MaryBeth has been a journalist for 30 years, working as both an editor and reporter for business newspapers and magazines in Northeast Wisconsin. She has won several national awards for her writing and editing skills, including a silver award for best business journalist from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers. In this issue, MaryBeth contributed to “Success Stories” (P. 66) and “Purely Political (P. 123).

MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS

Melanie has worked as a news reporter at a Green Bay radio station, as a press secretary in the Wisconsin state Legislature and as an editor for two local publications. She’s currently a regular writer for CNN’s fitness department and is working on two books about hiking. Melanie wrote “A Perfect Fit” (P. 49) and our fall travel guide (P. 143).

HELMING THE FORTHCOMING MADISON PUBLIC MARKET

The market’s new CEO, Keisha Harrison, shares next steps for the project, slated to open in 2025.

BY HANNAH WENTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

This past November, the groundbreaking was held for the Madison Public Market, located at the corner of East Johnson and First Streets. The building will house established and emerging entrepreneurial food businesses, and one of the Market’s goals is to accelerate fledgling small businesses to the next level.

The market’s website also notes its “strong focus on minority-owned businesses … affordable rent, a commercial kitchen/food production space and access to 500,000-plus potential customers every year.”

The adaptively reused facility will have 30 permanent vendor booth spaces, temporary vending spots, outdoor food cart stalls, a commercial kitchen space and food incubator, and more.

Another market milestone happened this past July, when Keisha Harrison was hired to be the first CEO of the Madison Public Market.

“We get the keys at the end of January 2025 with a planned opening in spring or summer 2025. I’m hoping the grand opening is huge!” says Harrison. “We will find our rhythm in

Keisha Harrison at the Madison Public Market’s future home

terms of what events we want to host as a market and community events hosted by others in our space.”

BRAVA caught up with Harrison to hear about her vision for the market.

Share a bit about your background.

“I’m originally from Chicago. I was most recently the executive director of the Indianapolis City Market. The space for that public market was carved out while the city was being planned, so it is a historic institution that’s woven into people’s lives. Many of the vendors at the market were second or third generation businesses. Today, it is undergoing a huge redevelopment project to add much-needed housing.”

Why did you decide to come to Madison?

“This was an excellent opportunity for me. Considering Madison hasn’t had a public market, this is a great time to be here and see that come to fruition. Madison is a great town — I’m pleased to be here, and I am excited to be part of this project that has been in the works for decades.

I know the public can’t wait — I can’t wait — and I just got here! The [Madison Public Market] board and its various iterations have been steadfast in bringing this project to fruition. I admire their persistence — I hope what we come up with is their dream come true.”

What are you looking forward to the most?

“I’m looking forward to the hustle and bustle. The public market will serve as the ‘third space’ for the community. You can come a few times a week to connect with vendors and friends and attend events.”

What’s on your to-do list until the market opens in 2025?

“There are parallel tracks — one is meeting the community and everyone who has been involved in this project to date. The second is

— Keisha Harrison “ ”

I’m looking forward to the hustle and bustle. The public market will serve as the ‘third space’ for the community.

more operational — looking at the finances, getting the building finished and outfitted, as well as finding the tenants and vendors. We’ll take a look at applications on a rolling basis as we have space available and set up a waitlist.”

What is your vision for the market?

“There can be a little bit of everything in one spot — creating an opportunity for fresh produce, prepared foods and things like that. The tenant mix hasn’t been determined yet, but I would imagine a variety of products. As the community uses it more, we will know how to adjust our vendor mix so we can serve the needs of our shoppers. We want positive customer feedback, so I will definitely take suggestions from the shoppers and vendors into

consideration while shaping the future of the market.”

Will there be an emphasis on BIPOC vendors ?

“Yes — we are trying to figure out how we will unveil it. We believe in equity and that dovetails into providing opportunities for diverse vendors. It’s TBD — we’re working out the spaces for food business incubators and more. There are a few markets that I’ll be looking towards for inspiration [for this]: Findlay Market in Cincinnati, North Market in Columbus and the Milwaukee Public Market. Toronto has the Foodpreneur Lab to advance racial and gender equity.”

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

THAT FALL FEELING

Update your closet with a few top trends.

STYLING BY SHAYNA MACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

NICELY NEUTRAL

Cream, nude and white are having a moment — pick up a piece (like these) with interesting details. Clockwise from top left: 209 West New York faux leather dress, $159, Chauette ; Heyson shortsleeve jumpsuit, $68.99, Evie & Co. ; GANNI small bou handbag in oyster, $425 , Twigs ; bandanna, $14.99, and ARider Girl white boots, $34 , Evie & Co.

COOL DENIM

Light-wash denim, bootcut jeans and even a cute handbag are all ways to wear your blues with pride. Shop these: Rag and Bone Cami chain camera handbag, $298, Twigs; Kancan distressed denim jacket (available up to size 3XL), $86.99 , Evie & Co .; and Nic + Zoe high rise bootcut jeans, $158 , Chauette

INNOVATIVE TEXTURES

Whether it’s an intricately embroidered top, woven handbag or a harlequin pattern jacket, texture rules in fall. Shop these: Haute Shore woven black handbag, $135 , Chauette ; Sea NY Alice embroidered Battenberg lace top, $350 , Twigs ; and Joseph Ribkoff black jacket, $239 , Chauette

TREND HIGHLIGHT: GREEN WITH ENVY

Shades of jade, emerald and forest are big for fall in clothing and accessories, so pick up some gorgeous green items. Shop these: Burgess henley sweater, $172, Chauette, and Clare V baseball hat, $60, Twigs

SHOP LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP INDEPENDENT.

We’re more than mystery! Shop our new releases, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, horror, rom-com, children’s and of course, mystery books. We also have a selection of puzzles and other bookish items that make perfect gifts for the book lover in your life.

MYSTERY

TO ME BOOKS

1863 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711 mysterytomebooks.com

RUSTIC FEATHERED FRIENDS

Discover botanical-inspired treasures in Olbrich’s Gift Shop! This rustic chickadee and flower wreath by Elegant Garden Design is just one of the many items for you to discover. Made of recycled steel with hand-painted details, you can display it on your front door to welcome guests or incorporate it in a collage of wall art. Gift shop proceeds benefit Olbrich Gardens. Open daily!

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS

3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704

608.246.4550

olbrich.org

NEED A HOME REFRESH?

Linen & Clove is your one-stop location for curated home accessories and interior décor services. We offer designbuild and remodel consultations, décor refresh advice and expert paint recommendations. Shop our Verona retail store for stylish home accessories, too!

And don’t miss our fall open house (Sept. 7), holiday décor open house (Nov. 2) and holiday gift open house (Nov. 29).

LINEN & CLOVE

606 W. Verona Ave. Verona, WI 53593

linenandclove.com

AUTUMN VIBES

Let our autumn vibes envelop you in cozy warmth. Rustic plaids mingle with pumpkin-spiced candles, inviting you to snuggle in soft blankets. Our fragrant candles flicker, filling the air with cinnamon and apple. Find your autumn vibe with us.

WISCO HOME GOODS

4664 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison, WI 53716

608.219.1216 wiscohomegoods.com

MEET THE WOMEN

Discover and Support

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Madison’s Monroe Street is a vibrant hub of female entrepreneurship, offering unique and diverse products and services from artisanal boutiques to gourmet restaurants. By supporting these businesses, you empower women entrepreneurs, foster community connection and boost the local economy.

L-R: Katy Schalles - Katy’s American Indian Arts | Joanne Berg - Mystery to Me

Carol “Orange” Schroeder - Orange Tree Imports | Jeanette Burda - Artsy Fartsy

Alisson Burda - Artsy Fartsy

Sarah Artz - Good Day Shop

Annemarie Maitri - Bloom Bake Shop | Peg Breuer - Neuhauser Pharmacy

Mural by OhYa Studio

L-R: Liz Lauer - Lauer Realty | Karen Haygood - Creando Preschool

Carrie Astin - Sunne Boutique

Pam Schwarzbach - Hive of Madison | Erica Zander Meier - Zander’s Interiors

Not pictured: Michelle Waldeck - Monroe Street Framing

Mural by Triangulador and Henrique Nardi

REFINED ELEGANCE

BY SHAYNA MACE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL ZELENKA

Nestled on a quiet block at the end of Winnebago Street is interior designer Katie Calnin’s Calnin House. The white building with striking black accents used to be a fire safety business — now it houses Calnin’s array of home décor as well as her design business, Calnin Design Studio.

Calnin got her start working on the interior design of her family’s vacation compound Anaway Place, consisting of seven properties in Richland Center. Savvy travelers might know the homes as the “glass cabins,” featured in outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more. (Her family sold Anaway Place in 2024.)

Since then, Calnin has owned Calnin Design Studio, working with area homeowners on home renovations, new construction and interior furnishings. In November 2023, she opened her retail shop, Calnin House, as an extension of her brand. (Sisterin-law April Calnin co-owns the store with her.)

Citing the desire to offer an “in-person shopping experience in the internet age,” Calnin describes her style as “classic, but with a rustic, refined appeal.” Indeed, the space looks pulled from an issue of Architectural Digest, with soothing cream-colored walls, exposed ceiling beams, brass fixtures, handsome black cabinetry and a vintage display cabinet full of pottery (some of it local, from Rowe Pottery and Wilson Creek Pottery).

“Even if people don’t come in and buy anything, I want them to step away with inspiration for their home,” says Calnin.

2237 Winnebago St., calninhouse.com

WOME N’S

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

UnityPoint Health – Meriter lactation consultants discuss what expecting and new parents should know about breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of misconceptions and myths. Despite being a natural process, embarrassment, outdated advice and misinformation can cloud the understanding of this technique.

UnityPoint Health – Meriter lactation consultants are here to do some myth busting on common misconceptions about breastfeeding so new parents in our community can feel confident and prepared in this method of feeding.

MYTH: Breastfeeding makes it harder for partners and family members to bond with the baby.

ACTUALLY: New parents and babies need everyone’s love and support, and there are many ways support people can help — and get plenty of bonding time with baby. One way for family members to strengthen their bond with baby is to hold baby skin-to-skin. This powerful touch has so many benefits, including keeping babies calm and comforted. Others can also offer to hold the baby or read books to the infant for more bonding time. Once breastfeeding is going well

(around four weeks postpartum), you could pump milk and let your partner or other family members give the baby a bottle.

MYTH: You should not breastfeed if you are sick.

ACTUALLY: Depending on the kind of illness, people can usually continue breastfeeding when they are sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to fight off your illness will pass on to your baby, building their own immune defenses. Many medications are safe to take while you are breastfeeding, but it’s always best to confirm your specific medications with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

MYTH: You have to “pump and dump” after you drink alcohol.

ACTUALLY: There is no need to pump and dump if you occasionally have a drink. The American Academy of Pediatrics says to wait two hours before nursing for each alcoholic beverage. One alcoholic beverage is equal to one ounce of hard alcohol,

one 12-ounce beer or four ounces of wine. If you plan on drinking a bit more, you may want to pump ahead of time in case your baby becomes hungry while alcohol is still in your system. Additionally, if you consume more than one standard drink, it’s recommended to pump to maintain your milk supply, and that milk can be used for a milk bath, which can offer benefits to the baby’s skin.

UnityPoint Health – Meriter is here to support you in every step of your postpartum care. Our expert lactation consultants are here to provide extensive breastfeeding education and support.

Meriter offers breastfeeding classes including Basics of Breastfeeding and Pumping for Home and Work, as well as lactation consultant support in the hospital and home visits during postpartum recovery. For more information on breastfeeding benefits and resources, visit: unitypoint.org/find-a-service/ maternity-and-newborn-care/ breastfeeding-and-lactationservices#support.

BEYOND THE TO - DO LIST

Prioritize your purpose to maximize your productivity.

BY AMANDA N. WEGNER

Most days, there isn’t enough time to accomplish everything we’d like. And with meetings that should have been emails, kid crises, piles of unwashed laundry and more, many feel the tension — and desire — to be more productive. But what is productivity?

“Productivity isn’t just about getting stuff done — it’s about getting the right stuff done,” says Katie Belanger, owner of Katie B. Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm. “Today, when it can seem that the world is both literally and figuratively on fire, understanding this distinction is more important than ever as we try to be productive humans.”

Productivity, she explains, isn’t just about the things we do. Instead, it’s about sustainability and protecting and nurturing ourselves, our health, our families and our communities.

“To be truly productive requires an honest assessment of what matters most to you in your personal and professional contexts, a deep understanding of how you operate best and the discipline and resilience to stick to your priorities.”

Belanger offers four recommendations to improve your productivity:

LET PRIORITIES FLOW FROM PURPOSE

At a leadership training many years ago, Belanger realized her greatest joy — purpose — was bringing people together to achieve a shared goal.

“Since then, I have built a business around my purpose in life, and while I’m not immune to stress and exhaustion at

work, my job is no longer a thing I do, but rather a practice and an honor to accomplish.”

Also, recognize that your work is not all you are or bring to the table.

“

To be truly productive requires an honest assessment of what matters most to you in your personal and professional contexts, a deep understanding of how you operate best and the discipline and resilience to stick to your priorities.

— Katie Belanger ”

MANAGE YOUR SCHEDULE RUTHLESSLY

Your calendar reflects your priorities … but who’s calling the shots?

“Spoiler alert: It should be you! But for many of us, the tail is wagging the proverbial dog. Other people’s requests, calendar invites and priorities can overwhelm us, and before we know it, our time isn’t our own anymore,” Belanger explains.

She recommends using work blocks to manage your schedule. Block time for your priorities first, then let other peoples’ requests and needs fill in from there.

“No task goes unrepresented on my schedule,” explains Belanger. “By adding work blocks — appointments with myself to do my work — I can ensure I’m protecting the time I need to get my work done.”

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN REAL AND MANUFACTURED CRISES

Belanger teaches her clients about Stephen Covey’s Time Management Matrix, which compares urgency and

BONUS PRODUCTIVITY HACKS

• Tackle simple: Intermittently give yourself five to 15 minutes or use short openings in your schedule to tackle simple tasks.

• Schedule smarter: Use a tool like Calendly to allow clients to book meetings at times that work for you. For group meetings, try Doodle or When2Meet.

• Block the basics: Put time in your schedule for travel between appointments, lunch and breaks and your morning routine and afternoon close-out.

importance to help understand how to best prioritize work. “If everything is urgent at the same time, then you’re living in crisis management, which prevents people from having the time and space to think critically, map out and execute thoughtful plans, and ensure the right voices are at the table, and ultimately — it burns us out.”

WORKFLOW FOR THE WIN

Whether it’s lists, sticky notes, your phone or another tool, designate a place for your thoughts, goals, tasks, reminders, etc.

“When you get the ideas out of your head, not only do you free up brain space for creative thinking and problemsolving, but you can also take a more holistic view of everything on your plate to more effectively prioritize,” says Belanger.

As you work to hack your productivity, give yourself “grace and space,” says Belanger. “It will take time to find the system that works for you … What matters is that you keep trying, learning and prioritizing yourself, your health and your wellbeing. After all, productivity isn’t about the stuff as much as it is about you.”

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

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 101

Why it’s important to invest.

BY KATY MACEK

We all want to make our money go further, but it can be confusing to know where to start. Regardless, it’s recommended that you invest your money to capitalize on its growth over time — known as the “time value” of money.

Terry Belken, a financial planner with Dupaco Credit Union, says the secret to good financial planning is spreading out your finances over multiple accounts for specific purposes, or diversifying investments.

“The time value of money is so important, and can exponentially grow over time,” he says.

Belken also says there are three big questions you should ask when investing: What is the purpose of the money? What are your financial goals? And, when do you need it? Working with a financial advisor can help you plan for your specific needs.

Here’s a high-level breakdown of common investment accounts that can put your money to work.

The time value of money is so important, and can exponentially grow over time. — Terry Belken ” “

TRADITIONAL 401(K)

This is the most common employer-sponsored retirement plan. Investments in a traditional 401(k) grow tax-deferred until retirement, but investment options are usually limited to what is offered in your employer’s plan. There are also contribution caps.

These funds can be withdrawn penalty-free at age 59½, when you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs).

ROTH 401(K)

A Roth 401(k) is also funded via your paycheck and offers pre-selected investment options. The difference is that the contributions you make have already been taxed, meaning when you take out money down the road, there won’t be additional tax liability.

Belken says the Roth 401(k) can be beneficial if you are in a lower tax bracket, and if you are just starting out.

“The earlier you start [putting money] into a Roth or tax-free vehicle, the [better],” he says, because your investment grows as your income grows because of the power of compounding.

ROTH INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

A Roth IRA is similar to a Roth 401(k), but the annual contribution limit to a Roth IRA is much lower.

For example, if you are under age 50, the maximum yearly contribution is $7,000 (versus $23,000 in a Roth 401(k)). Contribution limits also depend on your tax filing status and income.

This can be a good option if you believe you’ll be in a higher tax bracket in retirement and want the ability to withdraw money before age 59½ without penalty.

TRADITIONAL IRA

IRAs are good for those who don’t have an employersponsored 401(k) or want to invest in more than just a 401(k). There is a wider variety of investment options, and you pay taxes upon withdrawing funds. Traditional IRAs also require you to take RMDs at age 73.

This is a good option if you want an immediate tax deduction, believe you’ll be in the same or lower tax bracket when you retire and can wait until retirement to access funds.

STOCKS

When you buy a stock, Belken says, you are essentially buying part of a company, and you have to buy a whole share. These offer potential on higher returns if the business does well, but are often risky because there is no guarantee. If a business does poorly, the value of the share declines.

Stocks are great investment options for someone who can invest more money above and beyond their retirement accounts (401(k), Roth IRA, etc.) and is able to take on more financial risk. But, buying stocks typically shouldn’t be your only form of investment.

BONDS

Bonds are designed to raise money for governments and corporations. You’re essentially loaning money when you buy a bond, and receive payment in the form of interest, which is fixed in advance. Bonds are less risky than stocks.

MUTUAL FUNDS

Mutual funds can be a mix of stocks and bonds depending on the investment objective of the fund. You invest in them, but they are managed by firms that make decisions about where those investments go.

Belken says these are great for people who are just starting out because they are diversified and you can buy fractional shares, versus having to buy the whole stock.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT (CDS)

CDs are a type of savings account where you keep your money for a specific length of time, earning a fixed interest rate, which is generally higher than a savings account.

These are a good option to earn a bit more money and a safer investment, but they have lower growth opportunity.

Most financial institutions offer these accounts, as do online brokers and trading platforms like Charles Schwab and E*TRADE.

Katy Macek is a journalist turned climate activist exploring how storytelling can compel change and ignite action.

Downtown Madison’s

Women-Owned Retail Businesses

Choosing to buy local from women-owned businesses such as these contributes to creating a vibrant, resilient and sustainable Downtown Madison community we are proud to call home. Look no further than the greater State Street area for the perfect gifts and items to enhance your everyday life.

L-R: Amy Moore - Little Luxuries | Laura Komai - Anthology | Shelby Grote and Lauren Jensen - Tropic Jewel Alina Poletskova - Red Square Flowers | Molly Fish - Lake City Books | Stacey Scannell - The Soap Opera | Elizabeth Ganser - Fontana Sports Nosheen Ajmal - Art Gecko | Sachi Komai - Anthology | Ashley Leavy - Mimosa Books & Gifts (not pictured)

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

TOP HOME DESIGN TRENDS

The Parade of Homes always showcases the latest in design. Here are some of the hot home trends that were featured in the summer Parade — and what you’ll see more of coming up.

BY SHAYNA MACE

THAT NATURAL FEELING

In this Waunakee Parade home by Acker Builders, warm, cozy and transitional describe this 5,240-square-foot property.

1. Sconce lighting is popular. In this great room (left), it’s employed to spotlight the items in the built-in bookcases.

2. Fireplaces were all the rage in Parade homes — virtually every home had one! This fireplace is accented with Oakfield Heritage Antique stone with a white mortar overgrout joint, explains Michelle Acker Nell, co-owner of Acker Builders.

3. The Chambord engineered wood flooring in claret French oak is used throughout the main floor for cohesiveness.

1. The homeowners selected brushed gold Kohler fixtures throughout the kitchen (above) Gold and brass fixtures, hardware and lighting continue to be extremely popular.

2. Tucked out of sight is a walkin pantry, another must-have spotted in many Parade homes.

3. Acker Builders commissioned a custom plaster hood for the stove, adding a unique texture to the kitchen. The room is softened by quartz countertops in Taj Mahal and warm wood cabinets.

GORGEOUSLY - APPOINTED SPACES

Warm elements are carried throughout all of the living spaces in this Acker Builders home.

1. A four-poster bed adds a touch of tradition and style to this elegant, yet cozy bedroom.

2. The homeowners selected the interesting wallpaper for behind the bed.

3. Multiple textures lend the room depth, such as the furry bench at the foot of the bed, a soft chair in the corner and the wood elements in the furnishings and ceiling beams.

3. A masterful mix of textures are also employed in this room, with metal, natural textiles and wood furnishings.

1. To create a cozier atmosphere in the dining room, a detailed wood ceiling was added.

2. Bar and entertaining areas were must-haves in Parade homes, and this one is gorgeous, with a curved niche, tiled backsplash and brass hardware.

A

SOOTHING SPACE

This library/den, located in Brio Design Home’s New Glarus Parade home, beckons you in for a cup of tea or a good read.

1. Most Parade homes featured a home office or den tucked off the great room or main entertainment space, affording solitude and privacy, like this den/ library. Pocket doors allow the room to be closed off.

2. A sliding ladder? Yes, please! On the opposite wall is a built-in TV. The LifeCore Allegra Maple Serenity flooring is engineered wood, and a throw rug softens the space.

3. Colored cabinets, especially in blue and green shades, continue to be popular — and add some pizazz. These built-in cabinets are by Aspect in Gales Force finish with champagne hardware.

3

SCENIC VIEWS

This light, bright Jason Thomas Homes property, located on Pioneer Pointe golf course in Verona, has scenic views and plenty of trend-worthy details.

1. Jason Kratochwill, owner of Jason Thomas Homes, says he used a smooth finish on the home’s walls throughout, rather than an orange peel texture (which is more common). “It’s a bit of an upgrade in the Midwest [to do a smooth finish] because of the need to use better primers and a little more care with our humidity and temperature changes,” he explains. The walls are painted Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa.

2. A custom steel catwalk overlooks the great room, which Kratochwill says is popular now. He also points out that since the second floor is visible from the great room, they added in lighted art niches in the hallway that “provide interest so instead of just looking up at a wall or a hallway you’re looking up at something that [has] style.”

3. “Two-story great rooms have come back,” explains Kratochwill. “We maximized the window sizes and configuration [in this room] to enhance the views and bring the light in.” Indeed, grand great rooms were en vogue in Parade homes as they allow homeowners to seamlessly entertain between rooms.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Chad Coogan, owner of Coogan Builders, says their Waunakee Parade home is one-of-a-kind.

1. The great room has 30-foot-high ceilings and 16-foot-wide retractable Anderson doors that open directly on to the screened porch.

2. Stone elements are featured throughout the home, including on the fireplace, the kitchen backsplash and the primary bathroom (below)

3. A masterful mix of textures are also employed in this room, with metal, natural textiles and wood furnishings.

1. Much of the lighting throughout the home is from Madison Lighting, like these jewel-inspired pendant lights.

2. Coogan notes that there has been a growing demand for separate sink areas, so they included them in this primary bathroom.

3. Clients continue to want soaking tubs, and this handsome one invites the homeowner in for a soak.

Using AI to Improve Dental Care

Since 1996, First Choice Dental, which has 12 locations throughout Dane County, has been on the leading edge of the most recent advancements impacting the dental industry and patients’ oral health. From general dentistry to orthodontics to specialty care, the First Choice Dental team strives to incorporate the latest care protocols and technologies to offer patients the best whole-health care.

Most recently, First Choice Dental has embraced Videa AI, an advanced dental AI platform by VideaHealth that is designed to assist dental providers in enhancing diagnostic outcomes and treatment. Videa AI is revolutionizing dental health by integrating advanced AI technology into everyday dental practices.

treatment needs. This leads to receiving necessary care before problems progress.

Videa AI offers visualizations that help dentists explain treatment plans to patients, fostering trust and understanding. Patients, with the guidance of their dental providers at First Choice Dental, can use these state-ofthe-art visual aids to have a greater understanding of their

How Else Can AI Aid in Dentistry?

In addition to Videa AI, AI in general is making significant strides in the dental health industry, impacting various aspects of patient care and dental practice management. Not only can AI analyze X-rays, it can enhance 3D imaging techniques, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), to provide detailed visualizations of dental structures, aiding in precise treatment planning.

AI-powered software can design personalized orthodontic treatment plans, predicting the movement of teeth over

This AI technology can also provide insights across multiple disciplines within the dentistry field, so patients can receive comprehensive whole-mouth care whether they are seeking orthodontics, general care, reconstruction or other dental treatments.

The team at First Choice Dental is most excited about using Videa AI because it provides patients with a secondary, independent opinion that helps build trust between the patient and clinician.

