Wisconsin Women’s Network Announces 2017-18 Policy Institute Print
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Written by Wisconsin Women’s Network, Kara Pennoyer   
Monday, 30 October 2017 16:17

women25 new participants selected from a very competitive pool of applicants from across the state. Institute's goal is to increase the number of women community leaders who are actively involved in the public policy process.


MADISON – The Wisconsin Women’s Network (WWN) today announced the start of its sixth Policy Institute and the selection of 25 new participants. The Policy Institute is an intersectional advocacy training and leadership development program that teaches women how to be advocates in their communities. Throughout the four-month program, participants learn how to navigate Wisconsin’s legislative process in order to advance legislation to improve the lives of women and girls in Wisconsin.

For the 2017-18 Institute, participants were selected from a very competitive pool of applicants from across the state. The WWN is thrilled that the following women will participate this year: Gina Walkington of Bristol; Cyrena Martin of Brown Deer; Rachel Westenberg of Green Bay; Dawn Ankney of Kenosha; Jenna Gormel, Jill Hoiting, Kadijha Marquardt-Davis, Carol Martell, and Amanda Meloy of Madison; Ellen Pawley of Menomonee Falls; Jane Mahoney of Menomonie; Mary Criss, Linda Garcia Barnard, Gwen Mcgee, Shauntay Nelson, Krisjon Olson, Molly Schuld, and Bianca Williams of Milwaukee; Karen Tredwell of Pewaukee; Annie Knudson of Phillips; Libby Holte of Sheboygan; Lindsey Purl of Sparta; Charisse Daniels of Watertown; Kimberly Carrigan of Wauwatosa; and Ingrid Constalie of Westby.

The primary goal of the Wisconsin Women’s Policy Institute is to increase the number of women community leaders who are actively involved in the public policy process. The broad areas of focus for the 2017-18 Institute are women’s health, safety, and economic security. “Representation matters at every level and it is crucial that women across our great state are equipped to effectively advocate for the issues that matter to us and our families,” explained Jenifer Cole, WWN Board President. “The Policy Institute teaches the participants everything they need to strategically and effectively advocate at all levels of civic engagement, from their communities and school districts to the state legislature.”

The Policy Institute consists of four, two-day retreats, held in Madison beginning November 3, 2017. Through these retreats, participants get hands-on practice, interactive learning, and connections to leaders in numerous fields. The Institute is led by Vicky Selkowe, a public interest attorney and lobbyist who has nearly 20 years of Wisconsin-based policy advocacy experience. Past speakers at the Institute include both Republican and Democratic legislators, agency heads, Supreme Court Justices, stakeholders, lobbyists, and community activists. This year’s Institute is funded, in part, by generous grants from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Evjue Foundation.

About the Wisconsin Women’s Network

Founded in 1979, the Wisconsin Women’s Network promotes the advancement of women and girls in Wisconsin through communication, education, advocacy and connections. An all-volunteer board of directors organizes programs and events, such as the Institute and the annual Women’s Equality Day celebration. The WWN is a statewide, nonpartisan 501c(3) organization. For more information on the WWN, please visit our website, or connect with us on Facebook.

Last Updated on Monday, 30 October 2017 16:29