Wisconsin Women in Government

10/06/2026

Exciting news—applications are now open for the next session of the Wisconsin Women's Network Policy Institute! This incredible program offers participants the opportunity to develop their advocacy skills, learn how to navigate Wisconsin’s legislative process, and apply their passion for improving the lives of women and girls in Wisconsin.

Learn more and apply by 10/14 to join the next cohort: https://wiwomensnetwork.org/policy-institute

Applications are now open for the 13th session of the Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute!

This unique program offers hands-on leadership, communications, and policy advocacy training to 25-30 women from across Wisconsin. Through a series of four, two-day retreats in Madison, participants will strengthen their advocacy skills, learn how to navigate Wisconsin’s legislative process, and apply their passion for improving the lives of women and girls in our state.

Applications are welcome from women from all sectors and backgrounds, including individuals working or volunteering in nonprofit organizations, academia, philanthropy, labor unions, and government.

Learn more and apply by Wednesday, October 14: https://wiwomensnetwork.org/policy-institute

09/22/2026

🍂Don't miss the WWIG fall event line-up with free Webinar Wednesdays! 🍂

💸Women & Investing: Building Confidence for Retirement
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 12PM - 1PM via Zoom | Register now: https://conta.cc/4djQqDs

Women are living longer than ever, making retirement planning one of the most important financial decisions they will make. Yet many women face unique challenges, including wage disparities, career interruptions, caregiving responsibilities, and lower lifetime Social Security benefits, that can make building long-term financial security more difficult.

To help address these challenges, WWIG is partnering with Summit Financial Education for Women, the Wisconsin Women’s Network, and the Wisconsin Women’s Council to present this webinar.

The complimentary webinar will feature Jody Brown, CLU, ChFC®, CFP®, a Summit Financial Advisor, who will share practical strategies to help women invest with confidence and prepare for a more secure financial future.

🗳️Constitutional Amendment on November Ballot
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12PM - 1PM via Zoom | Register now: https://conta.cc/4crKvfk

This nonpartisan educational webinar will provide WWIG members with an opportunity to hear directly from organizations representing differing perspectives on the amendment and to learn more about its potential implications for women and girls in Wisconsin.

Panelists:
🎙️Amanda Merkwae — ACLU of Wisconsin
🎙️Debra Cronmiller — League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
🎙️Kyle Koenen — Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty

Panelists will be asked to address the following question:
How could the proposed constitutional amendment benefit or adversely affect women and girls in Wisconsin, including women and girls of different races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds?

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.

09/08/2026

🍂 Announcing WWIG fall event line-up with free Webinar Wednesdays! 🍂

💸Women & Investing: Building Confidence for Retirement
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 12PM - 1PM via Zoom | Register now: https://conta.cc/4djQqDs

Participants will learn:
✔️How increased life expectancy affects retirement planning
✔️Strategies for addressing wage and Social Security gaps
✔️Ways to manage inflation and other retirement savings challenges
✔️Benefits of compounding and diversification

🗳️Constitutional Amendment on November Ballot
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12PM - 1PM via Zoom | Register now: https://conta.cc/4crKvfk

WWIG invites you to join us for a free, virtual educational webinar on “Government Entity Discrimination Prohibited,” one of the proposed constitutional amendments appearing on Wisconsin’s November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

The proposed amendment would prohibit government entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to an individual or group based on race, s*x, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting, or public administration. The webinar will feature panelists from organizations that support and oppose the proposal from the League of Women Voters, WI Institute for Law & Liberty, and ACLU of WI. Join us!

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.

08/27/2026

As WWIG prepares to mark four decades of supporting, connecting, and advancing women in public service across Wisconsin, we’re excited to welcome our 2026-2027 leadership and a new group of Board members who will help carry that legacy forward.

For 40 years, WWIG has created opportunities for women to build relationships, grow as leaders, and open doors for the next generation. We’re proud of how far we’ve come — and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Join us in welcoming the leaders who will help guide WWIG into its 40th year and beyond: https://conta.cc/3Ui08jm

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our members, alumni, partners, and friends at events throughout the coming year!

Email from Wisconsin Women in Government Celebrating 40 years of women in public service and welcoming the leaders shaping WWIG’s next chapter. DATE: August 27, 2026 CONTACT: [email protected] W

07/27/2026

We hope to see you at this awesome event celebrating Women's Equality Day!