“Dentists and dental hygienists can use AI to explain dental conditions and treatment recommendations more effectively to patients, which helps enhance understanding and compliance,” says Danielle Turner, Vice President of Clinical Development at First Choice Dental. “This will lead to improved clinical outcomes and better overall health for our patients.”

time and optimizing the use of braces or clear aligners. AI can be used in planning the placement of dental implants by analyzing bone density and other factors, ensuring successful outcomes.

“The field of AI in dental health is rapidly evolving,” Turner says. “In the future, AI will continue to improve diagnostic accuracy, potentially identifying conditions that are currently difficult to detect.” This could lead to the early detection of oral cancers and other serious diseases. firstchoicedental.com

HIDDEN TREASURES

An estate sale expert shares what you should know before you shop.

BY KATRINA SIMYAB PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

For the occasional bargain browser or regular treasure hunter, estate sales are an exciting way to search for once-loved items. Carol Rybak, manager at Rybak Estate Sales (owned by her wife), provides insight on working in the estate sale business and what clients and shoppers should know.

How did you get into organizing estate sales?

“I was a special ed teacher for 30 years [and] retired nine years ago. My folks had always been involved in auctions and estate sales, mainly as a customer growing up, but even in that role I developed quite a bit of background knowledge. My mom had mental health issues, and had all kinds of items in our home, and it was chaotic. [Now], each estate sale really resonates with me — [it’s] like a cathartic experience [akin to] cleaning up my mom’s house.”

What’s the best way to find estate sales in the Madison area?

“Google search ‘estate sales’ and you’re going to find all of us on there. I recommend ... looking at reviews [and] ... talking to neighbors, because word of mouth is huge.

Estatesales.org is another resource — you just type in your ZIP code and it will bring up estate sale people — if you are looking for a sale or to hire someone.”

What’s the most unique or expensive item you’ve found when preparing a client’s items for a sale?

“I had a full-body mannequin from Paris. It was very cool … designer, high end — it was very unique.

Carol Rybak

[I’ve seen] things that are one-of-a-kind, like a piece of the Berlin wall. — Carol Rybak ” “

[I’ve seen] things that are one-of-akind, like a piece of the Berlin wall. I [usually see] some amazing ephemera — like old deeds from the 1800s, treaties, signed birth certificates, cool letters — just fun, sweet things that aren’t necessarily of value, but are really unique and wonderful.”

What should shoppers look for in terms of item quality and authenticity when shopping an estate sale?

“Flip open a book, if it looks old or if it’s in really good condition, see if it’s first edition and signed. Also artwork, cars (anything motorized is generally

valuable), firearms, weapons — things like that sell. Some more obvious ones are sterling [silver] and gold.”

What items right now are popular with estate sale shoppers?

“Cleanline, midcentury modern (MCM)and Scandinavianstyle furniture and home décor is very popular. So is vinyl, LPs, vintage anything, clothing, vintage Christmas décor and ornaments, and antique tools — especially ones that have a specific use. Also vintage toys [that are] metal, old Tonkas, tractors, that sort of thing.”

How can shoppers be on the lookout for under-the-radar items or rare finds?

“You can [use] Google Lens to take a picture of an item and search it. I have various apps that I use that can identify maker’s marks.

Uranium items — if you use a blacklight you can see that they glow, those are pretty cool. Signed art — sometimes if you look underneath the frame, the signature of the artist is under there and they are usually numbered. The lower the number, the better!”

Katrina Simyab is a Madison-based freelance writer, content creator and digital marketing professional.

Summit Credit Union’s Project Money™ Comes to BRAVA

As Summit Credit Union just marked the 15-year anniversary of its groundbreaking financial education program, Project Money, BRAVA asked Summit financial coaches to share key insights from the program over the years. Summit CEO and President Kim Sponem says takeaways from Project Money aren’t just about improving money management, but achieving financial confidence, security and a better life.

The right knowledge can make a big difference when it comes to building financial confidence and security. That’s why Summit has long focused on providing easy access to financial education — including their Project Money program, with a new season just underway.

In Project Money, four teams work oneon-one with a Summit financial coach for seven months to build savings and reduce debt. Through team blogs, social posts, a media partnership with WKOW and other updates, the public follows along to learn from their life-changing new money habits and journeys and apply it to their own lives.

“It’s been incredible to see Project Money inspire so many in our community to feel more in control and less stressed about money. At Summit, we believe anyone can be financially successful.

— Kim Sponem ”

Summit is committed to providing support to help make financial security happen, says Sponem — especially for women, who face unique financial challenges. On average, women live longer than men but earn and save less. Fewer women work in higher-income fields and roles, and women are more likely to spend time away during earning years for caregiving. Plus, there’s the “pink tax” — a markup on products targeted to women compared to similar products for men.

This adds up, and women have up to $1.6 million less than men in retirement savings1 and are 43% more likely to live in poverty in retirement.2

A great place to start overcoming these and other challenges, says Sponem, is learning and talking more about money and seeking guidance for an action plan. It’s possible to reduce debt and save more at the same time, as so many Project Money teams have shown with great success.

Sponem shares these tips:

Make the most of free resources. From using a free budgeting app to taking advantage of financial learning tools available to you, knowledge boosts confidence. There are blogs, webinars, podcasts, calculators, and budgeting and goal-planning worksheets at SummitCreditUnion.com. Plus, you don’t need to be on a Project Money team to meet with a Summit financial coach for free.

Getthehelpyouneedtoreach yourgoals. Talk through your questions with a financial expert, learn more about all the options available to you, and get guidance on best next steps toward your goals — whether that’s how to make a budget that really works for you or ways to consolidate debt.

Take action, even if it seems small. One action empowers you to take another, then another, to create new money habits that last and to reduce stress.

Read on for steps to feeling great about money from Summit’s experienced Project Money financial coaches — from understanding your thoughts about money and talking finances with loved ones to budgeting and building wealth.

Step 1: Identify thoughts and beliefs behind money choices.

How someone feels about money has a direct influence on decisions they make and can affect their ability to make confident choices and achieve their financial goals. That’s why it’s often the first place Project Money teams look in their work with Summit financial coaches.

“Where did you spend your money and why? How were you feeling? Peeling back the layers and addressing underlying aspects of money behaviors is what makes a true shift to new, better habits possible.

— Jess Alicea ”

Sometimes feelings about money are driven by things outside your control, like inflation or past money experiences and beliefs you were raised with. They can also be based on social pressures like spending beyond your means to fit in, or to enjoy a fleeting pick-me-up through “retail therapy” — which Jess Alicea, a senior lending advisor at Summit, says can create a sense of being financially “stuck” or a cycle of stress.

Views on money can be a blend of positive and negative, illustrated by what Alicea describes as the “wellbeing triangle” with three connected sides: mental/social/emotional wellbeing, physical wellness and financial wellness. For instance, you were thrilled to go to a concert with friends, but the extra money you spent impulsively on refreshments and souvenirs makes you anxious later.

Know your triggers. Is it harder for you to make good money decisions during certain times of year — like the holidays or the summer? Maybe the credit card comes out for fast food when everyone’s tired after the kids’ soccer game, or when you’re hanging out with certain friends.

choices and stick to spending decisions that match your goals.

Face feelings about money head on. It can be easy to avoid the feelings behind financial behaviors when you’re busy and have a lot on your plate. And the more people you have in the mix, like partners or kids, the more perspectives you’re dealing with. But it’s worth diving in because getting on the right track turns potentially negative feelings into positive ones, like confidence, excitement and freedom from stress, Alicea says.

Step 2: Get on the same page with loved ones about money.

”

“Figuring out what makes you want to spend money is one of the biggest wins. It’s important to not feel shame or guilt about unplanned spending but to use that learning experience to empower yourself in the future.

— Aidan Hauge

Put checkpoints in place. Hit “pause” on a purchase — such as leaving items in your online cart for a few days before you buy. Take time to consider how a bigger purchase, like a car, fits into your budget. Also, find an accountability buddy so you have someone to help you talk through your

Beyond addressing your own thoughts about money, it’s important to level set with partners, children and other loved ones on your financial situation and goals. Open, ongoing conversations about money, where everyone has a say but comes to an agreement on what they’re working toward together, have been critical for Project Money participants.

Start with identifying specific goals. Each season, Project Money teams have two big goals: To reduce debt and boost savings. But to accomplish those big goals, they start with a small, specific one, such as, “I’m going to add $50 to savings each month for a year” instead of, “I’m going to save more.”

“You need those specifics to measure success and develop your action steps,” says Aidan Hauge, a Summit branch manager. She encourages putting goals

“Everyone thinks about money differently, and getting family on the same page about financial priorities can reduce a lot of conflict and stress. When people talk about money, they talk about everything more — which also leads to them spending more time and accomplishing more together.

—Rachel Slesarik ”

in writing — even displaying them on the fridge or putting reminder stickers on debit and credit cards — so everyone stays accountable.

Uphold an inclusive, judgmentfree zone. It’s not uncommon for someone in the family to resist efforts to get in a better place financially. Be open to others’ thoughts and actions about money while also not judging your own.

For example, there’s no right or wrong to either a conservative “What if?” approach to money or a more “Live for now!” mentality, but it’s important to acknowledge both and find a comfortable common ground in your plan.

If kids need some extra encouragement to get on board, Rachel Slesarik, a senior lending advisor at Summit and a certified credit union financial counselor, suggests giving them a vote on how money is spent — like choosing between eating out today or saving that money to zipline on vacation. She also says to keep ongoing check-in conversations focused solely on facts for everyone: “Here’s what we spent, and here’s what the bill is.”

Talk through the priority. Managing money with a partner or family can mean varying opinions on what action step is most important at any given time. Maybe it’s tackling the easiest win to keep you motivated and focused, like eliminating the smallest debt first. But sometimes, Hauge says, it’s first eliminating that emotional drag of a decision you wish you could change. “That may be the credit card with the

highest balance or interest rate, but it could be something entirely different,” says Hauge. “Identifying what changes will have the biggest impact is different for everyone.”

Step 3: Take action for your goals.

Once individual or family goals are in place, it’s time to make them happen — and that starts with creating a budget that works for everyone. This requires first knowing exactly how much money your household brings in each month after taxes, 401(k) contributions and other deductions, then carefully tracking where your money goes each month.

James Schmidt, a Summit branch manager, suggests printing out your account statements and highlighting each item as a “want” or “need” in two different colors.

“I’ve seen this process be eye-opening for Project Money teams in a really positive way,” says Schmidt.

Depending on how often you’re paid, your budget could be weekly, biweekly or monthly. Schmidt says to look for opportunities to de-stress, like switching some payment dates so all your bills don’t hit in your first pay period of the month. He also suggests using a budget worksheet for guidance, like the ones on Summit’s website, and a personal financial management tool to stay on track with spending.

“Budgeting is empowering because it’s not just about restrictions. It’s a tool that helps you do what you want to do.

—James Schmidt ”

Be sure to include emergency fund savings in your budget to cover the unexpected and use the funds when an actual emergency happens. That’s what they’re there for — to help you avoid relying on high-interest credit cards or payday loans that can leave you in a cycle of debt. And budget for the “fun” stuff, too, like a vacation, kitchen remodel or tickets to a show.

“It’s okay to have non-negotiable items,” says Schmidt. “Just build that into your budget and recognize you’ll have to cut somewhere else to make it work.”

Takarra Hightire, an assistant branch manager at Summit, adds to have a plan for paying back emergency funds you take out and suggests treating savings like a bill to give it the importance it deserves.

“You make room in your budget for your cell phone and electric bills, so create a bill for savings, too.

— Takarra Hightire ”

But savings are only part of the story. Hightire says healthy money habits require you to balance saving with reducing debt. She and Schmidt share these tips for success:

Be open to all possible options. Depending on your situation, a home equity loan, loan consolidation or refinance, credit card balance transfer, or a new quote on your home or auto insurance could improve your debt and savings picture. Talk with an expert about your options and get guidance on what’s right for you.

Set up automatic transfers into savings. See if you can create different sub-accounts to save for specific goals. Even if you can’t save a lot each paycheck, any amount is a win — small amounts add up over time and you’ll get in the habit of saving regularly.

Revisit your budget. Big life changes, like a marriage, job change, new baby or retirement, are all great times to make sure your budget still meets your needs.

Step 4: Build wealth for even greater financial security.

Once you’ve taken steps to get in a stronger, more confident place with your money, you’ve laid the groundwork for pursuing other goals that empower you further with more wealth and security. Think about how reducing your debt or building your savings would give you more funds to work with to achieve your goals. An example might be going back to school to retool your career that in turn can open the door to a higherpaying position or field.

Ayobami Sanni, a Summit business services lender, knows the power of a career change after her bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration helped her move from branch manager to commercial lender. She loves helping start-ups find the support they need.

“Starting

a business is a great way to create and grow wealth. Even if you’re not sure a business loan is possible, we’re here to talk through credit, navigate any challenges and explore best next steps.

— Ayobami Sanni ”

Sanni says an upfront conversation about options can be especially valuable for women entrepreneurs because they’re more likely than men to tap into retirement and personal savings, versus seeking help with a loan to fund their business. Another unique challenge for women can be family-related responsibilities that mean less time and fewer resources to launch a business, Sanni says, but a network of support is key.

“We can help you review your budget and business plan, which is important to show that you understand your market and how you’ll generate income and return on investment,” she says. “We can also guide you on lending and other resources for your needs.”

Sanni likes the “one-by-one” approach, too: Find one person with information or contacts to share, then ask them to refer you to another resource. Also, look for ways to carve out time to work on your business — like swapping childcare with a friend.

Not everyone’s goals include owning a business, and Sanni points out there are other smart ways to build your wealth and long-term security.

Buying a home. Owning your home is one of the biggest wealth-growing steps you can take. As you build equity — the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe — you’ll have funds to improve your home ( a smart way to add value), pay off debt or invest.

Investing. As you’re accumulating money in your savings account or emergency fund, consider looking for ways you can earn more for the money you’ve saved with higheryielding options that fit your risk comfort level.

Sanni suggests setting up a chat with a Summit Mortgage Loan Officer, even if you’re just starting to think about buying a home, or scheduling a free consultation with a Summit Financial Advisor. Going over your questions and options help you make homebuying and investing decisions you’re confident in. She also encourages taking advantage of Summit’s free online resources, including live and on-demand webinars. 

SUMMIT’S HERE TO HELP

Taking control of your finances and creating smart money habits leads to a more stress-free life and a can-do approach to achieving financial goals.

Tap into ongoing financial education and inspiration today by following the life-changing journeys of Project Money Season 16 teams at SummitCreditUnion.com!

And remember, Summit’s here to help you create a financial plan to pay down debt and boost savings, plus make your home, business, investing or any financial goal easier to reach. It’s part of their focus on providing guidance and resources to help everyone in our community build wealth and financial security, and to close the retirement savings gap for women.

The Business of Providing Relief

In integrative medicine, acupuncture uses the proven power of ancient healing practices to address modern ailments. This age-old Chinese therapy targets specific points on the body to alleviate pain, promote relaxation and restore balance to the body. Beyond needles and pressure points, acupuncture offers hope and respite where conventional medicine may fall short.

Take Melody, for example. Melody is a cancer survivor who battled chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This condition, marked by numbness and pain in the extremities, can be debilitating. After exhausting conventional treatment options, Melody turned to acupuncture as a last resort. Skeptical at first, she found herself incredibly surprised by the results. Regular sessions not only alleviated her pain but also improved her overall sense of wellbeing, providing a much-needed reprieve from the harsh realities of her treatment regimen.

Similarly, Bea suffered from multiple broken vertebrae following a freak accident. Conventional pain management strategies provided limited relief, leaving her frustrated and in constant discomfort. Desperate for a solution, Bea hesitantly tried acupuncture on the recommendation of a friend. To her amazement, the sessions almost immediately eased her pain and gradually improved her mobility. What seemed like a hopeless situation slowly transformed into a journey of recovery, thanks to the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture.

Acupuncture continues to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern medicine, offering a personalized and often transformative experience for those seeking alternative avenues for healing. By targeting specific points that correspond to various bodily functions, acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing response. As stories like Melody’s and Bea’s demonstrate, the impact of acupuncture extends far beyond pain management — it restores dignity and hope, empowers individuals and reaffirms the enduring power of integrative medical practices in our increasingly complex world.

A Perfect Fit

An interior designer makes her dream home a reality — with gorgeous design details throughout.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Photography By Shanna Wolf

Shannon and Chris Figaro longed for a “forever” home, but it wasn’t the one they were living in several years ago. While they loved its locale in Fitchburg, the home’s primary bedroom wasn’t on the main level — a must for a home they intended to occupy well into retirement. They also wanted more space and a three-car garage, as their two teenaged daughters would soon be driving.

Then, during COVID, the couple stumbled upon two lots for sale in an established Fitchburg neighborhood, a rarity. They quickly snapped up one of the lots and began planning their new “forever” home with Waunakee’s Premier Builders, Inc.

and American Design Concepts of Madison.

“We worked on the plan a very long time,” says Shannon Figaro, owner and principal designer at Fig Interiors, a Madison-area residential interior design firm which she runs out of their home. “Being a designer for many years, I had a thick file for my dream home and everything I wanted to include.”

Some of those wish-list items included an open-concept floor plan, walk-in kitchen pantry and walk-out lower level. She got all three of those wishes, and plenty more, in their resulting 4,500-square-foot home. Figaro classifies its aesthetic as traditional with a modern twist.

“I love traditional Colonial homes,” she says. “But we also

The kitchen features a spacious island, allowing the family to cook and bake together. Brushed gold fixures add a touch of shine to the room. The textured chairs encourage anyone to take a seat at the island.

Top left: The Figaros’ beloved farmhouse table adds style and function to the dinette. Top right: The powder room features a custom quartz wall-to-wall vanity top, designed by Figaro with the Granite Shop of Madison. Bottom right: Figaro selected maple for the lower level’s upper cabinets and painted the lower cabinets Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black.

Figaro likes to layer neutrals, showcased beautifully in the couple’s primary bedroom. She also loves her Cozy Earth bedding and the gold-and-white patterned Thibaut wallpaper on the ceiling, which adds a glam touch.

Left: Figaro’s office features custom-built Amish cabinetry and an eye-catching globe chandelier from Visual Comfort. Above: She sourced the entryway’s striking, 44-inch round gold leaf mirror from Fig Interiors.

love clean lines and creating a space unique to us. So we used the best of the Colonial design that we love, then infused it with some modern touches.”

This is reflected in the open-concept kitchen, great room and dining area, which form the heart of the home. The couple’s first-floor primary bedroom is also minimalistic and serene, while the home’s light fixtures are a delightful mix of traditional pieces, such as a shaded chandelier and lantern pendants, and contemporary fixtures such as a globe chandelier.

The upper floor belongs to the couple’s two daughters, who are thrilled to each have their own bedroom and bathroom. The lower level contains a workout room and spacious entertainment area, including a bar Figaro designed from scratch. Sliding glass doors lead out to

American Design Concepts’ draftsman created an alcove between the walk-in pantry and screened porch, which the Figaros turned into a buffet/bar. The ensemble, which contains a beverage fridge, is painted Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black and accented by Virginia Tile’s Obsidian Antique Silver Mirror Tile. “I wanted to glam it up by adding the antiqued mirror backsplash, which reflects the undercabinet light,” Figaro says.

a patio with fire pit, plus an expansive backyard. But the lower level’s most important feature may be the doors at the base of the stairs leading to the main floor.

“I think it’s important to put doors on the lower level as a sound barrier between the two levels,” Figaro says. “I have a lot of clients who try to add them in later, and it’s really difficult.”

Two years into their new digs, the Figaros are still thrilled with their dream home.

“We love it even more every day,” Figaro says. “We built this to meet our needs for the foreseeable future, and we will be here for years to come.”

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

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

Buildinga new home can be a complicated process requiring skill, experience and a commitment to quality.

Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee’s team offers each client a full-service approach to create a personal and unique home of enduring quality and value. From site selection to the groundbreaking to the installation of finishes, Classic Custom Homes works with each client, ensuring every facet of the project meets their goals.

Established in 2005 by Bryan Sipple, every one of the homes that Classic Custom Homes builds is a collaboration of some of the best talent in Wisconsin. Their inhouse team of construction professionals, draftspeople, interior designers and other specialty design experts offer a wealth of skills and artistry in each phase of the new design and construction process.

Of course, the art of custom home building has changed in recent years. Today’s new homes feature some of the most innovative designs and technological advancements available. Because of the complex process involved in today’s home building and design, Classic Custom Homes can coach homeowners every step of the way.

“Our designers will help you pick out the entire home start to finish — every detail from the roof to the cabinet hardware. We have an outline so our customers know what is coming up next, explains Brea Bartelt, senior design and project coordinator at Classic Custom Homes.

Recognizing that building a new home should be as stress free as possible for the customer adds to Classic Custom Homes’ excellence. Their process, along with the functional designs and superior construction standards, has earned the company accolades from clients and the community at large.

When working with clients, the Classic Custom Homes team fields one of the most commonly-asked questions: What is the price of the home per square foot?

Bartelt says there’s no easy answer to this,

as new builds vary so much depending on a customer’s tastes. Classic Custom Homes’ staff prefers to sit down and meet with customers to get an idea of their budget, so they can help guide them in the home-building process. She does advise customers to think long term, and invest in home features “that are difficult (and expensive) to change later, such as windows, insulation [and] the home’s layout.” (She notes cosmetic accents, such as fixtures and lighting, can be changed more easily.)

In addition, the company’s draftspeople have many years of experience and guide each client through the drafting process, focusing on the best architectural style for their needs; the ideal finishes for their family; and landscaping trends that will accent their home’s style.

To become familiarized with the home-building process, Bartelt suggests homeowners reach out to their staff and even visit Classic Custom Homes’ model homes at this fall’s Parade of Homes, taking place Oct. 11-13 and 18-20, 2024.

TANTALIZING TEXTURES

The interest in texture in home design has experienced a rebirth of sorts as more consumers and designers are embracing innovative designs to create aweinspiring and memorable wall, flooring and furniture treatments.

According to Kristen Cross, designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens, a mix of textures have always been important in interior design, but this increased dramatically in recent years with the onset of the pandemic.

“As we spent more time in our homes, people found themselves to be more focused on creating tailored surroundings instead of the status quo,” Cross says. “Adding textures into your home will not only add interest, comfort and functionality, but it will also set the tone to create a space that is uniquely you.”

Today, Cross and the design team at Dream House Dream Kitchens are seeing strong trends in using unique textures to enhance spaces of all types, including handmade tiles; wall treatments such as wallpaper, wall paneling, brushed/handapplied finishes; and natural materials, such as boucle and rattan.

“Layering and contrast is the secret weapon of interior design,” Cross says. “To incorporate this into your own home, start with your foundation of furniture and flooring and layer in textures with area rugs, window treatments, pillows and other soft finishes. Then, create contrast by mixing in materials such as wood, metal and glass — otherwise the room will feel flat.”

It’s also important to remember when integrating textures into a home that texture and color are interdependent. As Cross explains, rougher textures will absorb light and make the color feel warmer, while smoother textures will reflect light back into the room and make it feel lighter.

“It is important to keep in mind when selecting a wall color or treatment to balance it out with other finishes within a space to make it feel harmonious,” Cross says.

When choosing a darker wall color, it’s crucial to add textural contrast and lightreflective materials. For lighter wall colors, incorporating more visual and tactile textures is essential to prevent the room from feeling flat.

The team at Dream House Dream Kitchens use texture to help homeowners define a space. For example, if a client wants a modern space, a designer may incorporate sleek materials such as polished chrome, shiny marble, hardware with clean lines and a simple color palette.

“Whereas if a client wants a relaxed, cozy space, we would incorporate natural materials such as reclaimed wood, stone and matte textiles with an earthy color palette,” Cross says. “We also use texture to create visual weight in areas we want to draw the eye towards, and contrasting textures to help certain elements stand out more than others — creating focal points.”

Texture is a powerful element in design — it can be subtle or bold, but it will always be what sets the tone for the space.

— Kristen Cross, designer

Building your

or

THE IDEAL HOME DESIGN

There are probably few things in life that are as exciting as searching for a home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking to broaden your horizons or a retired couple looking to streamline your life, identifying the ideal home design for your lifestyle is paramount.

According to Dave Roembke, vice president of sales and marketing and partner at Victory Homes, he and his team see many home buyers spending a lot of time searching for an existing home that checks off as many items on their wish list as possible. Ultimately, their clients end up choosing Victory Homes because they’re unable to find what they are looking for elsewhere in the market.

“Once they learn that they can customize any of our base plans to incorporate [what’s on] their wish list, they see why building a new home is a better choice,” Roembke says.

Along with home must-haves, clients typically bookmark design details they want in their new abode, pulling inspiration from home and garden magazines and online images. Victory Homes can help turn those dreams into reality as they understand the nuances behind today’s home design trends.

In fact, Victory Homes’ team is seeing more homeowners embrace elements that feel lighter and more joyful — a trend often referred to as “playfulism.” This type of design encompasses a lighthearted combination of color, texture and shapes, like an undulating drywall curve. These design elements are often incorporated in spaces that are meant for relaxing, such as bedrooms and great rooms.

In addition to this trend, creating distinctive spaces that illustrate a homeowner’s personality and allows them to enjoy a hobby or entertain effortlessly are also frequent requests.

“Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, sports fanatic, movie lover or simply love to host parties, our in-house architectural

design team can take your ideas and turn them into reality,” Roembke says.

Another trend Victory’s design team is seeing is the desire to seamlessly blending interior and exterior spaces, including outdoor kitchens, lounge spaces and dining areas to offer additional entertaining options, as well as functionality and value to a home.

Entertaining aside, with 42% of U.S. workers now working from home fulltime, homeowners also want workspaces that blend easily with a home’s overall design and offer the functionality required for an effective work-from-home setup.

Recently, Victory Homes was awarded the 2024 Wisconsin Builders Association Badger Craftsman Award for Best New Home $1.25-2.25M for a custom lake home in Wisconsin’s North Woods. You can see a video tour at: youtu.be/R_bMil1G1JE.

The good news is that if your home design is a good expression of your personal style and something that you truly love, it will never go out of fashion.

— David Roembke, vice president of sales and marketing

THE FINISHING TOUCH

As a homeowner, you probably spend much of your time focusing on your home’s interior. But the exterior components of your home — the roof, windows and siding — also play a vital role in keeping your home looking its best.

Spray-Net Southern Wisconsin offers innovative solutions for restoring siding and transforming a home’s exterior, as well as interior cabinets, with the company’s advanced spray technology.

According to Dale Tomalin, Spray-Net franchise owner, the company’s specialized coatings rejuvenate and protect various types of siding, including vinyl, aluminum and engineered wood, providing a factory finish that resists peeling and fading.

“Our quick, on-site application ensures minimal disruption, enhancing curb appeal and longevity. With eco-friendly materials and a wide range of colors, we deliver durable, cost-effective siding restoration with stunning results — in a matter of days,” Tomalin says.

What makes Spray-Net’s technology so impactful is the advanced coatings that mimic the look and durability of factory finishes, ensuring a professional, longlasting appearance.

“The coatings also are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, protecting siding from UV rays, moisture and temperature fluctuations,” Tomalin says. “And the formulations are engineered to resist peeling and fading, maintaining vibrant colors and a fresh look over time.”

Spray-Net offers eco-friendly coating options, which are low-VOC and safe for outdoor use — something environmentallyconscious homeowners appreciate.

This same Spray-Net technology is also available for a home’s interior cabinets, where durable finishes can make worn or fading cabinets look like new.

“The cabinet coatings are specifically formulated for the type of material being painted, whether it’s wood, laminate, or MDF, ensuring optimal adhesion and longevity,” Tomalin says. “The finish

also makes cabinets easier to clean and maintain, keeping them looking new for longer and there is strong color retention thanks to the high-quality pigments and binders in the coatings.”

The exciting aspect of reimagining your cabinets is the chance to infuse your interiors with a fresh dose of style. Cabinets in classic white are timeless, providing a clean look that complements any kitchen or bathroom décor.

For those wanting to venture away from neutrals, “navy blue … adds depth and sophistication, and is often paired with gold or brass hardware for a luxurious touch [on cabinets],” Tomalin says.

Other trending cabinet finish colors include warm taupes, beiges and green hues (think: sage, forest or olive green). This reflects the nature-inspired tones that homeowners are gravitating toward in home interiors for a stylish, calming atmosphere.

Our technology enhances the aesthetic appeal, durability and longevity of both siding and cabinets, offering a costeffective and efficient solution for home improvements.

—

Dale Tomalin, franchise owner

Left to Right: Nicki Young, Stephanie Thompson, Renee Nehring, Sadie Minobe

EstateKnow-HowPlanning

The standard advice you’ve read about financial planning is true. It’s great to start saving early, max out your 401(k) and diversify your portfolio. But establishing a financial legacy through estate planning also is imperative. By planning in advance, you or your loved ones can develop a fail-safe plan to ensure that your wishes are implemented in the future.

“We understand that estate planning involves deeply personal decisions, and we guide clients through the process with sensitivity and respect for their wishes,” says Stephanie Thompson, attorney and owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson.“By encouraging open communication and actively listening to their concerns and goals, we empower clients to articulate their priorities and preferences clearly.”

When preparing to discuss estate planning with loved ones, Thompson says it’s important to cover these essential topics to ensure clarity and understanding:

• Do you have a trust or will, financial power of attorney? Where are they located?

• Who is named to manage your finances when you are unable?

• What assets do you have (property, investments, savings, life insurance)?

• Do you have online accounts (email, social media, banking) and how can they be accessed?

• Are there any subscriptions or recurring payments that need to be managed?

• Who has durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions?

• Do you have a living will or healthcare directive?

• Are there specific wishes or preferences for end-oflife care that the family should know about?

• Are there specific instructions regarding funeral arrangements or preferences?

• Who are your legal and financial advisors?

It may also be helpful to involve legal or financial professionals to ensure all aspects of the estate plan are properly documented and executed according to legal requirements.

After a loved one has passed, settling their affairs can be daunting, but Thompson says family members need to take the following steps:

• Notify close family members, friends, and colleagues of the death.

• Obtain the death certificate from the funeral home.

• Ensure that the deceased’s property and assets are secure.

• Gather important documents such as the will, trust documents, insurance policies, bank statements, investment accounts, deeds to property, vehicle titles and any other relevant financial records.

• Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in probate and estate administration.

“Our firm values long-term relationships with clients, recognizing that estate planning is an ongoing process,” Thompson says.” By maintaining these relationships, we provide peace of mind that clients’ wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected according to their intentions.”

Stephanie Thompson

L-R: Rachel Neill (bottom), Lupita Montoto, Sandy Morales, Julia Steege-Reimann and Faatima Khan

Success Stories

Whether they were a teenage mother, founding a nonprofit from scratch, or launching their own media company, these women have all tackled life and career challenges with gusto, each forging their own extraordinary path.

BY LAURA ANNE BIRD, HEIDI DUSS, KRISTINE HANSEN, FAATIMA KHAN, MELANIE LEE, SHAYNA MACE, KATY MACEK, MARYBETH MATZEK, DAWN MULLARNEY, LISA J. SMITH AND CHANTEL SOUMIS

Building Her Own Real Estate Empire

In her early 20s, Julia Steege-Reimann found bliss renovating her first project — a duplex in Madison — with her husband, Kristopher Steege-Reimann.

“We turned one of our duplexes net zero [carbon emissions] and put solar panels on it,” says the Monona native, who grew up building homes with her family and was proud to put her own stamp on a project.

After a few more years updating properties, the couple expanded into hospitality. Today they own Voyageur Extended Stays, which offers seven furnished, extended-stay properties in Madison.

Making decisions based on intuition — not just number crunching — has always felt right to Steege-Reimann. This includes buying what’s now the 21-unit The Medallion — their newest property, which opened this past spring. It’s also how she decides who to work with.

“I intentionally hire women in non-traditional roles. My maintenance and facilities manager is a woman,” says SteegeReimann, a former academic/career-planning coordinator with the Madison Metropolitan School District, who also taught in Madison and Chile. “[Women] are proactive communicators, have very good social intelligence and good project management skills. This really differentiates us in this male-dominated industry.”

Steege-Reimann handles operations and project management at Voyageur while her husband — who graduated from the construction and remodeling program at Madison College — works with the artists and designers the company contracts with.

Experiencing generosity abroad provided the best lesson in hospitality.

“My husband had a paragliding accident in Bolivia and we spent a few months living there,” she says. “All of the people in the town brought us food and prayed for us and helped us navigate the medical system.”

She wants to be just as hospitable to those visiting Madison, especially as around 25% of their guests are from another country. “We live between a two- and three-minute drive or a 10-minute walk of all of our properties. We can do it better than bigger companies because we care,” she says. “We’re giving [visitors] their first impression of our city.”

In fact, being a stranger in a foreign land introduced her to Dutch designer

Arno Hoogland. On a long weekend in Amsterdam with her husband, they stayed in a hotel room Hoogland had designed. They connected with the designer and eventually hired him to design The Medallion’s custom headboards, carpets, lights, sofas, chairs and wood ornamentation.

“It was this cool, cross-cultural experience. He really liked Frank Lloyd Wright and we do too. The Medallion has nods to Wright. Everything has to be cohesive, from the inside to the outside, says Steege-Reimann.

Voyageur Extended Stays’ latest venture further lifts up artists and designers. “We realized we love working with artists and designers,” says Steege-Reimann. “We’re going full-blown craft and homemade.” This includes producing a line of artist-made rugs as well as taking on general contracting jobs, often employing designers to create custom work for the final designs.

What’s next? “We are starting to look for our next development project,” says Steege-Reiman. “It’s going to be really unique, handcrafted and has a focus on community, like everything we’ve done so far.”

– Kristine Hansen

What has been your biggest career challenge?

“It’s psychologically been hard to leverage everything that we own, knowing we could lose it all if it doesn’t work out. It’s been a big sacrifice, but it also feels right for us.”

The Norman Fletchall Team

RBC Wealth Management is pleased to announce that The Norman Fletchall Team was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list in the U.S. for 2024.

The Norman Fletchall Team provides approachable, creative and personalized advice to assist clients in optimizing their lives now, while planning for their financial future. They are passionate about helping their clients thrive and community prosper.

Congratulations to The Norman Fletchall Team on this noteworthy honor.

10 E. Doty Street, Suite 1000 | Madison, WI 53703 (608) 252-7525

www.normanfletchallteam.com

Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

The 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams award was announced January 2024. Data as of 3/31/23. The award was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. The financial advisor does not pay a fee to be considered for or to receive this award. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients. This is not indicative of this financial advisor’s future performance. © 2024 RBC Wealth Management, a

How to Network Strategically Without Burning Out

BY DAWN MULLARNEY

My name is Dawn, also known as the Unique Connector. Once a very shy girl, I’ve transformed into a master connector. My journey has been shaped by 20 years of experience across various industries, including university, construction, banking/wealth management and IT staffing. Each career change has enriched my understanding of connection and the power of networking.

My Turning Point

Not that long ago, I used to attend three to four networking events a week and host events while working very long hours. Also during that time, I faced a major health scare when I was thought to have had a stroke at age 35. (Luckily it wasn’t a stroke, but a migraine syndrome caused by intense stress!) This challenging time forced me to slow down and reevaluate my priorities. It also taught me the importance of self-compassion, focusing on what truly matters, slowing down, closing chapters in life and building a supportive network.

Lessons Learned

During my recovery, I realized that I had been spreading myself too thin, attending every event and trying to connect with everyone. My health hiccup gave me clarity that this approach was unsustainable and ineffective. I recognized that I was a workaholic and realized I was my most important asset. Prioritizing myself and my family eventually led me to carve my own path and start my own business.

My health journey taught me to value quality over quantity in all aspects of life, including networking. I now prioritize events that align with my professional goals and personal values, focusing on building deep, meaningful relationships rather than simply expanding my contact list.

A New Life Purpose: Supporting Others

Through all of this, I’ve recognized my purpose: to support professionals, businesses and their teams in networking more effectively and avoiding becoming workaholics — so they don’t lose themselves or an amazing team member in the process.

As you navigate your own networking journey, remember to stay true to yourself, prioritize your goals and focus on building meaningful connections. These relationships will not only enhance your professional life but also provide a strong support system in times of need.

Here are some tips I’ve learned about strategic networking — without burning out:

• Set clear intentions and goals: Define what you want to achieve before attending any networking event. Are you looking to meet potential clients, power partners or mentors? It’s not all about sales and handing out business cards. Clear goals help you stay focused.

• Be genuine and authentic: Authenticity is key to building meaningful connections. Be yourself, share your story and show genuine interest in others. People appreciate honesty and are more likely to remember and support you.

• Leverage existing connections: Don’t underestimate the power of your current network. Reach out to existing contacts for introductions and referrals. A warm introduction can open doors and create a sense of trust and familiarity.

• Be selective and strategic: Your networking can have seasons, just like the weather. Choose and adjust to attend events that align with your interests and goals. Invest your time in opportunities that are most likely to yield meaningful connections.

Dawn Mullarney is Wisconsin Dames chapter president and owner of Unique Connector, a business that hosts networking events and provides coaching and consulting services.

She Crafted a Media Company From the Ground Up

Lupita Montoto has been a Madison media presence for more than 24 years. She and her husband, Luis, cofounded La Movida Radio in 2000 out of a small station in Poynette. La Movida initially started as a weekend radio program but within two years, the duo were able to launch a full-time, Spanish-speaking station.

In 2002, the Montotos partnered with Mid-West Family Madison, which owns the frequency, to expand La Movida’s reach. Montoto, who’s also an on-air personality and marketing consultant for La Movida (found on 94.5 FM/1480 AM), talked to us about her experience founding South Central Wisconsin’s only Spanish-speaking radio station.

What was it like to go live for the first time?

I was barely out of college when I moved to Wisconsin. I had a business degree but had never worked in radio, so

I felt most comfortable behind the scenes. One day Luis tricked me into being on air. He took a break and told me to sit there; if the song ended, I should just turn on the microphone and talk. That was all it took! I knew I wanted my own show.

Describe a typical day at La Movida.

Luis has a morning show, and then I host “El Debate,” where I welcome guests and community leaders and invite listeners to call in with questions. We play music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then my show “A Todo Ritmo con Lupita Montoto” is on, where I highlight the community calendar and give weather and traffic reports.

In my “De Mujer a Mujer” segment, I discuss the challenges and experiences of being a successful Latina woman. We finish off the day with more music.

How does La Movida engage the Latino community during election periods — like now?

We have a big role in educating listeners on the voting process and what to expect with each election. Also, we welcome candidates of all parties to “El Debate” so they can share their policies and platforms. We never tell people how to vote; we only help to inform them.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced at La Movida?

No one wanted to give Luis and me the opportunity to start a Spanish radio program. He went through a phone book to identify all the local stations, and the phone calls began.

How does the station make money?

Advertising and events are our biggest revenue generators. As our digital footprint continues to grow, we are able to offer business partners more than just radio spots.

How does La Movida respond to the growing number of streaming services and podcasts available? We evolve as the media evolves. We have our own app that streams programming, and we also have a podcast and strong social media presence.

– Laura Anne Bird

What is the “secret sauce” to La Movida’s success?

“The Spanish-speaking population in the Madison area has gotten more diverse … so La Movida is growing and changing, too. After 24 years, we have multiple generations of listeners. Some of the kids who listened early on are guests on our show and even our advertising clients.”

12 Networking Groups to Know About

For women looking to climb the corporate ladder, build their small business or give back, a professional networking group is the perfect place to find community and do good. From attending an occasional drop-in to becoming a member, discover local options for every interest and industry.

TEMPO Madison

Serving as a hub for executive-level women, TEMPO is on a mission to help advance women to the highest leadership positions in organizations across the Madison area. Members can participate in monthly events (from book clubs to tours of corporate headquarters) or get involved with Project Reach, an initiative to increase the number of women serving on business boards. You can nominate yourself or be invited to join, and members must have at least five years of executive-level experience — among other requirements. tempomadison.org

Women United

As a subgroup of United Way of Dane County, members of this organization are unified by their desire to help more women obtain financial security. Most events are free to attend (though attendees can

opt to donate to United Way if they wish, though it’s not required), and are typically focused on professional development or community issues. unitedwaydanecounty. org/womenunited

Social Media Breakfast Madison

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this October, SMBMad’s monthly events are a laid-back way for social media and marketing professionals to network. Free to attend in person or through a Facebook livestream, each seminar covers a unique aspect of social media marketing presented by an industry expert. smbmad.org

SCORE

Funded in part by the Small Business Administration, small business owners can take part in numerous free online workshops offered by this national organization or receive one-on-one mentoring from a SCORE member. On Sept. 30, SCORE’s Wisconsin chapter is holding the Accelerate Your Business for Women 2024 conference in Wisconsin Dells. Attendees will gain insight on finances, marketing, technology and life skills. score.org

Social Media Breakfast Madison

100state

A home for “problem solvers, creatives, and entrepreneurs,” members of 100state have 24/7 access to a large coworking space in downtown Madison and can rent a dedicated desk or a private office. Connect with others at one of their networking or educational events, many of which are tailored toward solopreneurs and entrepreneurs. 100state.com

Latino Professionals Association

With a range of membership types, Latino professionals can choose what benefits best fit their unique career goals. Member socials, networking events, master classes, an investment club and access to coaching programs are just a few of the opportunities offered to help inspire, develop, and empower Latino talent. lpa.wildapricot.org

Madison Magnet

Madison Magnet focuses on bringing together young professionals by providing opportunities to develop deeper social, civic and career connections. Members can build leadership skills by getting involved with one of their many committees, too. Anyone can register to attend a networking

event — like their 6th Annual Cheese Curd Crawl on Sept. 22. madisonmagnet.org

The Dames

The Dames is a global incubator elevating women running and leading six-, seven-, and eight-figure businesses, through strategic connections, in-person and virtual events, and their annual FunFerence, aimed at connecting Dames members. thedames.co, thedames.co/ joinmadison

The Progress Center for Black Women

Designed for Black women by Black women, this collaborative coworking space celebrates sisterhood all while pursuing personal or professional goals. The Progress Center offers educational programs, including a family-friendly Financial Health Academy and F.O.C.U.S to support Black entrepreneurs. centerforblackwomen.org

The Business Forum

Aside from monthly educational luncheons and networking events, this organization also hosts the annual ATHENA Awards (for established leaders who have achieved excellence in their professions)

and the ATHENA Young Professional Awards, recognizing emerging leaders. To date, the organization has also given $470,000 in scholarships to women. thebusinessforum.wildapricot.org

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce

While any business owner can submit a free basic listing, some membership levels of the MBCC include an enhanced print or online feature in the Black Business Directory. Along with a series of training and certification programs, peers and supporters can socialize at monthly “mix and mingle” events. madisonblackchamber.com

Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce

As an advocate for the Latino and non-Latino business community in Wisconsin, chamber members can find support from a diverse mix of fellow small business owners, government leaders and corporate representatives. LCC offers regular community events, educational opportunities and even has a monthly show on La Movida Radio that welcomes caller participation. lccwi.org – Katrina Simyab

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce

How to Manage Imposter Syndrome

BY FAATIMA KHAN

“Why did they choose me? Maybe it was a mistake? Ugh, I have so much to prove. Am I good enough? They must think so … right?”

Welcome to my daily thoughts at work — a constant undercurrent of self-doubt and anxiety. As a leader in my 30s, despite my achievements and the trust placed in me by my colleagues, I too struggle with imposter syndrome! In a world of key performance indicators and LinkedIn humblebrag posts, it’s easy to fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others — then feeling like we’ve come up short. So, how do we knock it off? Sadly, there’s no quick fix. However, I’ll share what I’ve learned.

Recognize It

How often do we find ourselves entering new situations — be it a project or team — where we adapt our conversation style or persona based on social contexts or the environment? This is called code-switching. By managing others’ perceptions, we show up inauthentically, and it’s not all our fault. Systems are not always built for us. While imposter syndrome traditionally focuses on individual self-doubt, broader systemic issues like racism and classism also play a role. For example, many workplaces prioritize extroverted communication styles, leaving introverts feeling the need to adapt to be heard. This constant code-switching can be exhausting. Recognizing you are not alone and that systems may be working against you is step one.

Reimagine It

Feeling like an imposter often stems from caring deeply about your work. If you didn’t care, there would be no fear of failure. Imposter syndrome thrives on the belief that we’re not enough. While seen as negative, it can be the fuel that drives us. Let it motivate you, not consume you. For example, imagine being assigned a challenging project aimed at improving the lives of the people you serve. Instead of seeing hesitation and self-doubt as signs of inadequacy, view them as your strong commitment to driving transformational change.

Reclaim It

You’re making a difference, and you’ve got data to prove it. You didn’t just get lucky; you’ve worked hard for your success. Take time each month to create an “impact summary,” documenting completed projects, accomplishments and positive feedback while focusing on

quantifiable results. Regularly reminding yourself of your achievements helps retrain your brain to combat self-doubt with concrete evidence. We often credit colleagues or external factors for success. Instead, reclaim your achievements — you’ve earned them.

By recognizing, reimagining and reclaiming our experiences, we can start to rewire our brain to shift our perspective on imposter syndrome. Doing this work is a journey, so celebrate your progress, hold yourself accountable and strive for authenticity and self-acceptance.

Faatima Khan is head of diversity, equity and inclusion and community engagement at WPS, a health solutions company.

Leading Outside Her Comfort Zone

After seven years as CEO of YWCA Madison and transforming the organization into an equitable community hub, Vanessa McDowell-Atlas was ready for a new challenge.

Earlier this year, she and her husband left her hometown of Madison for Charlotte, North Carolina, where she is now chief operating officer of Black Girl Ventures. The national organization supports underrepresented women founders to gain social and financial capital through a variety of programs and pitch competitions.

McDowell-Atlas shared her thoughts on her career journey, and what inspires her in her new role.

How did your work at YWCA Madison prepare you to be COO of Black Girl Ventures?

It showed me that I can do anything. I think it was transformational for myself and the community. It was an opportunity for me to see what I could do as a leader. If you told me I would be leading during a pandemic, I probably would have said no, but when you’re in it, you’re just in it, and what’s in you comes out.

Why did this feel like the right next step for you?

I was really in a place in my life where I wanted to serve another Black woman leading an organization. Being a Black woman leading an organization for seven years at YWCA, I really found a need for having staff and support around me to support a vision.

Something I’ve learned about myself is that even though I deal with anxiety … I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was to make such a leap.

How would you describe yourself as a leader?

Being steadfast … leading with calmness in chaos.

What does your day-to-day look like at Black Girl Ventures?

We’re virtual, so my day-to-day is lots of meetings. It’s being in constant conversation with my CEO to continue to support her and my vision together. It’s supporting my team and checking on staff, making sure they’re OK as people.

I also lead the programs team, and I oversee the finance and marketing departments.

What are you most enjoying about the new role?

My favorite part is seeing the work in action. Recently I was able to go to our pitch competition in Chicago, and to see these women get the courage to talk in front of all these people and pitch their businesses, and then being able to

be rewarded financially and socially with so many different connections. That is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

In 2016, you were named a BRAVA Woman To Watch. You said, “I believe I’m part of a bigger purpose to help heal a broken world.” How does that quote resonate with you now?

I still feel like that’s part of my purpose, to help mend things that need to be healed. Everything I have done I would say in my adult years has been dedicated to that — and that hasn’t changed.

– Katy Macek

Mother of Invention

When inspiration strikes, you need to run with it.

For Rachel Neill, inspiration came in the middle of the pandemic. Her then two-year-old was playing with a popular play couch designed for dorm rooms when he had an accident. While trying to clean the fabric, she had an idea: What if there was a toy that kids could rearrange into different shapes — covered in child-friendly fabric and thoughtfully designed — built for them to jump and climb on? With that, Figgy was born.

“I called a friend, Chris Roepe (a product design expert), who had recently left Lands’ End. He came over and we immediately began prototyping a product,” says Neill, who serves as Figgy’s CEO. “We took it to Kickstarter and raised $40,000 in eight minutes, so we knew we had an idea that was worth something.”

Figgy is a play couch with individual base cushions and Velcro fasteners that children can connect any way they want to play. The waterproof, washable cushions are made of soft, yet sturdy, material. With several million dollars in sales, Figgy has won multiple awards, including a 2023 Parents’ Picks Award, a 2023 Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Recipient and a 2024 Retail Innovator Award from Retail Touchpoints.

“Kids can use it to build whatever they want. It’s a tool of their imagination,” she says. “With the business, it was hard at first figuring out manufacturing and shipping since that’s when everything was bogged down with shipping delays because of the pandemic. But we made it through.”

A mom of six with children ranging in age from 23 to two, Neill says balance is essential to handling work and motherhood.

“My husband and I prioritize our kids and working hard. I wore my kids when they were babies. I take my kids to work with me,” she says. “I work at night. I’ve always been high energy, which serves me well.”

Figgy is Neill’s second successful business. In 2017, she founded Carex Consulting Group, a staffing company. Neill also serves as CEO of Carex.

“Carex is a different kind of staffing company with clear pricing — we share our bill and pay rates — and no one works on commission. It’s a model that appeals to businesses and prospective employees,” she says.

Neill’s entrepreneurial success is all the more remarkable given she was a teen mom who took her son with her when she attended the University of Pennsylvania. “I made it through with pure determination, balancing taking care of my son and my classes,” she says.

After graduating, she married her now-husband and began law school. But after starting law school, Neill realized law was not for her. Her husband ended up getting a job in Madison, so they moved to Wisconsin. Once here, Neill dove into the startup community, becoming internal employee No. 10 at Nordic Consulting.