This Women's Equality Day, the Wisconsin Women's Network is celebrating the power of investing in women who will shape our future. Together, we can open doors, amplify voices, and equip emerging leaders with the resources, connections, and confidence they need to thrive.

Join us on Thursday, August 27 from 5-8pm for our 2026 Women's Equality Day celebration and help us continue building the next generation of leaders. Because equality isn't just about where we've been—it's about who we're empowering next.

Learn more and register today: https://wiwomensnetwork.org/wed26

07/23/2026

✅ UPDATE (July 24): This issue has been resolved.

Our website security team has removed the ClickFix malware, completed a full cleanup of the site, and verified through multiple security scans that the website is now safe to use.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we worked to resolve this issue.

⚠️ Website Security Notice ⚠️

We are aware of a ClickFix malware issue affecting the Wisconsin Women in Government website and are working as quickly as possible with our tech support to resolve it.

ClickFix is a type of cyberattack that attempts to trick visitors into following fake security prompts or running malicious commands on their computer. If you visited our website and were prompted to complete unusual verification steps, copy and paste commands, or download anything, do not proceed.

Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend avoiding the website until we confirm the issue has been fully resolved.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. We will provide an update as soon as the website is safe to use again.

07/21/2026

🌻 What if your Saturday morning could boost your network and empower women in government? Sign up for a garden clean‑up with WWIG and connect with peers at an upcoming Service & Social!

Join us! Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9AM - 12PM | Blair Street Gardens, Madison

Register by Friday at https://conta.cc/4wihtGY

07/20/2026

Think you know of an innovation or innovator that deserves some recognition? Consider nominating them for the Salute to Local Government awards! Nominations are due July 31. See more information below.

🚨🚨 The deadline is approaching to honor the best of Wisconsin's public sector!

Through July 31, we're accepting nominations for our Salute to Local Government awards (see link in comments). They honor excellence in local and state government, school districts and their employees across Wisconsin.

Salute award categories recognize outstanding performance by local governments and school districts for: innovative problem-solving, intergovernmental cooperation, advancing equity, or private-public cooperation.

In partnership with the La Follette School of Public Affairs: UW-Madison, we're excited to recognize excellence in innovation and/or management in state government. We also recognize public sector workers for individual excellence and as leader of the future.

YOU CAN HELP to recognize outstanding public servants across Wisconsin by offering your own Salute nominations -- and by spreading the word to others.

07/16/2026

What an incredible way to kick off our 2026 WWIG Summer Series! A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding panelists, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Diane Handrick, Jennifer Garrett, and former Senator Joan Ballweg, for their honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom as they shared the lessons they've learned from mistakes, setbacks, and embracing imperfection. A special thank you as well to our wonderful moderator, Richelle Andrae, for guiding such a thoughtful and engaging conversation.

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and continued the conversation afterward at Concerts on the Square. A special thank you to Michael Best Strategies for hosting us!

✨ Stay tuned for more details about our next WWIG Summer Series event. We can't wait to see you there!

07/07/2026

Join us! Making Mistakes and Moving On: Lessons Learned from Embracing Failure

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Madison | Register today! https://conta.cc/3Qg9CKo

🚨 Panelist Highlight Alert!
Learn more about one of our special guests, Joan Ballweg!

🏆 Joan was born in West Allis, a UW- Stevens Point graduate where she met and married her husband Tom of 52 years. After a few years teaching, Joan and Tom bought a John Deere farm equipment dealership and are celebrating their 50th year in business, now with locations in Waupun and Beaver Dam. In addition to the business, Joan became involved in local civic service and served her hometown, Markesan for 10 years, 4 on the city council and 6 as Mayor.

In 2004, Joan was encouraged to run for an open Assembly seat, winning a 9-way Republican primary, was elected to the State Assembly. Joan served 20 years in the legislature, 16 years in the Assembly and 4 years in the State Senate. Joan served in leadership in both houses and on the Joint Finance Committee, as well as chairing legislative and study committees during her terms. She was involved in regional and national legislative organizations and served as Chair of the Midwest Legislative Council in 2016 and National Chair of the Council of State Governments in 2020 and 2021. Joan and Tom raised 3 adult children and have 4 grandchildren.

Don't miss out - registration closes on Friday!

📆 Wednesday, July 15, 4PM - 6PM (event program will begin at 4:30PM) followed by optional social at Concerts on the Square
📍 Michael Best Strategies, 1 S. Pinckney St. Unit 700, Madison WI
✅ $15 registration fee includes beverages and appetizers