“I learned a lot about the entrepreneurial community and decided to go for it myself and started Carex. It wasn’t always easy,” she says. “Women get a small percentage of venture funding. It was sometimes uncomfortable being the only woman in the room and people sometimes discount you. I didn’t give up and kept pushing forward.”

– MaryBeth Matzek

What’s one workplace trend you’re embracing as a business owner?

“Flexibility. I’ve hired some talented, educated stay-athome moms who work at Figgy. They get the work done when they can. I also have an open PTO policy. You don’t need to take PTO to go to the doctor or to go see your kids in a school activity.”

MIRIAM BULCHER

How to Embrace Inclusive Career Pathways for the LGBTQ+ Community

BY HEIDI DUSS

In 2023, I envisioned a transformative initiative for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the creation of the OPEN Foundation. This nonprofit focuses on career readiness and workforce development for LGBTQ+ individuals, providing essential resources, tools and community support to achieve professional goals. Today, this vision is materializing through our comprehensive career development programs and strategic partnerships.

OPEN Foundation addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the workforce. Barriers related to gender identity or sexual orientation often hinder professional growth and opportunities. With the support of the OPEN board members and the broader OPEN member community, we established the OPEN Foundation to foster equitable opportunities for all.

Our services include:

• An online professional resource hub

• Comprehensive career mentoring and coaching

• Informative group workshops and seminars for early career workers and those transitioning in their careers

• Access to exclusive job and internship offers

In February 2024, we launched the Transform Program in partnership with OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and A Fund for Women. This initiative supports transgender women and transfeminine individuals in Dane County, particularly those of color, who face significant barriers to employment. The Transform Program empowers participants with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to access higher-paying careers and aims to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder career progression for this vulnerable community.

Our first annual LGBTQIA+-affirming career fair, incorporated into our annual dinner event on Oct. 3, 2024, will feature resume review services and a gender-affirming clothing closet. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” encapsulates our mission to cultivate personal and professional leadership for LGBTQIA+ individuals while promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces and communities.

Intersectionality and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. By listening to our community and understanding their challenges, we strive to create impactful and sustainable change. Together, we can create safe workplaces and sustainable career pathways for LGBTQ+ individuals.

We invite businesses and organizations to participate as

sponsors and career fair vendors. Employers committed to fostering an inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ professionals are encouraged to join us at the career fair and annual dinner. Support your employees by sponsoring their membership in OPEN, enabling them to benefit from our resources and network.

For more information on how to get involved, visit openmadison.org. Let’s create a more equitable and inclusive world for all, and build pathways to success for the LGBTQ+ community together.

Heidi Duss (she/they), a 2020 Woman to Watch, is the founder of OPEN Foundation and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace.

How to Recognize Your Value

BY LISA J. SMITH

As the founder of SMITH Company, I work with female-led businesses and executives to help them increase their revenue and reverse their limiting beliefs. However, I’ve noticed an unsettling pattern: Many women often undervalue their skills and services. In late 2023, I conducted a national survey to better identify potential root causes of this issue.

Feeling Stuck

I often hear my clients say, “I just feel stuck, like there’s an immovable object in my way.” Or they feel that their contributions are not being recognized and that the people around them aren’t aware of their capabilities. What’s blocking your ability to see your value?

“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”

The habits women develop as they enter the workforce often become the very obstacles holding them back later in their careers or businesses. For example:

• We have a reluctance to claim our achievements. Women tend to downplay their accomplishments in order to be team players. Highlighting our accomplishments seems counterintuitive or simply egotistical, but our colleagues and leadership don’t always see or fully understand all that we do or the value we are creating. We owe it to ourselves.

Action Step: Document your achievements regularly, no matter the size, and use them to build the confidence to promote your value authentically.

• We tend to build, rather than leverage, relationships. Women are natural relationship builders and excel at building community, but we rarely see this as a strength we can use to our advantage because it feels manipulative. Leveraging a relationship is about working toward something mutually beneficial. When we act with intention, it can result in a positive outcome.

Action Step: Identify and approach key mutually beneficial relationships with a clear, value-driven ask to collaborate.

• We can get caught in the perfection trap. Women work harder than their male counterparts to advance. This can result in feeling like they must be perfect not just at work but in all aspects of their lives, creating an impossible paradigm. Our imperfections

make us who we are and build our resilience and value. Action Step: No one is perfect or has every aspect of their life buttoned up. Create a daily affirmation that focuses on your strengths to remind you that you are successful and let the idea of perfection go.

Value Is In the Eye of the Beholder

Women are motivated by the quality of their lives and their ability to contribute positively to their family and community above pay or position. Stop allowing old paradigms to frame your mindset, career or business. When you recognize your value, everyone else will see it, too.

Lisa J. Smith is founder and CEO of SMITH Company, a strategic sales coaching firm located in Madison and St. Paul, Minnesota

The Courage and Confidence to Lead

The seeds for Sandy Morales’ journey to become CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (BBBS) were planted years before she ever joined the nonprofit. Prior to working at BBBS, Morales held roles in marketing and development at United Way of Dane County. The two nonprofits often worked together on events and initiatives and are even located in the same building on Madison’s East Side. Morales also had a friendly relationship with BBBS’ CEO at the time, Dora Zúñiga. Occasionally, she sought career guidance from Zúñiga.

“She was one of the first women of color that I knew that was leading an organization [in the area]. So [eventually] I sought out [Zúñiga’s] advice and asked her, ‘How did you do this? How does someone become CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters?’” says Morales, noting she admired Zúñiga’s success.

Zúñiga explained that Morales should go into development to learn what it takes to raise money to be able to sustain an organization. Morales took her words to heart and started working in fund development at United Way. Zúñiga’s words echoed in her head: “She [said], if you don’t have money, you don’t have a mission,” says Morales.

In 2013, Zúñiga recruited Morales to be BBBS’ fund development director. At the time, BBBS only had nine employees. (Now they have twice as many.) Morales’ plan was to bring more structure to the nonprofit’s fund development.

“When I came here … I wasn’t on a development team. I was the development team. It was myself and the development coordinator,” she says.

A year into Morales’ tenure at BBBS, Zúñiga stepped down as CEO. Soon, people started asking Morales if she was the interim CEO — or if she was going to apply for the position. “[I thought], ‘I’ve never been a CEO. I don’t even know what that would entail, or do I even want that?’” she reflects. “But … I got a lot of external encouragement and even a couple of board members that encouraged me to go through the [interview] process.”

In 2015, Morales was hired as CEO and in 2016, she officially took over — during BBBS’ 50th anniversary year. Morales says she’s proud of the nonprofit’s successful track record since she’s been CEO.

“When I came to this agency … we were a national brand — but we didn’t have a lot of recognition. So that has been one of the biggest accomplishments for me — elevating the brand in the community. Some of it I’ve taken on myself, but some of it has been by hiring a team,” she says. “I pride myself in the team that we’ve built, being able to identify talent and giving people a chance to grow. A lot of the people that are in leadership

positions [now] didn’t start there — they’ve been promoted — which is great.”

Morales, similar to many of BBBS’ mentees, has also gained confidence through her role.

“We certainly have a good number of kids that come in who are shy or lack self-confidence — [but] have this little spark. And they’re just waiting for someone to come and fan that fire and make it brighter. And I’ll say that’s definitely what keeps me here at the organization.”

— Shayna Mace

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission?

“Our mission is to ignite the power and promise of youth, and we do that through one-to-one mentoring relationships between kids and volunteer mentors in our community. I think one of the best things about [BBBS] is that you’re building a relationship with someone that you wouldn’t otherwise.”

How to Maximize Your Influence on LinkedIn

BY MELANIE LEE, DAWN MULLARNEY AND CHANTEL SOUMIS

Here are the best ways to leverage this social network to your advantage.

How to Become a Voice of Influence

Did you know that less than 1% of profiles on LinkedIn actually create and share content? Sharing wisdom on LinkedIn through various content formats can significantly enhance your professional influence and generate incredible opportunities. Here’s how:

Articles: Writing informative articles can establish you as a thought leader. Search engines highly favor LinkedIn articles, pushing them to the top of listings and increasing your visibility.

Videos: Engaging and informative videos can capture attention quickly. Use them to share insights, demonstrate expertise or showcase success stories.

Images: Eye-catching images can drive engagement. Use them to make your content more shareable.

Documents: Sharing valuable documents like whitepapers, case studies or reports can provide deep insights and practical knowledge to your audience.

Newsletters: Regular newsletters can keep your audience informed and engaged with your latest insights, industry news, and updates.

Events: Hosting or promoting events on LinkedIn can connect with your audience in real time, fostering deeper relationships and collaboration opportunities.

– Chantel Soumis

How to Grow Your LinkedIn Network

Growing your LinkedIn network effectively involves more than just sending connection requests. Here are some strategies to make meaningful connections:

Join relevant groups: Participate in discussions within industry-specific groups. Share insights, ask questions and connect with active members.

Attend online events: Join webinars, virtual meetups and industry conferences. Engage with attendees before, during and after the event by sharing takeaways and continuing the conversation.

Personalize connection requests: Always include a personalized note when sending connection requests. Mention common interests, mutual connections or recent discussions to build rapport.

Share valuable content: Post articles, insights and updates related to your industry. Engage with comments and feedback to foster deeper connections.

Leverage existing connections: Ask current connections for introductions to people you’d like to meet. A warm introduction can significantly increase the likelihood of acceptance.

– Dawn Mullarney

How to Take Connections Offline

Moving offline allows you to meet the person behind their profile, fostering a genuine relationship that can lead to deeper connection. There are several ways to do this:

Meet for coffee: One-on-one interaction in a relaxed setting enables deeper conversations and more personal bonds.

Attend in-person events: Build trust and credibility by attending events, introducing yourself to new people.

Guest podcast: Share your expertise with a wider audience and connect with podcast hosts and their listeners.

Host an event: Create a platform for others to come to you, facilitating organic networking and collaboration opportunities.

Join professional organizations: Meet like-minded professionals through local professional groups. (See P. 73 for some of BRAVA’s recommendations!)

Attend meetups: Engage in interestbased gatherings to connect with people in an informal setting.

Volunteer: Build relationships through shared values and passions while benefiting the community.

– Melanie Lee

Chantel Soumis, Dawn Mullarney and Melanie Lee host free monthly LinkedIn Local events. Find out more information at linkedinlocalmadison.com.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

The city is full of enterprising women, making waves in finance, law, business ventures and creative fields.

2024 PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

omen supporting women — it’s a core tenet of what we do at BRAVA. It’s also why we highlight women-owned and women-run businesses every year.

These area entrepreneurs, financial industry vets, creative types and leaders are achieving excellence in their fields and serving our community.

Read on for women who are making a difference regionally and beyond in their professions.

Empowering Communities: Gifting and Giving Back

By engaging our community and giving back, we all move forward. That’s our culture at Park Bank.

“ ”

— Val Hartjes, Vice President, Community Engagement

Gifting is ingrained in Val Hartjes’s DNA, which made joining Park Bank as part of the Community Engagement team in 2021 a perfect fit. For 20 years and counting, she has been active in supporting (or gifting) various community-based nonprofits in Madison and Dane County, including the United Way of Dane County, 100+ Women Who Care Madison, TEMPO Madison, Downtown Madison Inc. (DMI), The River Food Pantry and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“Everyone gives in different ways — whether it’s your time, your talent or your treasure,”

Hartjes says. “I’ve supported Madison and Dane County nonprofits on paid staffs, on a volunteer basis, on boards and committees, and as a nonprofit advisor. Being exposed to the widespread need here motivated me to get involved at a deeper level.”

Her dedication to philanthropy aligns with Park Bank’s mission and has been warmly embraced by her colleagues. In 2023, associates recorded 4,500 volunteer hours and supported 130 organizations, reflecting the bank’s commitment to giving back and moving forward.

VAL HARTJES

Join Team Dane!

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to increase recruitment, retention and the promotion of women in policing. The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. Our ultimate goal is to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to at least 30% by

2030, and to ensure police policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women officers throughout their careers. With our already 22% sworn women officers, we have no doubt that we will supersede our goal.

Join our team to make this happen and help us properly represent the community we serve!

Sheriff Kalvin Barrett

GABRIELLA CARLEY

50 Years of Serving People Better

“ ”

The core of what makes us SVA is our promise to ‘serve people better.’ These three words describe how we work with our clients, our partners, and each other.

— Michele Miller Hayes, COO and General Counsel, Principal

For half a century, SVA has been the backbone of success for countless businesses and individuals spanning the Midwest and beyond. In our diverse leadership team, women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our company and the industries we serve. At SVA, women in leadership are not just an ideal; they are a reality. Their contributions foster an environment where diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and unparalleled client service. Women leaders at SVA exemplify strength, innovation and dedication, driving our mission forward and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Business leaders hire us to help them tackle complex challenges associated with business growth and transformation. Our team members’

expertise spans the areas of business consulting, tax, accounting and audit in a diverse set of industries. We work towards meeting the strategic vision of each business and the owner’s personal financial goals. Our mission is simple: To provide business owners and executives with unmatched financial and technology solutions to meet their challenges, capitalize on their opportunities, and balance their risk and reward.

SVA takes immense pride in our local communities. We give back in a variety of ways: volunteering our time and expertise, fulfilling board of director roles, supporting fundraising efforts of local philanthropic organizations and providing leadership in various organizations dedicated to improving our communities.

TOP, L-R: VANESSA CONLIN, HOLLY EISENHAUER, NIKKI GRALAPP, ANDREA HAYES MIDDLE, L-R: JENNY HERRITZ, LYNN HESLINGA, KIRSTEN HOUGHTON BOTTOM, L-R: RACHEL MCALEXANDER, MICHELE MILLER HAYES, SHERI SPRINGER AND LAURA ZACH

Independent Medical Imaging Services for Everyone

MH Imaging is service-oriented, so we make certain our patients have excellent experiences here. From scheduling to same-day results — we make everything easy!

— Christina Wipperfurth Pepper, Co-Owner

”

ChristinaWipperfurth Pepper is originally from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and is a graduate of UW-Madison. She is one of the cofounders and co-owners of MH (Maximum Health) Imaging. MH has been a great option for patients seeking faster access to high-quality, affordable, outpatient medical imaging services since 2012.

MH has four locations: Middleton (since May 2023), Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha. We offer open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (1.2T Oasis high-field), wide-bore MRI (1.5T Oval) computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, echocardiogram and X-ray services. Patients can be scheduled within a few days or on the same day when needed, and their final results will be available on the same day.

MH accepts orders from all providers regardless of system affiliation and sends all imaging directly to any requested hospital system digitally. This way, patients maintain continuity of care and don’t have to concern themselves with choosing services “outside their system.” Our working relationships with area providers are seamless.

And if patients do not have an order, they can actually refer themselves using our “Self-Refer, Self-Pay” option. We charge $650 for any MRI, $395 for any single CT, $325 for any ultrasound and $100 for an X-ray. MH provides easy access and lower costs so patients get quick answers to health concerns.

L-R: KIM, OFFICE MANAGER; ARVI, LEAD MRI TECHNOLOGIST; CHRISTINA, CO-OWNER & COO; KELLY, PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR; AND MELISSA, CT & X-RAY TECHNOLOGIST

Building Business and Building Wealth

Fromforward-thinking strategies for building revenue and market visibility to connections with like-minded women entrepreneurs, seven local business owners are enhancing their expertise for growth through the Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs.

As a long-time leader in small business lending, Summit developed the fellowship program to offer greater support for women entrepreneurs in building wealth and financial security by taking their business to the next level.

The year-long program is in partnership with StartingBlock, Madison’s business startup hub, going beyond financial needs to offer each fellow:

• Mentorship through pairings with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders for valuable insights and guidance

• Workspace through access to StartingBlock’s state-of-the-art co-working space and its network of innovative startups

• Workshops and training focusing on essential business skills, from pitching to financial planning

Learn more today on how we’re helping to start and grow businesses to build financial security in our community.

SUMMIT CREDIT UNION FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS BUSINESS OWNERS, L-R: SARA KRAEMER, BLUEPRINT FOR ENGINEERING; PADMINI CHINTAKAYALA, NOMMLI; AMY CALDER, GOLDEN INNOVATION GROUP; SHELBY OLSTAD, MIGGY’S BAKES; AUNDREA BOOKER, TREAZURE; NICOLE VAFADARI, DORET CONSULTING AND JERINA VINCENT, JNJ GIFTS AND MORE

Over 35 Years and Still Loving My Job!

My success comes from lots of hard work and long hours with a great family, great coworkers and wonderful colleagues and clients. I am blessed.

— Laurie Lodholz, Owner

Laurie Driscoll Interiors Inc. boasts over 35 years of interior design excellence.

Building or remodeling a home requires thousands of decisions on design, materials and finishes. Every decision affects another decision. This can be overwhelming. When there are dozens of possible answers to every question, having someone with knowledge and experience help you find the best options

— specifically for you — is very valuable.

Lodholz has spent the last 37 years partnering with clients through their building process and helping them create their dream homes.

Laurie Driscoll Interiors has an all-female staff of five, who work together as a fullservice interior design firm. LDI, Inc. offers design consultation and distinctive furniture, window treatments and accessories.

LAURIE LODHOLZ

Divorce Different

There is a better way! Stay in control of your own fate and manage this challenging life transition with empathic expertise from Madison Divorce Mediation.

— Sandra Eugster, Owner

As women who have experienced divorce, attorney Kimberly Ripp and psychologist Sandra Eugster understand the unique concerns many women face: How will this affect my children? Can I maintain civility with my ex without being taken advantage of? How am I going to make it on my own? How can I protect the fruits of my hard work?

At Madison Divorce Mediation, we make it our business to understand your concerns. In our interdisciplinary process, you and your spouse work with a team of neutral experts who

guide you in a civil, respectful process to reach agreements that work for your whole family. We provide comprehensive information so that you understand the full array of options and are equipped to make informed decisions tailored to your circumstances.

Divorce is complex, emotionally challenging and unfamiliar. Let us guide you step by step so you are confident that you have found the best possible way to move forward, attending to the needs of every family member with care and compassion.

SANDRA EUGSTER AND KIMBERLY RIPP

Discover Your Musical Journey at Heid Music

Heid Music, we enrich Madison’s community by offering exceptional instruments and services, fostering a love for music and passionately supporting

— DeDe Heid, President

HeidMusic offers a range of services, including instrument rentals, sales, repairs and music lessons, making it the go-to spot for all your musical needs. Our rental program features top-quality instruments suitable for students at every level, with flexible and affordable agreements that include maintenance and repair plans to keep instruments in excellent condition.

What distinguishes us in the Madison area is our deep-rooted commitment to the local music community. Our store serves as a vibrant hub for musical education and community engagement, actively supporting local schools and music programs. This dedication makes Heid Music an integral part of Madison’s musical fabric. Our team is composed of highly knowledgeable professionals, many with degrees

in music performance and education, as well as certifications in instrument repair.

Heid Music President DeDe Heid’s passion for music and community fosters a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, our employees are not only staff members, but also active musicians and educators within the community, bringing practical, real-world experience to their roles. This commitment and proficiency ensure that Heid Music remains a trusted and essential part of Madison’s music scene, offering personalized service and inspiring a love for music in every customer who visits us.

Come experience how our dedication can enhance your musical journey, whether you’re seeking the perfect rental for a budding musician, or quality advice and service.

DEDE HEID

Your “Secret Weapon” to Networking

As— Dawn Mullarney, Founder & CEO

the owner of Unique Connector, a strategic networking business, President of the Wisconsin Dames Chapter (part of the global Dames community), and podcast host, Dawn Mullarney understands today’s business landscape and leverages her extensive network to benefit her clients. Mullarney brings a breadth of expertise to her work, with over 20 years of experience in various corporate male-dominated industries, including sales, business development, marketing, events and operations.

She mentors, advises and fosters connection and collaboration, serving as your secret weapon for success. She helps identify gaps in efficiency and uncovers growth opportunities. Clients often commend her, saying, “Dawn has the Midas touch,” transforming their businesses and identifying obstacles holding them back.

What sets Mullarney’s business apart is her unmatched ability to connect people and create meaningful relationships. Known for her exceptional listening skills and creating a safe environment, clients often confide, “I’ve never told anyone this before.” Her genuine warmth, strategic mindset, and extensive network make her an invaluable ally in turning dreams into reality.

She works closely with business owners, their teams and high-achieving professionals who are determined to succeed. Connect with her to strategize on employer branding, networking, and operational efficiency. Mullarney offers networking and team bonding workshops, keynote presentations and one-on-one coaching.

DAWN MULLARNEY

Building Relationships, Women Leading with Integrity

At Capitol Bank, our strength lies in our diversity and unwavering commitment to relationships and community.

—

Ami

Myrland, President and CFO

AtCapitol Bank, customer service excellence is championed by leaders in three critical areas: Ami Myrland, President and CFO, represents the C-suite; Lori Pond, Executive Vice President, oversees operations; and Amy GileEnge, NMLS #586017, Senior Vice President, leads residential lending. Their leadership underscores the strength of having women in key roles. With 62% of Capitol Bank’s staff identifying as female, the bank values diversity and inclusion.

Myrland, recognized for her professional excellence, leads with extensive expertise in finance, ensuring a seamless, customer-centric banking experience. Pond, with almost 30 years of banking experience, ensures accuracy, efficiency and high standards of service in loan and deposit operations. Gile-Enge, with 30 years of residential lending experience, uses her award-winning expertise to find creative

solutions for each customer’s needs.

These leaders foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect and community involvement. Their commitment to customer service extends beyond the office, with active participation in organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Guided by Capitol Bank’s core values — people, relationships, communication, performance and integrity — Myrland, Pond and Gile-Enge drive the bank’s mission to support and uplift the Madison community.

By prioritizing relationships and valuing female leadership, Capitol Bank leverages the strengths of its leaders to build stronger connections with customers and the community, demonstrating the profound impact of diverse leadership on relationship-based business success.

AMI MYRLAND, PRESIDENT AND CFO; LORI POND, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND AMY GILE-ENGE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

A Legal “Dream Team”

Theattorneys in Boardman Clark’s Immigration Law Practice Group (or “the Dream Team,” as they affectionately refer to themselves), guide businesses and individuals through the complex U.S. immigration system, helping them turn dreams to reality.

”

— Nikki Schram, Chair of Boardman Clark’s Immigration Law Team

“Our clients’ goals are often straightforward,” says Nikki Schram, chair of the group, “but navigating the immigration landscape to achieve those goals can seem daunting. That’s where we come in.”

For business clients, the goal is often to hire and retain valuable foreign talent, including helping them sponsor highly qualified foreign workers. The team also helps employers with other immigrationrelated matters, such as I-9 compliance and tax withholdings for employees from abroad.

For individuals and families, the team tackles the challenges of entering and staying in the U.S.

“We help people live, work, and study in the U.S. legally,” says Jennifer Johnson, who leads the firm’s humanitarian legal interests.“Whether a client has overstayed their visa, fears for their safety if they return to their home country, or wants to attend university in the U.S., we can help them achieve their goals.”

While it can be difficult work, the team agrees the best part is delivering “Approval Notices.” “When we succeed, it transforms what’s possible for our clients and for our communities — and it is special to be a part of that.”

MAI CHAO CHANG, JENNIFER JOHNSON, SARAH GHAZI-MORADI AND NICOLE SCHRAM

Building Pro sperity, One Relationship at a Time

I have always loved listening to, learning about and helping others — especially when it allows me to have a lasting, positive impact in the lives of others.

— Julia Hanlon

Vice President - Senior Personal Trust Officer

Lake Ridge Bank’s vice president - senior personal trust officer Julia Hanlon, JD, is committed to building prosperity for both her clients and communities, one relationship at a time. Hanlon takes time to get to know each of her clients personally to understand their unique financial needs and goals. She enjoys using her trust and wealth management expertise, as well as her legal background to provide advice and personalized services to help her clients meet their specific financial goals.

Lake Ridge Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank, offering clients a full range of banking and financial products and services.

With 19 convenient locations around Dane County, all banking decisions are made locally by our experienced team of associates who understand our local economies. Our bank and associates are focused on reinvesting in and getting involved with all the local organizations and activities that make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you meet your financial goals, whatever they may be. Let’s go far together!

JULIA HANLON

Room-by-Room Revolution

Design your dream home room by room. We’ll guide you with 80 years of expertise.

Coyle Carpet One Floor & Home isn’t your average flooring store. Founded by Irene Coyle in 1945, this family-run business has thrived for three generations, weaving itself into the fabric of the Madison community.

The company offers a welcoming and knowledgeable environment. Built on generations of local expertise, its team of flooring professionals understands the unique needs of Wisconsin homes, and will guide you with its years of floor and home knowledge, ensuring your project reflects your personal vision. Its expertise extends far beyond carpet, encompassing premium cabinets, countertops

and a range of finishing touches to bring your dream home to life.

Coyle Carpet One is now introducing Room by Room, a new, better way to find the right floors for your home. A state-of-the-art room visualizer lets you see your flooring choices come to life within your own home. Using intuitive touchscreen stations, you can explore and compare materials, prices and styles to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. From inspiration to installation, Room by Room makes shopping for floors effortless, eliminating the guesswork.

BACK, L-R: TIA HARNACK, BECKY FREDERICK, COURTNEY NIMTZ AND NICOLE SCHRECK FRONT, L-R: NINA KIRCH, TERI CHERAMY, MONICA KIM AND KELLY SCHLINSOG

Building Black Business

The work of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is to advocate for, promote, lead, support and build community with strong Blackowned businesses.

”

— Camille Carter, President & CEO

TheMadison Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) serves as a dynamic catalyst for economic empowerment and community advancement within and around Madison. Established to address systemic disparities and foster inclusive economic growth, the MBCC operates at the intersection of entrepreneurship, advocacy and networking. Committed to empowering Blackowned businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals, the chamber provides members with the resources, support and opportunities to thrive.

Through tailored programs, workshops and mentorship, the MBCC equips members with the knowledge and skills to navigate various challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The chamber hosts networking events, business mixers and industry forums to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations where members can forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and access potential clients and investors within the local business ecosystem.

The MBCC advocates for policies and initiatives that promote economic equity and opportunity. Whether through lobbying efforts, public campaigns or strategic partnerships with government agencies and other organizations, the chamber works to dismantle barriers to entry and create a more level playing field for Black entrepreneurs and businesses.

The MBCC fosters entrepreneurship and economic education within the broader community as well. Through outreach programs, educational workshops and youth initiatives, the chamber inspires the next generation of Black leaders and equips them with the tools they need to succeed. The MBCC is not just a business organization. By championing economic equity, fostering collaboration and nurturing talent, the MBCC is helping to build a more vibrant and inclusive economy for all.

L-R: DR. SHARON AMANI, GEORGE SMITH, EBONY WHITSON, PRECIOUS GOSTON, CECE BROWN, CAMILLE CARTER, TIFFANY KENNEY, CONSTANCE CLARK, ANTOINE MCNEAIL AND VENCINT THOMAS

High-Level Mentorship for Visionaries

F”

— Nic BeeGee, Owner

ounder Nic BeeGee says her company is multi-faceted with two main entities, Rich in Flow and Femme Wealth Engineer, providing global, high-level mentorship for visionaries who desire to create a life of wealth, balance and flow. The organization serves hundreds of women globally, but what sets it apart is its messaging and the women it attracts — leaders who know what they desire to embody in their life and profession.

BeeGee is certified in emotional intelligence through Yale University, and has been featured in Forbes, Brainz, Goss, Entrepreneur and Becoming Iconic. But according to BeeGee, what actually qualifies her to continue growing in her field is her experience, knowledge and wisdom. She’s worked with clients to achieve a range of great results, including getting sober, repairing marriage, scaling business, healing trauma and more.

NIC BEEGEE

Empowered Women Leaders Provide Feel Good Leadership

Women executives at One Community Bank serve clients, support colleagues and invest in communities.

— Steve Peotter, President and CEO

OneCommunity Bank offers full-service, “feel-good banking” in Wisconsin. We are proud to be named a Top Workplace, Top Small Business Lender in 2023 and leading PACE Capital Provider in Wisconsin. Our commitment to the community is evident through our support of local businesses, donations and volunteer efforts.

We support our colleagues in their ongoing education and professional growth, and take great pride in our female leaders, who make significant contributions to community boards, including the Bank Member Advisory Council with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, the BOLT Board of Directors and the Middleton Endowment Board.

They also serve as ambassadors for the chambers of commerce across the diverse communities we serve and hold prominent positions outside of One Community Bank, such as on the Wisconsin Bankers Association Retail Banking Committee and as account executives at the United Way of Dane County.

Collaborative perspectives provide immense opportunity for our empowered women leaders to play a significant role in shaping the future of One Community Bank to achieve its mission of becoming the best billion-dollar bank in the world.

Member FDIC.

BACK, L-R: BRENDA HOMEISTER, AMY BAILEY, HOLLY HEUER, LIZ DEIHS, LIZ BACHHUBER, CARRIE SCHRAEDER, AUDRA DALSOREN, MELINDA GNORSKI, KRISTINA ANDERSON, SHELLEY EDGINGTON, KAY GASHETTE AND NONA HAVEY FRONT, L-R: JESSICA MAHAFFEY, SHAUNA GNORSKI, KELSEY HUDSON AND TERESA MAZURE

Perfect Gifts, Lasting Impression s

JNJ

Gifts and More, led by Jerina Vincent, crafts luxury gift boxes for corporate and individual clients. Using the finest products from small businesses across America, our gifts are curated to strengthen relationships and create unforgettable moments. As a certified woman-owned and minority-owned business, we pride ourselves on supporting local artisans and promoting diversity.

Vincent and her daughter, Natania Julius, ensure each gift reflects the client’s unique taste and the specific occasion. Every detail is carefully considered, from selection to presentation, making each gift box a true work of art. Experience the charm and elegance of thoughtfully-curated gifts with JNJ Gifts and More, where every box tells a story of connection, care and appreciation.

Creating personalized, luxurious gifts that leave a lasting impression.

— Jerina Vincent, Owner

Get R.E.A.L. with Coach K.

Nancy

Kalsow, owner of Kalsow Coaching & Consulting, LLC, ignites your confidence and courage to unleash your greatness. Kalsow’s proprietary R.E.A.L. approach provides the framework for teams to honor the uniqueness of each individual while achieving extraordinary outcomes. The R.E.A.L. framework will guide you and your team to Reflect, Engage, Align and Lead as you unite for success.

As a professional certified coach with the International Coach Federation and a SHRM-senior certified human resources professional, Kalsow draws out what’s really getting in the way of your success so that you can get real.

Her experience with team development and leadership is the backdrop for her upcoming three-book series, with books devoted to individuals, teams and leaders.

“It’s a thrill to serve the Madison area, where women entrepreneurs support one another,” says Kalsow.

Who you are is more important than any role you play, rule you break or responsibility you have.

— Nancy Kalsow, Owner

JERINA VINCENT

NANCY KALSOW

You, Refreshed.

By age 50, over 40% of women and 67% of men suffer from hair loss from various causes. Yet many feel their concerns are dismissed and they are provided temporary“Band-Aid” solutions that will inevitably fail. While genetics play an important role for many hair loss patients,for others,hair loss can be a result of underlying medical issues,including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies or inflammatory processes. Seeking an opinion from a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and medical/surgical management of hair loss can assist in getting to the root of the problem and creating long-lasting solutions based on your individual needs.

The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine also specializes in the most effective non-surgical therapies to reverse and even prevent sun- and agerelated damage to the skin, with the goal of natural, sustained results. Younger patients can take advantage of a “Prejuvenation Plan” to address the earliest and often invisible skin changes that start in childhood to keep their skin glowing.

With an extensive suite of skin rejuvenation devices, regenerative medicine capabilities, as well as her own medical-grade skin care line, Dr. Rawal can prescribe a plan that will keep ‘You… refreshed’ for years to come

— Shamila Rawal, MD, Owner

Beautiful Flowers for All Occasions

I’mChristy, designer and owner of Opal Market Flowers. I love flowers and surrounding myself with their beauty. There’s something about the beauty of flowers that just makes my day better. With 20 years of experience working in the floral industry, I bring creativity, positivity and ingenuity to all of my projects.

I started my journey with a BS in art therapy, believing that when we connect our mind with creativity, healing begins. Although I practiced dental hygiene for 10 years, when my second child was born, I decided to jump back into the flower industry. When I’m not designing for special events, my heart is in the community, donating time to various local organizations. I also love spending time with my family: my husband, Rob, and our kids, Pearl and Santino.

Flowers elevate any event and leave a lasting impression. I love being able to share beautifully-grown blooms with you.

— Christy Plesha, Owner

CHRISTY PLESHA

SHAMILA GUPTA RAWAL

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Committed to Bringing Magic and Wonder to Celebrations

Ash+ Arrow Event Collective was founded by Alysha Kubsh in 2019 as a passion project and creative outlet outside of her corporate role in health care IT/analytics. She leveraged her love of storytelling and information design to curate party packages that take the guesswork out of hosting a beautiful event.

Fast-forward five years, and Kubsh, along with her all-female-powered team, design and deliver party experiences every weekend across Dane County and beyond. Whether it’s a 10th birthday slumber party or anniversary glamping under the stars in her signature bell tent, Kubsh and her Ash + Arrow team will be there to coordinate, style, setup, and take down. With all-inclusive experience packages and themes, she believes anyone (even those with the busiest of schedules) can host an event that inspires awe for each of their guests. Her mission is to bring people together through shared experiences: turning everyday events into memories that will last a lifetime.

We love creating spaces for you to disconnect and be truly present with your guests while we take care of styling your special event.

— Alysha Kubsh, Owner

Jazz Up Your Look With Jazdup

Jazdup is a Black woman-owned business started by Jasmyn Lee, after she discovered the lack of employment opportunities for Black estheticians in Madison. Jazdup offers a broad range of cosmetic enhancements, including lash extensions, permanent makeup, microblading, waxing, brow lamination and tinting, and cosmetic lifts. Lee will work with each client to enhance their natural beauty and inspire confidence with a fresh, new look.

Consider permanent makeup for a beautiful face, morning to night! Options can include permanent eyeliner, lip color or liner, and eyebrows. Permanent makeup is ideal for those with a busy lifestyle of balancing work and family commitments.

Contact Lee for an appointment today. She is currently located in Doll Eyes Lashes, which has convenient locations in Madison, Sun Priaire and Portage.

Let Jazdup enhance your beauty.

— Jasmyn Lee, Owner

ALYSHA KUBSH WITH DAUGHTER ASHTYN

JASMYN

Simplified Finances Where You Are — On All Levels

Leflore Accounting Services offers payroll, bookkeeping and accounting services, tax planning and preparation, and budgeting. The business simplifies accounting for individuals, businesses and nonprofits with an emphasis on results. Personable, relatable and friendly, founder Aida Leflore has over 13 years of tax preparation and accounting experience, and she also attends accounting and tax conferences to keep track of annual tax and accounting updates. As an Afro-Cuban American woman, she’s bilingual in English and Spanish.

Many customers appreciate supporting businesses that align with their values. Leflore Accounting Services is not only woman-owned, but also includes two women employees and, as such, is able to create a deeper connection with customers who prioritize supporting female entrepreneurs. One employee has a nursing background and the other is currently studying to become an accountant. They both enjoy learning about tax preparation and bookkeeping.

Accounting is the heart of every

— Aida Leflore, Owne r

Scrum Training For You

Mary Iqbal is an author, Professional Scrum Trainer, and founder of Rebel Scrum. At Rebel Scrum, Mary provides certification classes backed by Scrum.org, the home of Scrum. Her engaging and informative classes can help accelerate value delivery for your organization. Mary’s experience as an Agile Transformation Manager has helped organizations scale Agile across multiple teams by defining products and helping teams self-organize into structures that work best for them.

With Mary’s 20 years of experience with Agile, she’s launched large government contracts, replatformed major consumer websites and run internal training programs for large companies, including Stanford. She also uses Scrum in human resources and marketing departments to help teams reach hard deadlines and improve existing processes.

Mary is also the organizer for the annual Scrum Day Madison conference, scheduled for Oct. 23 scheduled at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more at ScrumDay.org.

I feel as if Mary and Rebel Scrum are true partners invested in our success as an organization.

— Carmen M. Allison, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hoover Institution of Stanford University

AIDA

Natural Hair Care That Speaks for Itself

Lakisha Johnson created Unique Hair Accessories & More as a family brand that is 100% woman-owned. Its unique products include hand-sewn hair bonnets in various sizes, specialty bonnet wash, scrunchies, assorted combs and brushes, hair claws and clips, all-natural oils for the hair and body, hair and body mists, lotions, shaving creams, body wash, bar soaps and more. Built on the values and beliefs of her grandmother, Clearolie M. Johnson, the business aims to make natural hair and body products that actually work readily available at affordable prices.

Unique Hair Accessories & More is unique to the Madison area because when it was founded, there were no hair brands that worked for all hair and body types within the community. Johnson says, “I am not a hairstylist. I am a business owner, a women a mother, and a wife that recognized a need for the products in my product line, which I also use myself.”

Power

All hair types, all body types, all natural.

— Lakisha Johnson, Owner & CEO

An Expert on Your

Side

Through Partnership” is the tagline of AssuredPartners, embodying the beliefs of insurance professional Britta Hegge. Her consultative approach to insurance revolves around being solution-focused and always seeking innovative and tailored strategies to meet her clients’ unique needs and challenges.

As a member of the 11th-largest insurance brokerage in the nation, Hegge has access to nationally-scaled resources, ensuring the best outcomes for her clients when combined with her commitment, integrity and service. Through her unwavering commitment to building relationships and delivering “Power Through Partnership,” Hegge is dedicated to bringing her expertise to benefit and support her clients.

I prioritize a consultative approach and relationship building so I can best understand my clients’ needs. My clients’ trust is my greatest reward. Let’s do this together.

— Britta Hegge, Sales Executive

LAKISHA JOHNSON

BRITTA HEGGE

Your Think-Do Partner for Purpose, Process, People and Promotion

After 20 years building and executing on strategies for promotions, services, products and initiatives — even entire companies — Tracy Travis tuned into what brings her the most joy. In 2021, she founded the business strategy and marketing consultancy ImpacTT Collective, which works exclusively with purpose-driven business and leaders.

ImpacTT Collective engages leaders and business owners through strategic planning, marketing, coaching, training and facilitation to transform an organization with positive results.

“Our work guides you to align your purpose, your people, your processes and your promotions. And my message to business leaders is: You don’t have to go it alone. Purpose-driven professionals deserve a true strategic partner to help them chart their growth path.”

From building strategy to activating processes and promotions, Travis has been a think-do partner for hundreds of business leaders, and plans to continue to ImpacTT many more.

You don’t have to go it alone. Purpose-driven professionals deserve a true strategic partner to help them chart their growth path.

— Tracy Travis, CEO & Founder

Madison Area Beauty Accountant

Jasmine Thomas & Associates is here to encourage the beauty industry in Madison to become the most successful it can be. The business offers taxes, bookkeeping and accounting services specifically for the beauty industry. Its mission is to fully empower the beauty industry and ensure its clients maximize their profits through top-quality accounting services.

CEO Jasmine Thomas has a taxation certification and an associate’s degree in accounting. With 17 years of experience as a braider in the beauty industry and five years as an accountant, she is continuing her education in both fields. Jasmine Thomas & Associates is here to make life easier for salon owners, independent salon employees, hair companies, spas, barbershops, beauty supply providers, makeup artists and more. The goal is to help them excel financially while being the bosses that they are.

Here to assist the beauty industry with all its financial needs.

— Jasmine Thomas, CEO

Madison, WI | 779.236.6330 jthomas@jasminethomasassociates.com jasminethomasassociates.com

TRACY TRAVIS

JASMINE THOMAS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Childcare With Heart

Little Swans Family Learning Center is a family-owned business, established in 2023 by Diamond Clay and Verner Swanagain. The center started as a small, in-home facility, but with the demand for childcare in the area, Clay and Swanagain moved into a 3,200-square-foot commercial space to accommodate more families. As Clay says,“our center was built with love, hard work and passion.”

The center provides care for newborns up to 12 years old and is open seven days a week. Their hours of operation are unique for a childcare center, and Little Swans also offers additional services to create a stronger bond with families, such as mentorships and parent boards. Their staff has unique talents and are ready to teach rising stars to push them to their full potential.

Clay also has her doula and lactation certifications and assists area moms with their pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys. Swanagain has his barbering license and offers grooming services to Little Swans’ families to help teach little ones self-care.

Where every child’s voice and needs don’t go unnoticed. — Diamond Clay and Verner Swanagain, Owners

Come Together to Sweat, Stretch and Grow

Dragonfly Hot Yoga is proudly owned and operated by women with a passion for all things yoga, fitness and connection. Since 2011, our studios have offered tens of thousands of classes to all kinds of folks. No matter your age, background or experience level, our community is here to welcome you!

Experience a variety of classes tailored to meet your needs, from gentle yoga flows to energetic fitness classes, to low-impact barre sessions and much more! You’ll leave each class feeling refreshed, empowered and ready to take on the world. Come see us at one of our four locations in the Madison area and discover the transformative power of yoga and fitness in a space where you can be yourself and thrive.

We believe yoga and fitness are for every shape, every size, every person. We can’t wait to see you!

— Megan Tucker, Owner and CEO

VERNER SWANAGAIN AND DIAMOND CLAY

Your New Local Med Spa!

BellaReis was founded and operated by two seasoned nurses with over two decades of experience. We specialize in a range of treatments, including injectables, facials, chemical peels, microneedling, medical-grade skincare and IV therapy. We tailor our services to enhance your natural beauty. What sets us apart is our unique ability to bring specific services directly to you with our mobile offerings, or, in the comfort of our med spa in Oregon.

With over 20 years of experience in emergency room nursing, we prioritize safety. Our extensive training in aesthetics ensures that every procedure is performed with precision and care, delivering results you can trust. At our med spa, you’ll experience the perfect blend of professionalism and personalized attention with every visit. We work closely with our patients to develop a plan for achieving their aesthetic goals and fostering the essential bond of trust that every individual deserves from their practitioner.

Bell,

I especially appreciate their attention to detail and expertise. After all, this is the kind of treatment you want when someone is working on your face!

— Karen, BellaReis Patient

Proud to Be Majority Women-Owned

Moore & Richter, S.C. was originally founded in 1851 as Vilas & Remington. Like most, our firm was male-owned for many decades. Over the years, our name changed and the firm grew to include many outstanding female attorneys who became partners. In 2023, the firm became a majority women-owned law firm for the first time in its history.

Diversity in leadership has helped the firm thrive in every way. Our diverse clients — from local families to national corporations — expect counsel prepared to meet them where they are. We find that, by blazing new trails for female attorneys, we also succeed in removing barriers for our clients. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to our clients, getting to know their needs, and offering experienced and efficient representation. We are extremely proud of our firm’s evolution and look forward to providing exceptional legal representation for years to come.

Our firm has always provided exceptional legal representation. Today, that means bringing diversified leadership to our clients.

BECKY BERKAN AND GENEA GROSSEN

TOP: ANN C. EMMERICH, MELITA M. MULLEN BOTTOM: PATRICIA EPSTEIN PUTNEY, SHEILA M. SULLIVAN

The Photographer who Exceeds Your Photography Needs!

Expressions Photography offers a large range of photography services, including family photos, newborn and custom shoots. She also does product, business, advertising and event photography — both indoor and outdoor. Because Talia Nchang, photographer and owner, loves what she does, Expressions Photography has a warm and personal touch.

Based in Madison, the business is used by many who have roots in and around the city, and because it is woman-owned, Nchang is excited to grow Expressions Photography and become an example for other women business owners to pursue their dreams … because they are within reach!

“ ”

I want to help you love what you see! Memories you can look back on and smile about are priceless and irreplaceable!

— Talia Nchang, Owner

807 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715 | 608.338.2168 expressionsmadison@gmail.com | facebook.com/expressionsmadison

Empowering Innovation at Novii CPA

Innovation is not just about technology — it’s about thinking differently and that’s what we do,” says Victoria Thayer, CPA. Novii CPA offers a revolutionary subscription-based accounting service to support the needs of tech, life sciences, and manufacturing startups and established companies. Novii CPA is committed to transforming the financial trajectories of businesses by providing accounting services, tax preparation and planning, and integrating strategic plans that foster growth.

Since June 2023, Novii CPA has helped over 40 businesses secure their financial foundations, enabling them to focus on their goals of innovation and development. Choosing Novii CPA means opting for a firm that grows with you, ensuring a scalable service that adapts. Whether it’s managing complex financial operations or providing advice for business growth, Novii CPA is dedicated to client success.

Our aim is to be more than just accountants to our clients; we are an extension of their team.

— Victoria Thayer, CPA

TALIA NCHANG WITH HER CHILDREN, TEAGAN AND ELILY

Fashion That Inspires Women

Oh-She-Cute is more than just a clothing brand — it’s a celebration of empowerment, style and community. Founded by two passionate Black women who are sisters and entrepreneurs, our mission is to inspire confidence and individuality through fashion. We offer T-shirts, hoodies and athletic wear designed to make every woman feel powerful and beautiful.

What sets Oh-She-Cute apart in the Madison area is our commitment to ensure every piece we create resonates with our core values of empowerment and inspiration.Being a womanowned business, we take pride in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Our female-only staff is not only skilled but also passionate about making a difference in the fashion industry.

We believe in the power of fashion to inspire and transform lives, and we’re here to make that vision a reality. Discover the Oh-She-Cute difference today and let us empower your style.

Oh-She-Cute is where fashion meets empowerment in every stitch!

— Owners of Oh-She-Cute

customerservice@oh-she-cute.com | oh-she-cute.com

Growing Employee Fulfillment and Engagement

Acertified woman-owned business, Elevated Talent Consulting was founded on a belief that everyone has a right and a choice to be fulfilled in their work, and that leaders need to help develop an environment where team members can flourish. The absence of that environment results in employee disengagement and missing business goals.

Traci Austin, the chief strategy consultant and owner of Elevated Talent, and a certified coach and human resources (HR) professional with over two decades of experience, bridges the gap between the C-suite and HR leaders in aligning business strategy with business results. She is focused on partnering with leaders at all levels to create fulfilling work by focusing on four levers of engagement: fit to role, leadership, team and cultural alignment to strategies, and core values to meet business outcomes. Austin uses coaching, consulting and training expertise to serve organizations through a leadership development program, team retention program and group coaching for HR professionals.

As leaders, we have an obligation to create the space for ourselves and our team members to thrive.

— Traci Austin, Chief Strategy Consultant and Owner

TRACI

TIA MALONE AND TAMMY JONES

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

New Day Collaboration, founded by April Corrao, is your dedicated partner in business operations. With a background in interior design and a master certification in project management, I offer comprehensive virtual assistance tailored to women solopreneurs and small business owners across the U.S.

Services include general administrative tasks, project management, basic graphic design and marketing in Canva, setting up systems and software, and more. If managing details feels overwhelming, let me handle them so you can focus on what you love. At New Day, clients aren’t just clients — they are partners in a shared journey of success.

608.669.0284 | hello@newdaycollab.com newdaycollab.com

Rooted in Style, Growing With Soul

AtSOIL + SOUL FARM CO, we are committed to providing quality garments for women, men and children. Owner Megan Haag’s goal is to bridge the gap from rural to city life through connection to people, the land and the food that feeds us.

We are a family-owned and female veteran-run business, proudly offering personalized service and farm-focused clothing options. (Our staff is all women, too!) SOIL + SOUL’s custom, logoed apparel is eco-friendly and features catchy sayings including “Heifers Over Honeys” and “Thank An American Farmer.”

Haag has a variety of experience that’s helped her build SOIL + SOUL. She served in the U.S. Air Force, is a Sauk County Institute of Leadership graduate, attended the Aveda Institute and is a nationally registered emergency medical technician.

608.644.6350 | soilsoulfarmco@gmail.com soilsoulfarmco.com

Empowerment Leadership and Company Culture Coach

Asa certified holistic life coach and certified trauma center trauma sensitive yoga facilitator (TCTSY-F), I “help the helpers” prioritize themselves so they can continue to power their missions and create more impact locally and globally.

Working with mission-driven and nonprofit leaders and teams, I work one-on-one and in groups utilizing movement, breathwork, meditation and coaching. TCTSY is an accessible, empowered movement practice that is an empirically validated clinical intervention for complex trauma and PTSD. I use this practice to prevent or relieve compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and burnout with my clients. I am also an intersex, woman-run business.

608.217.7487 | michelle@lightoflovecoaching.com lightoflovecoaching.com

APRIL CORRAO

MICHELLE VANDE HEY

MEGAN HAAG

Organic Candles and Skincare

Ellie Meier Luxury offers finely-crafted, locally-sourced organic skincare products, and soy and beeswax candles from owner Shellie Meier’s beautiful farm. Meier has more than 12 years of experience as a professional artisan soap and candlemaker. What makes this womanowned and operated business unique to the Madison area is that products can be custom made to your liking or skin condition, and anyone can use them — from baby to adult. During the holiday season, you can even purchase gift sets with full sizes of all Ellie Meier’s products.

With 19 years of experience as an agriculture developer, currently at BT Farms (btfarms. org), Meier additionally provides agriculture development consulting, sharing her expertise on agriculture, real estate development and more. She helped design, build and construct Badger Rock Middle School, the state’s first charter school centered around agriculture, biodiversity and environmental studies and more, along with Kate Stalker, landscape architect and project director of the Center for Resilient Cities; Cora White, former director of Badger Rock Neighborhood Center; and Robert Pierce, Meier’s father.

Embrace the essence of purity and elegance. Our luxury organic skincare celebrates the beauty of nature, nurturing your skin with every touch.

— Shellie Meier, Owner

Live Well, Serve Well

The Madison Police Department (MPD) is proud to empower women to excel in law enforcement. We’re committed to creating an environment where women can thrive, balance family life with career aspirations and make a lasting impact on our community.

From navigating pregnancy to the demands of motherhood, our female officers are supported to discover everything they’re capable of with and without the badge. We offer family-friendly schedules, comprehensive benefits and an emphasis on work-life balance.

As an MPD officer, you can help create a safer and more just Madison. Your skills and compassion bridge the gap between law enforcement and our neighbors. You’ll help us protect and advocate for Madison’s most vulnerable, support people and uphold the dignity of each person you encounter.

These four members of the department are all mothers and have pushed for there to be change in the department to help assist working moms with kids of all ages.

Life as a police officer and a mother is rewarding because it provides us with more than one identity.

— Paige Decent, Police Officer

SHELLIE MEIER

Do You Have to Be Rich to Retire?

Planning for retirement through the ages and stages.

By Jennifer Ridley Hanson, CFP®, CDFA® Director of Wealth Planning, Senior Wealth Advisor, Partner

Are you on track to retire on the timetable you desire? How and when you invest makes a big impact on the potential future value of your retirement accounts.

Here’s how I guide clients through the ages:

In Your 20s, 30s and 40s

These are busy years in which we’re building our careers — and often families too. If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k), contribute as much as you can afford, and at least as much as it takes to get any matching funds from your employer.

If you do not have a company retirement plan, consider IRAs or retirement plans designed for sole proprietors and small businesses, which offer tax advantages for saving money for retirement.

In Your 40s and 50s

By now, you probably have advanced in your career and changed jobs a few times. It’s common to leave an old 401(k) behind with a former employer and it is easy to lose track of these assets and how they’re performing. The typical 401(k) plan can be rolled over to an IRA without penalty or taxation as long as it is a direct rollover. I can work with you to consolidate old 401(k)s into one IRA for ease of management.

In Your 50s and 60s

Annual contributions to retirement accounts, plus the gain in market value of your investments, is the recipe for success for a comfortable retirement. It’s time to update your retirement financial plan to confirm you are on track.

Whether or not Social Security will still exist, or how much you will receive, remains a topic of discussion. It’s important to not be dependent on Social Security to cover the majority of your living expenses in retirement. Ideally, your expenses will be covered by your retirement plan contributions.

In Your 60s and 70s

For most of us, our full Social Security retirement benefit is available at age 67, but you can defer to age 70 to receive a higher benefit under current law. There will likely be changes to Social Security over the next several years to solve projected shortfalls, so keeping an eye on your projected benefit amount is important. You can set up an account to see your benefit estimate statement at ssa.gov

In Your 70s and 80s and Beyond

You’ll need to start drawing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRAs at age 75, but you can start taking distributions earlier (age 59½ to avoid a penalty). Distributions coming from accounts that went in pre-tax will be subject to income tax upon withdrawal.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner, I can work with you to review beneficiary forms and update your overall estate plan regularly to make sure everything is in order for a happy, worry-free retirement.

525 Junction Rd., South Tower, Ste. 6500, Madison, WI 53717 608.310.3706 | jridleyhanson@slatestone.com | slatestone.com

Myra McNair, Anesis Therapy

Shayna Mace, BRAVA Magazine

Amy Crowe, Summit Credit Union

“It refers to a higher ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue to fatty,” explains Dr. Jennifer Bergin, partner at Radiology Waukesha and medical director of breast imaging services at ProHealth Care. “Unfortunately, dense tissue and cancer both appear white on a mammogram, possibly masking tumors in dense breasts.”

“A lot of women aren’t aware of this issue,” adds Erin Fabrizius, government relations liaison for the Wisconsin Radiological Society. “Dense breasts are both normal and common, so that’s nothing to be alarmed about. It just means that traditional mammography screening may not be enough.”

In fact, every major medical organization issuing breast cancer screening guidelines for highrisk women now recommend supplemental screening by MRI. Risk factors for women include: “age, family history, genetic mutations and dense breast tissue. Women with a cumulative lifetime risk of breast risk greater than 20% are considered high risk,” according to the Wisconsin Radiological Society.

In 2018, a Wisconsin state law was enacted requiring patients to be notified by their doctor if they have

dense breast tissue. But many experts say that’s not enough — because Wisconsin insurance companies aren’t currently required to cover supplemental screening (ultrasound or MRI) for women with dense breasts or those who are high-risk.

Unfortunately, dense tissue and cancer both appear white on a mammogram, possibly masking tumors in dense breasts. — Dr. Jennifer Bergin “ ”

Legislation introduced during the 2023-24 Wisconsin State Legislative Session, titled Assembly Bill 117 and Senate Bill 121, aims to change

that — making it easier for highrisk women and those with dense breasts to obtain additional imaging without paying for it out of pocket ( see sidebar ).

Nancy Thorne Cahill remembers when 3D mammography wasn’t even covered in 2002, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I had to pay [for a 3D mammogram],” she says. “But if something doesn’t seem right, get more testing.”

Just ask Linda Hansen. A 14-year breast cancer survivor, Hansen says her yearly mammograms always came back clear. And when she first learned she had dense breasts, her doctor said it was nothing to worry about.

Shortly after another clear mammogram, she felt a twinge of pain in her right breast while running, and also noticed a dent in her breast. Her OB/GYN ordered an MRI, but when she showed up for her appointment, she was informed that her insurance company denied authorization of the $5,000 scan claim. Based on the denial, the hospital refused to do the MRI.

Her insurance company ultimately covered it — and the MRI found what her mammogram missed.

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Feel the Difference l

▪ Dermatology

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▪ General Surgery

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“I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, with a life expectancy of 18 to 24 months,” Hansen recalls. “I was stunned.”

She later learned that finding breast cancer in dense breasts with a mammogram is what she describes as akin to finding “a snowflake in a snowball — nearly impossible.”

“The outlook wasn’t good, but I knew I wanted to fight as long as possible,” Hansen says. And she has — not only for herself, but as an

— Erin Fabrizius “ ”

A lot of women aren’t aware of this issue. Dense breasts are both normal and common, so that’s nothing to be alarmed about. It just means that traditional mammography screening may not be enough.

advocate for other women with breast cancer. “When I heard of someone living five years with my diagnosis, a raincloud lifted and I thought, ‘I could do that!’”

Treatment included numerous surgeries and weeks of radiation. Hansen still does chemotherapy every three weeks, and says she will probably have to the rest of her life.

“I want this to mean something to other people,” she says. “If my story can save even one life, it’s worth telling.”

Ashley Inda understands. At just 35 years old, she felt a lump in her breast. When she went in for imaging, her mammogram and ultrasound both came back clear. As the lump grew, Inda was told it was “just dense tissue.” But, according to the National Cancer Institute, it’s impossible to see or feel dense tissue — it’s identifiable only on a mammogram. Two and a half years later, Inda was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 years old. Inda wishes she would have pushed for an MRI after the lump kept growing.

An early MRI might’ve diagnosed her cancer at stage 1. Instead, her cancer was caught at stage 3, and it had it spread to her lymph nodes, leading to a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and oral chemo.

“I feel strongly that women need to be their own advocates — especially when it comes to dense breasts,”

Screening Recommendations and 2023 Assembly Bill 117/ Senate Bill 121

The facts:

As many as 50% of women have dense breasts, making them four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer. Mammograms miss nearly 50% of tumors in extremely dense breasts. Ultrasounds miss 40%.

MRI is the recommended method of supplemental screening for high-risk women.

Wisconsin health insurers are currently not required to pay for additional screening.

Out-of-pocket costs for supplemental imaging can range from $234 to more than $1,000 — making it prohibitive for many.

An early breast cancer diagnosis can reduce treatment costs by two to four times, compared to a late-stage diagnosis.

Therefore, early detection by any method of screening leads to better outcomes for patients and reduces costs for patients and insurers alike.

Bill basics:

2023 Assembly Bill 117 and Senate Bill 121, introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature, would require health insurers to cover supplemental or diagnostic breast screening examinations (MRI or ultrasound) for high-risk women or those with dense breast tissue.

States with similar legislation estimate insurance costs to increase by just four to seven cents per member per month (48 to 84 cents annually).

The bipartisan bill, which has been introduced in two consecutive state legislative sessions, is gaining support, and will be reintroduced in January 2025.

How you can help:

Contact your legislators (search here: legis.wisconsin.gov) or the Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition (earlydetectionwi. com) to express your support and encourage lawmakers to vote “yes” for 2023 AB 117/SB 121.

Inda says, urging readers to visit mydensitymatters.org to learn more.

“If your doctor doesn’t suggest supplemental screening, ask for it.”

Fabrizius agrees, adding that as many as 50% of women have dense breasts — making them four to six times more likely to get breast cancer.

“It’s also important to know your lifetime risk of breast cancer,” she says. “By age 25, ask your provider about risk assessment ( see sidebar ) — so you’ll know before age 40 if you’d benefit from starting breast cancer screening exams earlier.”

Dr. Bergin says that regardless of age, women should practice “breast awareness” — knowing how your breasts look and feel — and note any changes. Mention any differences to your doctor, so they can recommend what to do next.

“People are finally starting to take dense breasts seriously. But now we need lawmakers to pass this bill,” says Hansen. “It’s a matter of life and death — literally.”

Sue Sveum is a regular contributor to BRAVA Magazine.

What is My Risk for Breast Cancer?

Although age 40 is the standard for a first mammogram, women should know their lifetime risk by age 25 of developing breast cancer.

Women with a lifetime risk greater than 20% are advised to begin mammograms — and possibly other imaging — sooner.

(Dr. Jennifer Bergin, partner at Radiology Waukesha and medical director of breast imaging services at ProHealth Care, notes that there are personalized factors that contribute to screening recommendations, so talk to your doctor.)

“One commonly-used risk model you can access is the Tyrer-Cuzick version 8 risk calculator (ibis-risk-calculator. magview.com),” she says. “[However], it’s not intended for women who’ve already had breast cancer since the data can’t accurately estimate risk for a second cancer. Of course, it’s not a substitute for medical advice — so follow up with your provider for a more in-depth and personalized conversation.”

Staying Young and Healthy As You Age

Tips for feeling your best throughout the years.

BY SUE SVEUM

It may sound cliché to say you’re as young as you feel — but there’s definitely some truth to the idea. The good news? You’re in control. We asked a group of SSM Health providers to weigh in on things you can do to look and feel young — even as you age.

CHECKUPS AND SCREENINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

It may be tempting to put off annual physicals and screenings — especially when you’re feeling fine. But don’t.

“Many conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes go undiagnosed until they’re symptomatic and severe,” explains Dawn Kalin, DO, a specialist in OB/ GYN. “Your annual wellness visit is a great time to screen for risk before health issues become a problem.”

It’s also a good opportunity to discuss topics like family planning, depression/anxiety, exercise, diet and more.

“And please tell us if you struggle to make ends meet — or feel unsafe at home or trapped in your relationship,” says Dr. Kalin. “We can help.”

Consider a health issue or question to be “embarrassing?” Don’t worry — chances are, your doctor has probably heard it before.

“We want to know everything!” says Dr. Kalin. “Patients often preface a question with, ‘This is probably dumb but...’ The truth is, there are no ‘dumb’ questions when it comes to your health.”

— Dr. Dawn Kalin “ ”

Your annual wellness visit is a great time to screen for risk before health issues become a problem.

She stresses the importance of feeling comfortable and asking about your concerns so your provider can either help you — or ease your mind that things are normal.

Regarding routine screenings, here are the latest guidelines:

• Bone density — the Dexa scan is done at age 65 (or earlier based on history)

• Pelvic exam — with symptoms or medical history that requires it

• Pap smear and HPV test — every 3-5 years depending on age and history

• Colon cancer screening — beginning at age 45

• Mammogram — yearly starting at age 40

WHAT ABOUT PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE?

Not surprisingly, questions regarding perimenopause and menopause are among the most commonly asked by female patients at doctor’s appointments.

“Typically, women around age 45 (sometimes younger) will start to experience symptoms of perimenopause, which can last 10 years or more,” explains nurse practitioner Sarah Block, APNP-CP. “Common initial signs include changes with your period arriving either closer together or farther apart, typically with an increased volume of bleeding.”

Perimenopause continues from the start of symptoms through the beginning of menopause — which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. There's only a slight difference in symptoms between the two, and both are due to decreasing estrogen and progesterone. These may include vaginal dryness, hair loss, joint pain, mood changes, brain fog and others.

“Some symptoms such as vaginal dryness and thinning hair will persist throughout your lifetime,” Block says. “Others, including hot flashes and night sweats, eventually dissipate.”

See your provider or OB/GYN to discuss the best treatments for you.

PELVIC HEALTH ISSUES ARE VERY COMMON

Another concern that women often have difficulty discussing with their provider is pelvic health. But pelvic floor issues are actually extremely common, affecting as many as one in three women of all ages, according to SSM Health physical therapist Katherine Hovanec, who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy.

“ ”

Pelvic floor PT can help patients improve symptoms – and give them the tools to manage their conditions long-term.

— Katherine Hovanec,

PT

“The strength of pelvic tissue reduces with age or can be damaged with chronic coughing or an occupation requiring heavy lifting,” explains Bruce Drummond, MD, an SSM Health urogynecologist. “Bladder and bowel control issues, pelvic pain and sexual problems tend to occur together. That’s why it’s necessary for specialists to work together to manage pelvic floor conditions.”

Unfortunately, Hovanec says, most women don’t realize pelvic floor physical therapy is an option until their provider recommends it. Or if they do, they aren’t exactly sure what it is — or what to expect.

The most common pelvic floor concerns she sees involve urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency — conditions that often cause patients to limit activities they enjoy. But pelvic floor physical therapists are specially trained in working with these problems — so patients can comfortably and confidently participate again.

“We recognize these can be challenging or embarrassing topics for women to talk about,” says Hovanec, explaining that all appointments are one-on-one, in a private room, with patients deciding what to share, and to what extent of external and internal examination they’re comfortable with. “I always reassure patients these issues are extremely common — they’re not alone.”

Physical therapy treatments may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback training and coordination/awareness training. Lifestyle and behavioral modifications can also be helpful.

“The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life without worrying about your pelvic health,” says Dr. Drummond. He suggests scheduling bathroom visits for improving bladder and bowel control. “[And] I know it’s hard to hear — but eliminating bladder irritants like caffeine, soda and artificial sweeteners also improves control.”

“We treat a lot of conditions that people dismiss as “normal” when they really aren’t,” adds Hovanec. “Pelvic floor PT can help patients improve symptoms – and give them the tools to manage their conditions long-term. For some, that can be life-changing.”

DON’T FORGET THE SKINCARE!

When it comes to skincare, prevention is always easier than correction — which is why Amber Reynolds, PA, with SSM Health Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, will be the first to tell you, “Skincare should start ASAP.”

It’s important at any age to be proactive and care for your skin by cleansing, moisturizing and wearing SPF. “Skincare should be relatively easy so that you can stay consistent and see results,” stresses Reynolds.

Routines will vary based on each individual’s concern. Women in their 50s to 60s should consider anti-aging products with retinol, antioxidants and peptides to address signs of aging — while it’s probably not necessary for someone in their 20s. In your 30’s and 40’s, you can consider Botox and fillers to soften or prevent wrinkles before they become permanent or deep. Broadband light therapy (also known as BBL) and HALO can help with sunspots and other visible signs of aging.

Above all, don’t forget the sunscreen! “Our numberone concern is preventing skin cancer and the best way to do that is by using SPF 30 or higher, [and wearing] UPF clothing,” says Reynolds. “An added bonus is preventing signs of aging, which includes fine lines and hyperpigmentation or broken vessels.”

BREAST HEALTH TO-DOS

Although October is officially dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, breast exams and mammograms can — and should — take place anytime.

“Following [the] American Society of Breast Surgeons guidelines, I tell patients they should get an annual mammogram starting at the age of 40 if they’re at average risk,” says Dana Henkel, MD, SSM Health breast surgeon. “Patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need earlier screening or additional imaging such as MRIs or ultrasound.”

Henkel urges patients to have “breast awareness” — to know what their breasts feel like and note any change. “I’d also encourage patients to ask for a breast exam during their annual physical,” she says.

And be sure to schedule that yearly mammogram. Any month will do.

PUT SELF-CARE FIRST

“Self-care isn’t frozen in time,” stresses Loryjean Kostich, CNM, an SSM certifiednurse midwife. “Your needs and routines change as you change, as your life does.”

Obvious components to feeling good and healthy are a safe environment, nutritious diet, sleep, hydration, and exercise — but equally important is your emotional and mental health, including recreation and socialization.

Her advice? “Set goals and look for the positive in every situation, even negative ones,” she says. “Build and nurture connections with others. And remember — there’s always something to be grateful for.”

Well-balanced self-care involves each of these. Stay well. 

PURELY

Political Political

Sure, politics are divisive. But area women who work in the field say there’s so much more to politics than that — mentorship, making an impact and bridging divides are all reasons they say they love what they do.

BY JENNIFER GARRETT, SHAYNA MACE, KATY MACEK, MARYBETH MATZEK AND JESSICA STEINHOFF

Lisa Pugh

Making the News

WisconsinEye’s Lisa Pugh brings a thoughtful, advocacy-focused edge to “Newsmakers.”

For two and a half years, Lisa Pugh has hosted WisconsinEye Public Affairs Network’s weekly “Newsmakers” show. WisconsinEye’s studios are a mere block from the state Capitol building — a fitting tribute to a show that focuses on today’s pressing political and social issues. Pugh has interviewed politicians, policy experts and members of the media on a wide range of topics, from abortion rights to solar energy to election integrity.

Pugh graduated with a broadcast journalism degree from UW-Oshkosh and cut her teeth as a radio and TV reporter in the Fox Valley and Green Bay. After having three children, she stepped away from reporting and worked in public relations part-time. This allowed her to be home more with her middle daughter, Erika, who has a developmental disability.

Erika was also her inspiration to become immersed in the world of disability advocacy. In 2009, Pugh moved her family to Washington, D.C. to accept a fellowship position with The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation.

“I worked in Congress and at the Department of Education as a staffer, providing input and support around disability access in various policies,” she explains. “So I was learning as a fellow how the federal policy system works, and that kind of launched me into my professional disability advocate role.”

After her fellowship ended, Pugh worked at Disability Rights Wisconsin, led the ARC Wisconsin and was a

“I feel I’ve always had a natural curiosity about a wide variety of issues. That’s why I got into journalism in the first place.”

On living in Wisconsin:

“My husband’s a pilot, so we moved around a little bit for his job, and eventually he had the opportunity to come back to Wisconsin. I did a lot of research on where was a good place to raise a child with a disability and Madison was top of the list. That was back in 2000.”

lobbyist for disability causes, working in the state Capitol. Her advocacy experience in the political arena is what eventually led her back to broadcast journalism, accepting the “Newsmakers” role after host Steve Walters retired in 2021.

“I feel I’ve always had a natural curiosity about a wide variety of issues. That’s why I got into journalism in the first place. And I also had a lot of interest in politics,” says Pugh.

“Newsmakers,” which is available on-demand at wiseye.org, on partner cable channels statewide and is also distributed via podcast, dives into today’s hot-button issues. Impartiality is something WisconsinEye’s staff and Pugh take seriously when planning the show.

“We have board members who are from both parties and perspectives. We keep regular track of the balance of our guests in terms of if they identify as Democrat or Republican. Some guests are issue experts and may not fall into either category, but we’re always making sure that what we’re projecting is balanced … ” says Pugh.

Pugh notes that the topics women are most invested in this election season include abortion rights, issues impacting children (access to quality childcare, education, mental health) and caregiving concerns.

At her core, Pugh enjoys digging into what motivates people through her interviews and sharing expert knowledge so that viewers and listeners can be informed voters. And working within, and reporting on, the political system hasn’t jaded Pugh, either. It incentivizes her.

“I would say that my training as a disability advocate and as a mom … helps me to have that positive perspective and to be a problem-solver. … We really need to think about the solutions and who we need at the table to make things work better. So I’d say that what helps me stay positive [in this job] is that I think we still have people who believe that we have a great state and a great country — and want to continue to make it better.”

– Shayna Mace

On ageism in the media:

“I think [ageism] affects women, and particularly women who are still in media. I appreciate the breadth of knowledge that women bring and the wisdom … and I respect the women who stay in the media profession as they get older.”

Emboldening Community-Led Advocacy

How one organization rebranded and changed focus to invite aspiring nonprofits to work hand-in-hand for greater community impact.

Sara Finger has devoted her entire professional career to emboldening individuals to be effective advocates for positive change in Wisconsin.

After working at the Wisconsin Medical Society for four years, she was looking to dig into more direct advocacy work. That desire turned into founding her own organization in 2004 called the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, which she later turned into a nonprofit where she was executive director. The nonprofit focused on advocating for policies aimed at improving women’s health, safety and economic security, including reproductive freedoms for women, which Finger notes were slowly being peeled away.

“Twenty years ago, we witnessed an unprecedented attack on women’s reproductive rights that included legislation that allowed doctors, nurses and those on the frontlines of health care able to deny [women] basic reproductive health care, based on their own consciences. [There were] pushes for pharmacists and physicians to deny safe and effective birth control. It was incredibly alarming at the time — but it was precursor of what was to come,” she says.

In early 2024, Finger rebranded the nonprofit to Embolden WI. The name reflects the organization’s new focus from women’s health policy work in the state Capitol to supporting community-led initiatives aimed at increasing health equity and improving civic health in Wisconsin. Finger elaborated on Embolden WI’s new mission.

What inspired the rebrand?

“The pandemic and the racial justice reckoning motivated us and many other advocacy groups to reflect and examine

the newly highlighted threats and opportunities to health equity in Wisconsin. As a small, scrappy nonprofit advocacy group, we struggled to keep up with the demand for our women’s health policy work. As a white-led organization, we strategically chose to step back and work to center the voices and lived experiences of those on the front lines of health inequities, disparities and racism. Our staff and leaders decided to pivot and offer fiscal sponsorship to support aspiring nonprofits in our state.”

What is Embolden WI’s new model?

“We reflected on the amazing success of our existing PATCH (Providers and Teens Communicating for Health) and ECCHO (Engaging Communities to Change Health Outcomes) programs. And we thought, ‘What if that’s what we do? What if we extend our nonprofit status and our 20 years of nonprofit management and advocacy experience to other aspiring nonprofits that work on health and civic equity?’

It can be incredibly challenging to start a nonprofit and adhere to countless and costly administrative burdens. By fiscally sponsoring organizations, we can lend our 501(c) (3) status to community-led initiatives so they can attract donations and the financial support they need.

We now support and fiscally sponsor groups like Roots4Change Cooperative, which seeks to improve the maternal and child health landscape in Dane County. The women leading this effort are now freed up to engage and support Latino families, thanks to our administrative support and advocacy coaching.

We’ve had 16 applicants of groups that want to be fiscally sponsored (since January). We could not have anticipated this demand. This is new territory for advocacy work because societal needs can change quickly (like the pandemic showed us), and we don’t have time to wait for the IRS to approve nonprofit applications — which can take up to a year.”

What is the significance of Embolden WI in an election year?

“For the past two decades our organization has insisted that policy happens with us rather than to us. At Embolden WI, we’re extremely excited to provide administrative and structural support so that more groups can organize, innovate and effectively advocate for policy and system changes. We’ll always encourage people to exercise their right to vote, and we’re here to help create the conditions where every voice and vote matters.”

– Shayna Mace and Katy Macek

Sara Finger

Tone Shift

How UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs is civilizing political discourse before the election.

Compromise, consensus and coalitions — the pillars of statecraft in democracies — rarely happen without considerate communication. That’s why Susan Yackee, professor and director of UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs (and BRAVA 2024 Woman to Watch), has vowed to civilize political discourse in Wisconsin and beyond.

“If we can’t talk to each other in such a divided nation, we won’t tackle the most important issues of our time,” she says.

Yackee and her team of almost 50 faculty and staff are driving this point home as the fall elections approach. In addition to sharing evidence-based policy arguments through mass media and public presentations, they’re helping people across Wisconsin practice perspectivetaking and active listening. Skills like these can foster the empathy, trust and respect policies and relationships needed to succeed.

Cultivating Compromise

The art of compromise isn’t extinct, according to Yackee. The problem is that people aren’t laying enough groundwork for compromise. It’s as true at the community level as it is at the Capitol.

It’s also the motivation for the Main Street Agenda, a collaborative project of the La Follette School and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. As Nov. 5 draws nearer, the newspaper has been publishing op-eds by La Follette faculty with expertise on policy topics Wisconsinites deem

Susan Yackee

crucial. The Main Street Agenda is designed to help voters across the state better understand the issues — and each other.

“We’re hosting four roundtables where we expect more than 400 community members and trained facilitators will get together for dinner and a conversation about the issues that matter most to them,” Yackee says. “The hope is to bring about a sense that people with different perspectives are generally striving for the same things: a better society and the best future.”

These roundtables are slated for September and October in Madison, Eau Claire, Green Bay and Pewaukee (and are also in partnership with Wisconsin Public Radio). Separately, town hall meetings in Milwaukee and La Crosse will feature La Follette School faculty speakers and opportunities for the audience to ask questions.

Identifying Voters’ Priorities

Each policy issue explored in the Main Street Agenda events and opeds stems from the WisconSays/La Follette Survey, in which nearly 4,000 Wisconsinites rate the importance of 11 topics ranging from education to taxation. The survey is led by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center.

“We present topics like inflation, gun control, climate change and government regulation,” Yackee says, “and ask how much of a problem each one is in Wisconsin and nationally.”

For nearly all the issues addressed, female survey respondents indicated more concern than their male counterparts, Yackee notes.

“They rate these issues higher in Wisconsin and higher at the national level,” Yackee says. “It’s clear that women really care about the policy issues of our times.”

In May, inflation — the focus of the Milwaukee town hall on Oct. 15 — garnered the most concern from the entire respondent group, with 63% calling it “quite a problem”

or “an extremely big problem” in Wisconsin. Other high-concern state issues included gun violence, health care, crime, wealth distribution and climate change.

Respondents identified health care — a topic a panel will discuss at the La Crosse September town hall on Sept. 11 — as one of the most pressing national issues, along with gun violence and inflation. Overall, 54% called health care “quite a problem” or “an extremely big problem” for Wisconsin, while 69% felt this way about health care nationally.

Survey respondents hail from every region of the state and across the political spectrum. Identifying which issues they care about most can provide clues about shared goals, common ground and, in some cases, compromise.

Though compromise isn’t always feasible, civil dialogue is achievable, Yackee adds.

“It’s not about changing other people’s minds or values but better understanding where they’re coming from,” she says. “It’s easier to trust them when you get to know them. Trust and trustworthiness are the precursors to getting policy work done.”

– Jessica Steinhoff

Janet Piraino and Sarah Smith

The Importance of Mentorship in Politics

Two women reflect on their special mentor-mentee relationship.

Janet Piraino’s resume reads like a who’s who of Wisconsin politics. Recently retired (for the second time), Piraino has been a strategic advisor to just about every prominent Democrat in recent memory: Tammy Baldwin, Mark Pocan, Dave Cieslewicz, Russ Feingold, Tom Barrett and Peter Barca. And, she also squeezed in leadership positions at the University of Wisconsin System and Overture Center.

Over the course of her career, Piraino has amassed a sizable fan base among other women working behind the scenes in politics. Known for her accessibility, generosity and warmth, Piraino has served as a role model for many and an official mentor for a few, including Sarah Smith.

Smith is by all accounts — including Piraino’s — a rising star among Wisconsin Democrats. She has already served in elected offices twice — the first time as the state chair for the Young Democrats of Wisconsin and the second time on the Dane County Board of Supervisors. She also holds an appointment at the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), a cabinet agency in Gov. Tony Evers’ administration. And she did this all before turning 30.

Piraino and Smith began a formal mentorship in 2019 when Smith was wrapping up a six-month leadership institute with the Wisconsin chapter of the New Leaders Council. The program paired participants with experienced leaders for formal mentorships as the official program wound down.

While Smith says some of the mentorships did not survive the first conversation, her relationship with Piraino has endured. In the five years since their first meeting at the Tipsy Cow, Piraino and Smith have continued to meet, talk and connect as Smith built her career as chief of staff for State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and later as communications director for Sen. Patty Schachtner.

Smith specifically credits Piraino for helping her secure her current OCI position in the administration.

“If you had asked me at the beginning of 2020 if I would be working for the Commissioner of Insurance at the end of the year, I would have not believed it,” Smith says.

Yet when the position opened up at the end of 2020, Smith was intrigued. The opportunity to work in Gov. Evers’ administration was too good to pass up, even though she felt like it was a long shot. Naturally, she turned to Piraino.

“I don’t know why she thought that,” Piraino says, adding that she believed Smith was an ideal candidate. “She has this great experience. She has such a great personality. She is incredibly bright.”

“I know it sounds cliché, but [mentoring] brings me incredible joy.”

— Janet Piraino

Looking back, Smith acknowledges she had a tendency at the time to overlook her strengths and focus on what she perceived to be challenges or barriers.

“I think that is actually one of the things that I’ve learned, and one of the things that Janet has helped me learn, is that I may be imagining things that are in my way,” Smith says.

Piraino explained how she uses role-playing and probing questions to help Smith and other women she mentors to see and amplify their strengths and qualifications.

“The first few times I mentored, I remember walking to the lunch or coffee, and I wondered what I [was] going to say. I hope there’s some wisdom in there somewhere that’s going to be useful,” Piraino reflects. “But then the more I did it, the more I realized that really what I try to do is hold a mirror up … help the [mentee] see what I see.”

Smith says the tactical exercises with Piraino helped her build confidence for her interview and land a job that she still feels fortunate to do every day. But to her, the key to making it all work was her approach to the relationship itself.

“Getting as much out of my time with Janet as possible meant that I needed to be … as vulnerable and open as I could, which I’m not good at generally,” Smith says, “but Janet makes it easy. She was genuine, and I could tell early on that she just wanted the best for me.”

It is true, Piraino says. She does want the best for women like Smith who have bright futures ahead of them.

She also wishes more women would recognize how much they have to give — and how much they stand to gain — from mentoring.

“It’s pretty selfish. I get at least as much out of it, and I mean that,” Piraino says. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but it brings me incredible joy. To have somebody like Sarah look up to me and actually trust me? That is a gift.”

– Jennifer Garrett

How to Get Involved

While women make up half of the voting population, we are outnumbered by men when it comes to being politically active and holding elected office.

There are numerous organizations that aim to get women involved in politics and shaping policy. Whether you want to become more informed about social issues or are considering running for office, here are several groups to help you get started.

League of Women’s Voters

This nonpartisan, grassroots organization was established in 1920 with the goal of informing voters and encouraging active participation in the government. All are welcome to join the League, which seeks to influence policy through advocacy. The League is well known for hosting forums with candidates so voters can hear directly from those looking for their support. my.lwv.org/wisconsin

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities offers a policy fellowship and internship program to help

Voter Registration

Myvote.wi.gov is full of information to help you register to vote, vote absentee by mail, find out where to vote and who’s on your local ballot. In Wisconsin, you need to present your driver’s license or an official identification card to vote. Wisconsin residents can also register to vote on election day at the polls. You will need to bring a proof of address, such as ID card, a driver’s license or a bank statement or bill with your current address on it.

develop future leaders across Wisconsin to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. wi-bpdd.org

Wisconsin Women in Government

Wisconsin Women in Government, a bipartisan, nonprofit organization, recognizes and supports women pursuing a career in government by providing scholarships and offering educational, mentoring and networking opportunities. Founded in 1987, the organization also provides support to female high school students through scholarships and funds to attend the Badger Girls State program. wiscwomeningovernment.org

Wisconsin Women’s Network

The Wisconsin Women’s Network seeks to improve equality through communication, education, advocacy and connections. In addition to gender inequality, the nonprofit also seeks to combat racial and socioeconomic inequalities. The nonprofit’s Policy Institute provides hands-on leadership, communications and policy advising to women annually to prepare them to advocate for the advancement of girls and women in Wisconsin. wiwomensnetwork.org

The Women’s Council

Comprised of 15 members appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, the Women’s Council promotes initiatives to empower women. The council is a clearinghouse for information on

programs and resources, conducts research on the status of women and engages in partnerships to address barriers and inequalities affecting Wisconsin women. womenscouncil.wi.gov

Emerge Wisconsin

Emerge Wisconsin provides a cohortbased, six-month training program for Democratic women interested in running for all levels of office across Wisconsin. Emerge also encourages its program alums to participate in government boards and commissions, community-based advocacy organizations and political action committees to increase the voice of women in public policy debate. wi.emergeamerica.org

Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women

The Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women seeks to increase the effectiveness of women to support good government, inform the public through political education and activity, promote Republican Party principles and work for Republican candidates in elections. wifrw.org – MaryBeth Matzek

“It’s

All Hands on Deck”

What it’s like working as a member of the media during election season.

WMTV 15 evening anchor Leigh Mills has covered politics for 20 years, starting with Russ Feingold’s U.S. Senate campaign in 2004. Since then, she’s reported on countless political races, from local to national campaigns.

In conversations with her, Mills is passionate about providing unbiased, truthful political coverage that Madison viewers can trust. She admits in today’s political climate and myriad of media choices, this can be challenging.

“In general, we try to focus on important races and policies/issues that will most affect our viewers. We look for local angles, too. While politics has become more of a ‘show’ in recent years, our goal is to drill down to specific ideas and policies that affect people and help our viewers understand the impact of those policies,” she says.

We asked Mills to talk about her experiences covering politics.

Tell us about the political events you’ve reported on in the past.

“I’ve covered everything, [including] local school referendum questions, mayoral and congressional races, and statewide gubernatorial, supreme court and senate races. I’ve also covered multiple presidential races and interviewed candidates as they campaigned in Madison. I’ve traveled to Iowa to cover the caucuses [many] times.

In 2018, I was one of the panelists selected to participate in the gubernatorial debate between then-incumbent Scott Walker and challenger Tony Evers. And in 2023, I interviewed all four Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates ahead of an important election that would determine the ideological leaning of the court.

In 2006, I started a biweekly political segment called ‘Unspun’ which continues to this day. It features a democratic and republican analyst, and I serve as moderator.”

You attended the Republican National Convention this past July in Milwaukee, and the Democratic National Convention in late August in Chicago. What’s it like being in that atmosphere with journalists from all over?

“It’s fascinating to get a front-row seat to a historic event like a convention — the energy in the room is hard to describe. Oftentimes it felt more like a rally than [an event] that selects the candidate.

In addition to covering it, it is exciting to be in the same room (and ride the elevator!) with journalists I’ve looked up to in my career. Regardless of your political affiliation, being able to attend an event with all of the top political operatives of one party under one roof is a moment I will not forget.”

What’s election night like in the newsroom?

“Election night is very busy. It’s all hands on deck starting at 1:30 p.m. for those of us who work ‘nightside’ (through the late news at 10:30 p.m.).

The 10 p.m. newscast on an election night is very different from other 10 p.m. newscasts in that most of the scripts are not written — they’re blank. We’ll write in the names of those running, and then it’s up to the anchors (including myself) to ad-lib as we see the most updated results pop up on the screen. So, we’re reacting to new information at the same time the viewers see it.

Our entire evening staff stays at work until all of the big races have been called or it’s clear that a winner will not be called that night (remember 2000 — that election wasn’t called for a month!). In the case that races are called on election night, our nights have wrapped up as early as 10:30 p.m. They’ve also been as late as 1:30 a.m., when our morning staff is coming in and ready to take over. It’s exciting and challenging and one of the many reasons I love working election nights!”

– Shayna Mace

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FROM BELARUS TO SUSHI MAVEN

RED and Jacknife’s co-owner reflects on the success of her two restaurants.

BY HANNAH WENTE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE HANSEN

Growing up in Belarus, west of Russia and north of Ukraine, Tanya Zhykharevich never dreamed of owning a restaurant. Restaurants there are primarily stateowned. She trained as an engineer before immigrating to the United States in 2005 at age 20. Today, she co-owns two Madison mainstays, RED and Jacknife, with business partner Jack Yip.

“Every immigrant has to start somewhere to survive,” Zhykharevich says.

She got her start working at Italian Village, the oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago.

She moved to Madison in 2007 and worked for several popular restaurants. She met Yip during this time, who was one of her managers.

“I never thought I would stay in the hospitality industry,” she says. “I wanted to go back to school and pursue a different career path. So, I went back to school, left the restaurant business, and started a new job.”

— Tanya Zhykharevich ” “

Our diverse team plays a crucial role in menu development by experimenting with different cuisines, ingredients and food trends.

She worked as a network engineering dispatcher. In 2011, she and Yip were offered a restaurant space on King Street that was too good to turn down.

Zhykharevich quit her nine-to-five job and never looked back. (In 2016, RED moved to its current location on West Washington Avenue.)

Yip has spent decades building relationships with fish purveyors to source sushi-grade seafood — and it shows — there are over 20 varieties of fish on RED’s menu. The most popular dish at RED is the spicy Godzilla, a roll of shrimp tempura with avocado, cream cheese and spicy aioli.

“We gain a lot from our guests and what they like to eat — we anticipate their preferences,” explains Zhykharevich. “Our diverse team plays

a crucial role in menu development by experimenting with different cuisines, ingredients and food trends.”

Zhykharevich and Yip source produce like microgreens and mushrooms from local farms, and the menu at RED changes with the seasons.

“Every time we change the menu, we look for seasonal ingredients and what could influence eating habits,” she says. “In winter, it’s hardy, warmer and cozy. In summer, it’s lighter.”

In 2020, Zhykharevich and Yip were preparing to open a second restaurant when the pandemic hit.

“Opening a second restaurant is like deciding to have a baby, in my experience,” she says. “It was always part of our long-term vision, but the timing was very uncertain.”

They pivoted based on the change in dining habits during the height of the pandemic, and opened Jacknife as a grab-and-go restaurant focused on fast-casual foods like poke and sushi bowls.

“America has shown me that all dreams can come true and that it’s never too late for anything,” reminisces Zhykharevich. “Just keep dreaming and striving for more, and it will happen if you work hard enough.”

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

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EXPLORING THE “TOP CHEF: WISCONSIN” TRAIL

Hit up these culinary hotspots throughout the state that were featured on the show.

BY KRISTINE HANSEN

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that “Top Chef: Wisconsin” premiered this past March and wrapped up in July, with Danny Garcia, executive chef of New York City’s forthcoming Time and Tide restaurant, crowned as the winner. Milwaukee’s own Dan Jacobs of EsterEv and DanDan was one of two runners-up.

IL Cervo

To celebrate Wisconsin’s time in the limelight, a new “Top Chef” trail created by Travel Wisconsin keeps up the hype as foodies flock here from other states, eager to stick a fork — or, as with frozen custard, a spoon — into what they saw on the 21st season of the reality television show where 16 “cheftestants” competed against one another in judge-assigned Quickfire Challenges and Elimination Challenges. Each of the episodes were inspired by Wisconsin food and beverages, including hops, fish boils, cheese and cranberries.

“We believe this will inspire people to visit the country’s producer-only farmers’ market [the Dane County Farmers’ Market] and enjoy our incredible culinary scene where Midwestern ingredients meet innovative techniques that provides an experience you can’t find anywhere else,” says Ellie Westman Chin, Destination Madison’s president and CEO. “‘Top Chef’ did a wonderful job showcasing the variety, abundance and high-quality food, restaurants and chefs in the Madison area. Many people mention ‘Top Chef’ as their reason to visit!”

Here are some of the spots on the new “Top Chef” Trail — and how they tied into the show.

MARVELOUS MILWAUKEE

In episode one, 16 chefs cooked soup, roasted chicken or stuffed pasta at Lupi & Iris — with James Beard Awardwinning chef-owner Adam Siegel as a guest judge. Dishes riff on the French and Italian Rivieras, from sea bass to wood-grilled Dover sole.

Jacobs was the only Wisconsin chef. As owner of his two Milwaukee restaurants, he welcomed the chefs to his city over drinks at Blu, perched (indoors) on The Pfister Hotel’s 23rd floor.

Il Cervo was also featured, which is located in the glass-enclosed rooftop at The Trade, an Autograph Collection Hotel. Modern Italian cuisine here means pasta, steaks, tableside mozzarella pulling and fun sides like blistered shishito peppers.

In addition to Whole Foods shopping trips throughout the season, chefs scooped up ingredients at local spots like the Milwaukee Public Market in episode 12. Here, visitors can sample a number of food vendors on-site, or pick up items to whip up a meal at home.

The cheftestants also cooked at Harbor House, which juts out into Lake Michigan next to the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World. Akin to Cape Cod, the fare here gives a nod to the ocean, serving up oysters, lobster rolls and crab cakes, with crisp white décor to match.

MEETING MADISON

Even if you’re not seated in Harvey House’s train car — as judges were in episode five — peek in there after you’ve enjoyed a minty Harvey Hopper (the restaurant’s take on a grasshopper) or sampled supper-club fare (including Lake Superior walleye and a relish tray) by co-owners Joe Papach and Shaina Robbins Papach.

As a guest judge in episode two, Ahan’s chef-owner Jamie Brown-Soukaseume trekked to Milwaukee’s Miller Brewery Historic Miller Caves, a special event space located in the brewery. But we’re lucky to have Brown-Soukaseume’s Laotian restaurant on Willy Street — within closer reach.

Because L’Etoile is across from the Dane County Farmers’ Market, for a Quickfire Challenge in episode five, cheftestants ran over to the market, grabbed produce with a $100 budget, and cooked on L’Etoile’s restaurant’s rooftop. Executive chef and co-proprietor Tory Miller was one of the judges.

Kristine Hansen is author of “Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook: Creamy, Cheesy, Sweet, and Savory Recipes From the State’s Best Creameries.”

OTHER WISCO SPOTS

In addition to Madison and Milwaukee, the recent “Top Chef” season shone a spotlight on other regions of Wisconsin that any serious foodie will want to visit.

DOOR COUNTY

Don’t listen to Jacobs: fish boils rock. (While he disliked the challenge, he recovered with a red curry and coconut fish boil when the crew filmed in South Milwaukee, along Lake Michigan.) Experience a true fish boil at The Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim (above), and The White Gull Inn and Pelletier’s, both in Fish Creek.

BAYFIELD

In episode nine, filmed in Milwaukee, Miijim chef-owner Bryce Stevenson, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, served as a guest judge, representing his year-old Madeline Island restaurant. Dinners feature elk, rabbit, chaga and mushrooms — paired with French wines.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

Rochelle Hoffman, owner of Dempze Cranberry Farm, judged alongside Stevenson in episode nine. Her family’s century-old cranberry farm is on its fifth generation. Drop by for a wagon tour, farm dinner or on Oct. 19 and 20 — step into a cranberry bog.

Harbor House

Milwaukee Public Market

Harvey House

PIZZA WITH A VIEW

Sample a slice made with hyper-local, farm-fresh ingredients.

BY KRISTINE HANSEN

Pizza nights are an event as connected to Wisconsin farms as the soil itself. Several farms across the state put a new spin on farm-to-fork cuisine by baking pizzas in wood-fired ovens, with most toppings grown on-site and the cheese locally sourced.

Cambridge’s Sprouting Acres, a certified-organic produce farm owned by Andy Watson and Kelly Bratt, hosted their first pizza night in 2019, using their lone pizza oven. Today they fire up three ovens to fulfill orders for their locally famous 16-inch pizzas (they also offer 12-inch gluten-free pies). Other menu items include a house salad, cheesy garlic bread, calzones and cheese plates.

Pizza nights are the first and third Sundays of the month, from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Live music kicks off around 5 p.m. and there’s sometimes an open mic (for live music) that starts around 3 p.m., with the evening’s band playing until 7 p.m. or later. Pizza orders are placed through the farm’s website a week prior.

“Fall is one of our favorite times because it’s usually a little cooler out,” says Watson, adding that pumpkins are out on display and a photographer does mini photo sessions. “It’s a really pretty time to come. At [our] September and October Pizza Nights, one of our biggest sellers is a delicata squash, ricotta and balsamic glaze pizza.”

Before he was a farmer, Watson cooked at several Madison restaurants, including Harvest and Osteria Papavero. In

fact, it was while working at the former Clay Market Cafe in Cambridge, during his teens, that a seed for his farming dreams was literally planted.

“My boss asked if I wanted to grow vegetables on our [family’s] farm for the restaurant,” explains Watson, “which turned into growing basil for a company in Madison that distributed it all over the Madison area.” This led to the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture program, which the couple ended in 2022 after 19 years.

In addition to hosting pizza nights, Watson teaches cooking classes at the farm on topics including wood-fired pizza baking, salads, pastas, vegetarian recipes, cooking with beer and more. (His next class is Nov. 5.)

These are hosted in a commercial kitchen within a new blue barn on the property that was constructed out of salvaged wood — a nod to Wisconsin’s agricultural history.

Sprouting Acres

Fall Travel Guide

Need to get away? Experience fall foliage, nature-inspired activities, tasty food and drink, and more when you visit these Midwest getaways.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The Fox Cities is Full of Recreational Trails

More than 100 miles of trail wind through the Fox Cities, leading you along the Fox River, through the woods and around numerous communities. A few highlights:

The two-mile Fox Trot Trail loops around downtown Appleton. Grab a map at the visitor center, then follow the blue fox pawprints on the sidewalk. A fox head indicates one of 16 points of interest, which highlight Appleton’s rich history.

Some two dozen miles of trail tumble through the Bubolz Nature Preserve, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve and 1000 Islands Environmental Center. There are nature centers, observation decks and a sugar shack here, too.

High Cliff State Park on Lake Winnebago boasts Native American effigy mounds and a jagged, limestone cliff that’s part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geological wonder stretching eastward to Niagara Falls.

foxcities.org

Loop the Lake

This mixed-use trail unspools some seven miles through the heart of the Fox River Valley, showcasing several of the Fox River locks, local parks and, of course, the river. The path also connects Kimberly, Combined Locks and Kaukauna in the process. If you want more fun, another nine or so miles of trail connect with the main loop, allowing you easy access to Little Chute and Appleton.

This 3.5-mile paved loop is one of the most popular trails in the Fox Cities. The path winds around scenic Little Lake Butte des Morts and through Fox Crossing, Menasha and Neenah, offering convenient stops at four developed parks.

Even better, the trail leads you across four trestle bridges, including the longest trestle bridge in Wisconsin, the Fox Cities Trestle. This one-of-a-kind, lighted pedestrian bridge stretches 1,600 feet over the water, offering great views. The Loop the Lake trail is also part of the Friendship State Trail, a path-in-progress that will eventually link Manitowoc and Stevens Point.

Loop the Locks

From state park hiking trails to waterfront bike paths, you’ll find endless ways to get out and explore on a fall family getaway to the Fox Cities.

Start building your original experience today at FoxCities.org/originals

Experience Chicago’s North Shore

Head to Chicago’s beautiful North Shore this fall to take in some prime exhibits, plus get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Titanic – The Exhibition, at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, features 300-plus artifacts from the Titanic, life-size recreations of its interior and exterior, and a virtual reality experience. Spend an hour perusing the exhibit (through Jan. 5, 2025), then hit the mall’s unique shops. New stores include Zara, Arhaus, Swiss chocolatier Läderach and adventure gear store Arc’teryx.

Over at the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, Thomas & Friends – Explore the Rails! (open Oct. 5, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025) is an interactive exhibit based on the popular children’s series. Geared at children ages two to seven, the exhibit incorporates foundational practices in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

visitchicagonorthshore.com

Northwestern Wildcats Football Home Games

Home games are played on the lakefront at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Sept. 6: Duke

Sept. 14: E. Illinois

Oct. 5: Indiana

Oct. 19: Wisconsin

Nov. 16 : Ohio State at Wrigley Field

Nov. 30 : Illinois at Wrigley Field

Fall Theater Season Begins

Music Theater Works

“Little Shop of Horrors,” Oct. 24-Nov. 17

Horror comedy rock musical.

"Legally Blonde, The Musical," Dec. 19-29 Romantic comedy.

Northlight Theatre

“The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk,” through Oct. 6 Celebrates the life and love of Marc and Bella Chagall.

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” Nov. 29-Dec. 29

A tale of the four March sisters.

Oil Lamp Theater

“First Date,” through Oct. 20

Musical romantic comedy.

Writers Theatre

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” through Oct. 27

Musical based on a scandalous slice of the novel “War and Peace.”

“Every Brilliant Thing,” Oct. 31-Jan. 5, 2025

Hilarious and compassionate look at life’s small joys.

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

“The Secret Garden,” Nov. 8-Dec. 22

Musical interpretation of the classic children’s tale.

Explore Bailey’s Run

Vineyard & Winery

Bailey’s Run sits on a bucolic pocket of land just west of downtown New Glarus. Now in its sixth year, owners Todd and Janet Kuehl craft 30 different wines here — reds, whites, rosés and sparkling. Tastings are available daily. Try your favorite with one of the winery’s many flatbreads or small plates. (Cheesecake is also available!)

On weekends, the winery makes a variety of Neapolitan pizzas, which have become a visitor favorite.

The Kuehls named the winery after their beloved Goldendoodle, Bailey, who you may glimpse during a visit. Bernedoodles Whiskey and Barley are also part of the family. If you’ve got a wellbehaved pooch of your own, they’re welcome, too. Bailey’s Run is open seven days a week, year-round.

Special Events on Tap

Special events are the norm here. For starters, there’s live music every weekend, year-round. Bingo is also regularly scheduled, but it’s not your grandmother’s bingo. Here, you might be playing wine-o-bingo, or Halloween bingo, where costumes are prevalent.

Pairing events are also on the menu. Think Pizza Palooza, where you can try any drink you’d like with the Neapolitan-styled pizzas that are so popular. Or a wine and dessert pairing, where Bailey’s Run does the pairing for you.

Trivia nights are held monthly, while there are also annual special events including a grape stomp, holiday open house, breakfast with Santa and a fun run to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

Whiskey Run Distilling Co.

Sister company Whiskey Run sits on the same property as Bailey’s Run. The craft distillery creates its own gin, vodka, whiskey and bourbon for purchase. They also craft their own cocktails, including the classics — brandy old-fashioneds, gimlets and more, plus originals such as the key lime pie martini. Seasonal cocktails and zeroproof cocktails are also available.

Whiskey Run is famous for its Friday night fish fry (cod, lake perch and walleye), but also offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and burgers.

Discover Autumn Adventures in La Crosse

From towering bluffs to the iconic Mississippi River Big Blue Bridge, the La Crosse Region bursts with epic adventure as unique as each explorer. The area is centrally located from Midwest hubs along the Great River Road and nestled between bluffs alive with fall foliage. While the captivating scenery and endless outdoor recreation claim fame in the La Crosse Region, the colorful flavors, arts and culture abound!

Catch breathtaking views of the area’s rivers and waterways or traverse the region’s miles of trails. During the fall season, corn mazes, scenic overlooks, epic trolley tour excursions and apple picking are fun, family-friendly activities. Seasonal celebrations including Oktoberfest USA and Ghoulees in the Coulees celebrate festive beverages and spooky sights.

Where to Eat and Drink

La Crosse’s dining scene has everything from fine dining to casual bites. Savor after-hour cocktails on rooftop terraces or retro martini bars in historic downtown La Crosse and beyond! The Coulee Region Craft Beverage Trail, comprised of wineries, breweries and distilleries, is another way to literally drink in the region.

ADVENTURE AWAITS NESTLED BETWEEN THE BLUFFS AND ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!

The La Crosse Region bursts with inspired adventure as unique as each explorer. Discover festive flavors, charming history, vibrant views, and epic outdoor recreation just a road trip away!

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

A 1903 Blue Mounds farmhouse gets a second life as a charming rental property.

BY SUSAN LAMPERT SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY SCHAVE

Time off during the COVID pandemic created new opportunities for designer Sarah Best. When a few family members bought properties in Virginia’s horse country, one of them asked Best, a former Lands’ End apparel designer, to renovate a 1786 house into a short-term vacation rental.

L-R: Mark Rooney, Gail Morton and Sarah Best

Best scoured nearby antique stores and auctions for unique décor, updated the electrical outlets and Wi-Fi, and painted. The project was such a success she was hired to renovate other family cottages, as well.

Closer to her home in Mount Horeb, her neighbors Gail Morton and Mark Rooney were pondering what to do with a 1903 Foursquare home located high atop the east Blue Mound, on one of Dane County’s oldest farms. Owned by Rooney and his siblings, the couple envisioned the property as ideal for family reunions, retreats or as a home base for exploring the area. They asked Best to perform her magic on the Brigham Farmhouse.

The property has a storied history. In 1828, Ebenezer Brigham walked from St. Louis to Blue Mounds, where he dug a lead mine and opened a trading post, serving travelers along the Old Military Road as well as local Native people, who spoke Ho Chunk and Potawatomi. Brigham became Dane County’s first European settler.

In 1903, Charles I. Brigham built the home that still stands on the property today, which also includes the Cave of the Mounds. Passed down through generations of Brigham’s descendants (including Rooney), the Foursquare house commands a stunning view to the south, and sleeps eight in four bedrooms.

“The house sets the tone, I like to get to know its bones,” Best says. “I want to make it feel fresh and modern, while still being true to the house.”

Best kept the family antiques, including a fainting couch in the “red study” and a table and marble fireplace shipped from back East. But she simplified, de-cluttered and streamlined the rooms. New beds and high-quality linens in all four bedrooms were an important touch.

“My goal is to make it as fresh and clutter-free as possible,’’ she says, noting that the large kitchen has worked well for catered events.

Brigham Farmhouse features an accessible first-floor suite, with a bath, kitchenette and its own screen porch — perfect for older family members. Kids will love the renovated attic and its treehouse views. It has a big-screen TV, game tables and a historic collection of children’s literature, including the Hardy Boys collection. The books harken back to the childhood days of Rooney’s mother, before the house had electricity and evening entertainment was reading and reciting poetry by the light of a kerosene lantern. Visitors also receive free passes to Cave of the Mounds.

The house reopened a year ago, and has hosted events, along with tourists, families and business visitors.

Susan Lampert Smith is a writer living near Blue Mounds. She’s been a science writer, a newspaper columnist and an author.

When you Go

Pack your bikes: From the farm driveway, a paved connector trail goes north to Brigham County Park and its stunning sunset views across the Wisconsin River Valley or south to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail. Nearby Blue Mound State Park has an extensive network of mountain bike and hiking trails and the state park system’s only swimming pool.

Come hungry and thirsty: Hometown guy Christopher Berge — of Nattspil and Weary Traveler Freehouse fame — opened the ObertAlvin coffee shop in the historic Blue Mounds Opera House this summer, joining a pair of neighborhood taverns with solid fish frys. You can dine at the Grumpy Troll Brewpub or Buck & Honey’s in Mount Horeb, or enjoy a leisurely Italian farm dinner at Campo di Bella. Botham Vineyards & Winery near Barneveld and Brix Cider in Mount Horeb serve up local beverages.

Don’t forget to shop: Mount Horeb hosts the flagship store for Duluth Trading Company and a Gempler’s outlet, as well as boutiques such as Jangle Soapworks, Telsaan Tea, and Artemis Provisions and Cheese. In Blue Mounds, you’ll find local favorite Jada’s Garden & Greenhouse, which has seasonal plants and outdoor décor.

An Artful Fall and Winter An Artful Fall and Winter

The 2024-25 arts season kicks off with fantastic live music, theater hits and thoughtprovoking performances.

By Jessica Steinhoff

Live Music

Lake Street Dive

Sept. 24, Breese Stevens Field

This band aims to sound like “the Beatles and Motown had a party,” according to drummer Mike Calabrese, and the musicians’ love of swing-era jazz shines through, too. They’re touring to support “Good Together,” a new album featuring ’80s-style electropop and a flugelhorn infusion. breesestevensfield.com

SHERVIN LAINEZ

Lake Street Dive

The

National with The War on Drugs

Sept. 26, Breese Stevens Field

Two Grammy-winning rock bands have teamed up for a fall tour that mines their deep discographies. They’ll be supported by indie-pop quartet Lucius, who’ll probably join The War on Drugs for a performance of their hit 2021 collaboration “I Don’t Live Here Anymore.” I also predict plenty of material from The National’s stellar “High Violet” and “Trouble Will Find Me” albums, which ruled critics’ year-end lists — and local jukeboxes — in the early 2010s. breesestevensfield.com

Cowboy Junkies

Sept. 27, Barrymore Theatre

The Canadians who rose to stardom with a dreamy take on the Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane” are ready to mesmerize you with a new album, “Such Ferocious Beauty.” barrymorelive.com

Summer Salt

Sept. 27, Majestic Theatre

Blending retro surf-rock with breezy bossa nova, this band conjures beachparty vibes wherever they go. majesticmadison.com

Explore a dreamscape that envelops the senses and excites the imagination.

Escape day-to-day life and enter a third space, a place for creative interaction and dynamic play. Light installation artists from far and wide transform the Gardens into an illuminated adventure. Expect appearances from “wild animals,” create a time-lapse self-portrait, relive childhood memories like getting lost in the corn, and wander through a kaleidoscope of light. Come bask in the glow and enjoy Olbrich in a whole new light.

Tickets Available Online

Advanced timed tickets (required) and a one-way exhibit route will ensure a smooth traffic flow at each viewing.

Catch Cycropia!

Thurs/Fri Sept 26–27 | 7:30–11 p.m.

Enjoy an elevated GLEAM experience! Join us for a special evening with extended hours and witness the amazing Cycropia Aerial Dance group perform aerial and ground routines in mesmerizing, illuminated LED costumes.

Evening Viewings

Weds–Sat, Aug 28–Oct 26

Times and prices vary by month. Visit in September and save!

Exhibit Sponsors

Presenting

Olbrich Botanical Gardens Presents

La Luz

Sept. 27, High Noon Saloon

This psych-pop band’s new album is proof that terrible news — guitarist Shana Cleveland’s cancer diagnosis — can be a catalyst for beauty. high-noon.com

Two Door Cinema Club

Oct. 1, The Sylvee

Put on your dancing shoes: You’ll be driven to move when this Irish band’s slick beats and pounding post-punk hooks hit the Sylvee’s soundsystem. thesylvee.com

Somi

Oct. 10, Wisconsin Union Theater

Lithe jazz vocals, rhythmic African grooves and inspiring humanitarian

messages converge in this artist’s Grammy-nominated songs. artsticketing.wisc.edu

“Momentum”

Nov. 15-17, Overture Center

Guest conductor Michael Sterns leads the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s premiere of Jonathan Leshnoff’s “Rush for Orchestra.” Garrick Ohlsson makes his eighth appearance with the MSO, performing Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto.” The concert closes with Dmitri Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 5. madisonsymphony.org

Local Natives

Nov. 23, The Sylvee

This concert supporting the indie

rockers’ new album, “But I’ll Wait for You,” is your last chance to see cofrontman Kelcey Ayer before he departs to focus on other projects. thesylvee.com

Sa-Roc

Dec. 5, Wisconsin Union Theater

Rhyme-slinging equals sociopolitical changemaking for this hip-hop artist who slayed her first NPR Tiny Desk concert. Her list of influences (Björk, Bad Brains, Billie Holiday) is intriguing, and her list of collaborators (David Byrne, Talib Kweli, photographer Carrie Mae Weems) is impressive. Catch her at a small venue while you still can. artsticketing.wisc.edu

La Luz

2025 Nominations Are Open!

Do you know a standout woman with big plans for 2025?

BRAVA Magazine wants to know about them!

Theater, Dance and Comedy

“Dancing at Lughnasa”

Through Sept. 27, American Players Theatre

Savor the conclusion of American Players Theatre’s outdoor performance season with a play by “Molly Sweeney” creator Brian Friel. A talented ensemble featuring Colleen Madden portrays sisters navigating love and longing in 1930s Ireland. It’s a testament to the power of memory and rituals, and an exploration of the barriers rural women faced a century ago. americanplayers.org

D. L. Hughley

Sept. 27-29, Comedy on State Hughley’s nationally-syndicated radio show plunges into hot topics with zero apologies and countless zingers, and he earned a Peabody Award for his Comedy Central special “D. L. Hughley: The Endangered List.” For a taste of his recent stand-up material, watch his “Contrarian” Netflix special. madisoncomedy.com

BRUNCH

David Cross

Oct. 9, Barrymore Theatre

Though Cross is best known as a comedian, the identity he assumes for his “The End of the Beginning of the End” tour, he’s also an actor you may have seen on “The Umbrella Academy” or “Station Eleven.” He’s even taken the podcast universe by storm with his new “Senses Working Overtime with David Cross.” barrymorelive.com

David Cross

“Nat Turner in Jerusalem”

Oct. 17-Nov. 10, American Players Theatre

In this response to “The Confessions of Nat Turner,” a slave rebellion’s leader wrestles with his actions and the fate of his people while awaiting execution. Expect a stunning staging from director Tyrone Phillips, mastermind of 2023’s sensational “The Royale.” americanplayers.org

Mike Birbiglia

Oct. 22, Overture Center

Birbiglia’s comedic storytelling has stolen hearts in Broadway solo shows like “Sleepwalk with Me,” Netflix specials and movies like “Don’t Think Twice.” His latest tour, “Please Stop the Ride,” offers giggle-worthy new material. overture.org

Jenny Slate

Oct. 29, Orpheum Theater

The “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star, stand-up comic and “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” creator brings her off-kilter wit to downtown Madison. madisonorpheum.com

“The Barber of Seville”

Nov. 1 & 3, Overture Center

Catch Madison Opera’s rendition of the legendary “Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo, bravo!” aria, plus enjoy the heroine’s hilarious attempts to outwit her guardian. madisonopera.org

Sarah Silverman

Nov. 1, Orpheum Theater

The ever-busy comedian emerged from the COVID pandemic with a sold-out musical based on her New York Times bestselling memoir and then recorded a new TV special, 2023’s “Someone You Love,” which is as funny and fearless as ever. madisonorpheum.com

Maria Bamford

Nov. 22, Barrymore Theatre

Adorably strange and bracingly surreal, Bamford’s comedic presence is one of the most unique on the stand-up circuit. It has made her a scene-stealer on late-night shows and in voice acting roles on “BoJack Horseman” and “Rick and Morty.” She’s also found humor in her struggles with bipolar disorder for decades, inspiring Taylor Tomlinson and other young comics to attempt this difficult feat. barrymorelive.com

“& Juliet”

Nov. 26-Dec. 1, Overture Center

What if Shakespeare’s Juliet chose to keep living and Romeo came back to life? “Schitt’s Creek” writer David West Read shares his hysterical answer in this musical stuffed with Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys megahits. overture.org

“Dancing at Lughnasa”

Maria Bamford

Visual Art and Film

PhotoMidwest Biennial

Sept. 17-Nov. 9, (opening reception Sept. 27), Arts + Literature Laboratory Kris Graves, whose works about power and privilege have joined permanent collections at the Getty Institute and Museum of Modern Art, juries images by photographers from 13 Midwestern states for the main exhibition. photomidwest.org

Duck Soup Cinema

Oct. 5, Overture Center

Travel back to the 1920s, where Vaudeville-style entertainers set the stage for an uproarious silent-film screening with a live organ performance. Watch Overture Center’s website for announcements about the series’ films, selected by curator and Buster Keaton fan, James Kreul. overture.org

Art on the Rooftop

Through Oct. 31, Monona Terrace rooftop

Enjoy this free art exhibition that highlights the stunning views from Monona Terrace's rooftop. Sculptures about bird migration and trees’ resilience are highlights of this jury-selected collection atop Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural tour de force. mononaterrace.com/art-onthe-rooftop

Nirmal Raja

Through Oct. 20, James Watrous Gallery

This interdisciplinary artist uses thread, ceramics, photography and more to examine personal and political conflicts. Her “Asking Questions of a Thread” exhibition shares her practice of connecting and “reformatting” objects and images. For example, she creates new objects from clothing and writings of deceased loved ones and sculptural castings of artifacts from her migration to the United States. wisconsinacademy.org/gallery

Jessica Steinhoff is a Madison-area mom, writer and mental health professional.

“Line

to Form: Richard Hunt’s Prints and Sculpture”

Through Jan. 5, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

Richard Hunt is best known for his public works of art, but this exhibition showcases his works on paper, alongside two of his bronze sculptures. The exhibition also explains the preservation techniques behind his bronze works. mmoca.org

Just for Fun

Gleam

Through Oct. 26, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

The gardens moonlight as art galleries with the addition of large-scale light installations. Visit Sept. 26-27 for a performance by aerial dance collective Cycropia. olbrichgleam.org

Disney and Pixar’s “Coco in Concert”

Nov. 23, Overture Center

Madison Symphony Orchestra performs Michael Giacchino’s magical score, including the Oscar-winning ballad “Remember Me,” at a screening of the animated charmer about a musicloving boy who visits the Land of the Dead to ask an ancestor for a favor. madisonsymphony.org

Art on the Rooftop

AN AL FRESCO ART EVENT

BY SUSAN LAMPERT SMITH

ABreath of Fresh Art” will take to outdoor stages on Sept. 21 and 22 in Verona at Primrose Retreat, located on a historic Dane County farm. Dancers, singers, and visual and spoken word artists will all present around the theme of “Democracy in Life & Art.” The event was created by internationally renowned tap dancer Katherine Kramer, who resides in the tiny township of Primrose.

Kramer began learning from the legends of tap in the 1970s and won the 2018 Hoofer award from the American Tap Dance Foundation. She imagined the first “A Breath of Fresh Art” as an opportunity for hope, healing and togetherness during the COVID lockdown of 2020. At the inaugural event, visitors could hear a ukulele strumming from the porch of the sauna, while poets read from the barn stage, and the rhythmic rat-a-tat of tap dancers sounded from the front porch of the property’s Queen Anne-style farmhouse.

On Sept. 21, audience members will follow maps around Primrose Retreat to take in performances and view art installations from Dane County and the Driftless Area arts

community. Shows will conclude with audience participation “talk circles.” On Sunday, artists will lead participatory workshops on the interplay of democracy and the arts.

Tickets are available at katherinekramerprojects.com The event is supported by the Wisconsin Arts Board and Dane Arts.

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Influential Faces of Madison

SPICE UP YOUR FALL CALENDAR

Enjoy these music, art and theater picks. BY

JESSICA STEINHOFF

THEATER AND DANCE

“RHAPSODY IN BLUE”

Sept. 27-29, MYARTS

Madison Ballet’s fall season premieres with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” featuring new and original choreography by artistic director and

interim executive director Ja’ Malik. The performance will also include a world premiere by rehearsal director Richard Walters, and the Madison premieres of “Fragments of Hope” by Ja’ Malik and “Something to Remember You By” from Stephanie Martinez. madisonballet.org

“POLARIS”

Oct. 10-12, Overture Center

Choreographer Daniel Fetecua Soto will team up with Kanopy Dance to present his original choreographies reflecting his Colombian roots, American modern dance and German TanzTheater. Fetecua will also perform

“Polaris”

a work by Daystar: Contemporary Dance Drama of Indian America, the first Indigenous modern dance company in the U.S. kanopydance.org

“SHREK THE MUSICAL”

Oct. 11-12, Overture Center

The award-winning animated film about a green ogre, a loquacious donkey and an unconventional princess morphs into a live-action musical that has made fans out of theater critics at USA Today. overture.org

“DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL”

Oct. 12-27, MYARTS

Jeff Kinney’s popular middle-grade books take center stage as his character, Greg, tackles middle school conundrums in this Children’s Theater of Madison musical. Kinney and CTM will also host an interactive family show on Nov. 2 at Overture Center. ctmtheater.org

LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY ALICIA

WITT

Sept. 14, North Street Cabaret

A classically trained former competitive pianist, Witt is known for her pop-driven pop music and has played all over the world. She’s also a successful actor, appearing in countless films including 2024’s “Longlegs,” opposite Nicolas Cage. northstreetcabaret.com

ALLEN STONE

Sept. 15, The Sylvee

Raised on gospel music and smitten with funk and soul, Stone has made a name for himself as a vocal powerhouse and a mentor on ABC’s “American Idol.” thesylvee.com

EIGHTH BLACKBIRD WITH UW WIND ENSEMBLE

Sept. 27, Hamel Music Center

Chamber music collective Eighth Blackbird joins forces with one of the university’s finest classical-music groups to perform Viet Cuong’s exciting “Vital Sines.” artsticketing.wisc.edu

“Shrek the Musical”

Allen Stone

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Sept. 28, Wisconsin Union Theater

Ndegeocello is a quadruple threat, setting trends and winning Grammys for singing, rapping, composing and playing the bass. This performance, an ode to Black literary titan James Baldwin, is sure to be a highlight of Wisconsin Union Theater’s 2024-25 Jazz Series. artsticketing.wisc.edu

STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT

Oct. 6, Overture Center

The two iconic funnymen have dubbed themselves the “dukes of Funnytown,” which is also their current tour’s moniker. They’ll earn the title with wry observations, witty repartee and perhaps a serenade from Martin’s banjo. overture.org

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “VISIONS”

Oct. 18-20, Overture Center

The Symphony welcomes two special guests — violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins and conductor Nicholas Hersh — for this program of works by Ravel, Berlioz and Anna Clyne. madisonsymphony.org

VISUAL ART AND BEYOND

MANUAL CINEMA’S “FRANKENSTEIN”

Oct. 17, Wisconsin Union Theater

Gear up for Halloween with a mindbending take on Mary Shelley’s creepy classic. Manual Cinema reanimates the tale with their signature blend of shadow puppetry, sound effects and live music, which has delighted audiences at the Kennedy Center and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. artsticketing.wisc.edu

“NORDIC UTOPIA? AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE 20TH CENTURY”

Through Nov. 10, Chazen Museum of Art

This touring exhibition explores how travel abroad to Nordic countries in the first half of the 20th century shaped the creative endeavors of singer Josephine Baker, saxophonist Dexter Gordon, dancer Doug Crutchfield, painters Herbert Gentry and Walter H. Williams, and other Black artists. chazen.wisc.edu

FIVE ESSENTIAL FESTS

Autumn offers la crème de la crème of gatherings for story seekers, art shoppers and culture-loving fun seekers.

MADISON COMIC & POP CULTURE EXPO

Sept. 14-15, Alliant Energy Center

Comics, cosplay and cinema are the cornerstones of this new gathering of pop-culture nerds and the people who love them. Attendees can take selfies with celebs such as Tom Kenny from “SpongeBob SquarePants” and Grace Van Dien of “Stranger Things.” madisoncomicexpo.com

VIVA MEXICO FESTIVAL

Sept. 15, Breese Stevens Field

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with Mariachi and Ranchero bands, plus contests, Chicano cuisine and El Grito, a ritual where the whole crowd shouts “Viva México!” lamovidaradio.com/ viva-mexico-festival

WILLY STREET FAIR

Sept. 21-22, 800-1000 blocks of Williamson Street

Food carts, craft vendors and oodles of local music acts are the highlights of this celebration of one of Madison’s iconic thoroughfares. willystreetfair.org

MADISON NIGHT MARKET

Oct. 17, State Street

Catch the last night market of 2024 and enjoy pop-up restaurants, a free concert and marvel at the creativity and skill of local artists and artisans, from ceramicists to perfumers. visitdowntownmadison.com

WISCONSIN BOOK FESTIVAL FALL CELEBRATION

Oct. 17-20, Madison Public Central Library and other venues

Bibliophiles unite at this collection of readings, meet-and-greets and other author events. The 2023 fall celebration included readings by “Generation Anxiety’s” Lauren Cook and “My Life in the Sunshine’s” Nabil Ayers. wisconsinbookfestival.org

Steve Martin and Martin Short

PM

Drumlin Ridge is located just outside Madison. Relax with a glass or a custom flight of locally-produced wine and a small plate, while overlooking the hillside vineyard. Browse the gift shop or order a custom gift basket. We also offer a private rental space for small gatherings.

Paul Jacobs, Grammy Award-winning organist and Juilliard professor, opens our 20th anniversary season with a program featuring Liszt’s towering Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam.” You won’t want to miss Mr. Jacobs’ incredible technique and artistry that will be on full display in our kickoff to this celebratory season!

– Greg Zelek

Johann Sebastian Bach, Select Works

Charles Ives, Variations on “America”

Franz Liszt, Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale

“Ad nos, ad salutarem undam”

MAJOR SPONSORS

Stephen Caldwell

Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske

Skofronick Family Charitable Trust

Condon and Mary Vander Ark

Friends of the Overture Concert Organ

Zelek is Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Overture Concert Organ.

A MARVELOUS NEW MIDDLE - GRADE NOVEL

BY SHAYNA MACE

Madison author and BRAVA contributor Laura Anne Bird is eager for the Sept. 10 launch of her second middle-grade novel, "Marvelous Jackson."

A standalone companion to her debut, “Crossing the Pressure Line,” her new book centers on 13-year-old Jack, whose mischievous ways have gotten him into trouble. He decides it’s time to make a change. Bird talked to us about her book.

What is Jack’s story about?

Jack lives in northern Wisconsin and is struggling to find his way following his mom’s death. Through a series of unexpected events, he rediscovers the love of baking he once shared with her and throws himself into learning about cookies, scones and sprinkles. He decides to apply for

“The Marvelous Midwest Kids Baking Championship” television show in Chicago, even though he knows his journey there will be tough and twisty.

Why is “Marvelous Jackson” relevant for 8- to 12-year-olds?

So many kids feel like they don’t fit in. Whether these feelings come from not looking or acting like everybody else or lacking what others have, they are legitimate and real. As soon as Jack lands on a hobby — in this case baking — he finally feels like he belongs. I hope that he inspires readers to try new things, even if it’s scary at first.

Will grownups like “Marvelous Jackson” too?

Yes! My book creates opportunities for parents, grandparents and caregivers to talk with kids about mental

health issues like loss, bullying and not fitting in.

Why is it important to you to base your stories in Wisconsin?

Many authors portray the Midwest as flyover country, which is frustrating. Kids living here deserve to see themselves vibrantly reflected in the pages of a book.

A SECOND LOOK | Top: Sarah Best poses in the Brigham Farmhouse, a 1903 home-turned-rental-property, located in Blue

Best worked with the owners to redecorate the home while maintaining its historic charm. Right: Lupita Montoto and her husband, Luis, started La Movida Radio in 2000. Twenty-four years later, the media company is still going strong. Bottom left: Vintage Barbies lay in wait an an area estate sale, organized by Carol Rybak of Rybak Estate Sales. Middle

has rolls, bolls and more on their menu. Owners Tanya Zhykharevich and Jack Yip also own RED, a sushi restaurant.

Mounds.

left: Jacknife

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