Friday, 2:00 Opening and Welcome Video
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has committed her life’s work to public service because she has a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of Wisconsin’s working families. In the proud tradition of Wisconsin’s state motto, Forward, she believes that we must always work together to help provide fairness, equality, and economic opportunity for all.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, she was raised by her grandparents because her mother struggled with mental illness, chronic pain, and drug abuse. When the opioid epidemic spread across Wisconsin devastating countless families, Tammy worked in the Senate to make sure Washington finally stepped up and supported local prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts throughout the state.
At nine years old, she was diagnosed with a serious childhood illness similar to spinal meningitis, which her grandparents’ health insurance wouldn’t cover. Later, when her grandparents looked for a health insurance policy for her, Tammy had been branded with the words “pre-existing condition.” Now, because of the Affordable Care Act, championed by Tammy in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate, children have protections that they didn’t have before and can’t be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
In 1998, Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District shattered the state’s glass ceiling and elected Tammy as the state’s first female member of Congress and the nation’s first openly gay challenger. She served seven terms in the House of Representatives. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, Tammy made history as Wisconsin’s first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate and the first openly gay member, and she was re-elected by the people of Wisconsin in 2018. Read Tammy’s full bio at https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/about
Friday, 5:30-6:00 Welcome
Saturday, 8:15-8:30 Defining Legacy Circle & Acknowledging WI Members
Katrina Sun Breese is the Senior Director of Institutional Advancement at
the American Association of University Women (AAUW), one of the nation’s leading voices promoting equity and education for women and girls and empowering them to reach their highest potential. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategy for and managing all aspects of AAUW’s philanthropic and dues revenue-generating programs.
Katrina has cultivated over 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising,
specializing in the Education and Healthcare industries. Prior to joining
AAUW, Katrina was the Vice President of Development and External
Affairs at APIA Scholars, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to
supporting APIA (Asian and Pacific Islander Americans) student access to
and success in higher education. In addition to her work at APIA Scholars,
she has held leadership roles in development at PDK International, the
Inova Health Foundation and The George Washington University Medical
Center. An avid traveler, Katrina grew up living all over the world and
across the US including South Korea, Pakistan, Bolivia, Texas, Mississippi,
California, Connecticut, DC and Virginia. She and her husband Adam
currently reside in Northern Virginia and are proud parents of their two
children.
Friday, 7:30-8:30 Keynote Speaker: “Unconscious Bias”
Derek Mosley, a graduate of Marquette University Law School in 1995, has been a
successful Assistant District Attorney for Milwaukee County from 1995-2002 and
represented the State of Wisconsin in over 1,000 criminal prosecutions. In 2002,
Mr. Mosley was appointed a Municipal Court Judge in Milwaukee, the youngest
African-American judge in Wisconsin. For ten years Mr. Mosley served as the
Chief Judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court. In 2023, Mr. Mosley became the
Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at
Marquette University Law School.
Judge Mosley sits on the Board of Directors for Froedtert Hospital, the Urban
Ecology Center, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Safe & Sound, Divine
Savior Holy Angels High School, the United Way Diversity Leadership
Committee, and Transcenter for Youth. He sits on the Supreme Court of
Wisconsin’s Judicial Education Committee.
His numerous awards include being inducted into the Milwaukee Community
Journal’s Academy of Legends, voted “Jurist of the Year” by the Justinian Society
of Lawyers, named “Milwaukeean of the Year” and “Milwaukee’s Most Trusted
Public Official” by the Shepherd Express, inducted into the Milwaukee Business
Journal’s 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame, and given the Robert H. Friebert Social
Justice Award from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Judge Mosley routinely speaks both nationally and internationally about
Unconscious Bias and Black History. Also, as a kidney transplant recipient, he is
an ardent supporter of Donate Life Wisconsin, the National Kidney Foundation,
and Versiti (formerly the Blood Center of Wisconsin). He currently serves as a
Donate Life Hollywood advisor to the television and movie industries to promote
accurate depictions of organ donation and transplant on television and in movies.
In his spare time, Judge Mosley is a local Milwaukee foodie and served as a 2022
James Beard Judge for the James Beard Foundation.
Saturday, 11:15-12:15 Keynote Speaker: “Being Overlooked”
Sarah Godlewski is a fifth-generation Wisconsinite who has held leadership positions in government and business. Most recently, Sarah garnered national attention as a U.S. Senate candidate who led a common sense, kitchen table campaign focused on issues that too often left behind — such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and reproductive freedom.
From 2019 to 2023, Sarah served as Wisconsin’s State Treasurer and focused her work on creating economic security of all Wisconsinites and building strong financial futures for families and communities throughout the state. During her tenure, Treasurer Godlewski provided record-breaking distributions to public schools; launched a homeownership program that is helping Wisconsinites buy and stay in their homes; and created a child savings account program called 401(K)ids.
Before serving as State Treasurer, Sarah was the co-founder of MaSa Partners, an impact investment firm that funds early-stage businesses, and a co-founder of WE Capital Fund, which empowers female entrepreneurs through financing opportunities. Sarah started her career in national security where she helped save taxpayers millions of dollars. Her financial career started in rural India, where she supported a micro-lending initiative and saw how access to capital can positively transform entire communities.
During her free time, Sarah is cheering on Wisconsin sports teams with her husband Max, son Hartley, and their rescue dog Tanner.
Saturday, 1:15-2:15 Keynote Speaker: “Engaging Young People in STEM – through Connection and Collaboration”
Dr. Marissa Jablonski is an accomplished water engineer, environmental advisor, and
plastics-reduction expert who has worked in more than 45 countries on Earth. Her way of understanding and engaging in complex interactions between human beings and environmental systems, combined with her skills in storytelling and systems processes, make her a much sought-after consultant and speaker.
Marissa serves as Executive Director of the Freshwater Collaborative and is a founding member and mentor to the UW Milwaukee chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and advises on the collaborative design and implementation of projects in Guatemala. Marissa’s innovative outlook on research, business, and life has won her many awards and praise from groups that include the National Academy of Engineering, National Science Foundation, Philanthropic Education Organization, Mondialogo, and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
Follow Marissa on InstaGram and Facebook @MarissaJablonski
Breakout Sessions I
2:30-3:15 Option 1
“Twenty Years of Changing Lives: The UW-Madison Odyssey Project” – Keena Atkinson and Char Braxton
Keena Atkinson, who graduated from Odyssey in 2010, is a single mother to 2 sons, activist, speaker, multifamily housing owner, master stylist, writer, actress, and sharer of knowledge, thought and wisdom. In addition to earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Keena is a 500 hour certified trauma informed, social
justice, and ayurveda yoga teacher and trainer.
As a former executive leader for a fortune 500 company, Keena has successfully led, developed and provided leadership to hundreds of people and multiple teams to achieve record high sales volumes, to execute timely, successful transitions and to achieve consistent growth. As a community servant, she works with various populations and diverse learning spaces on race, social justice, equity, education, and wellness. Through her wellness company, R'oujie Wellness, and her salon space, K Naturally Hair, Keena focuses on health, wealth and joy from the inside out. Her classes are taught throughout Dane County and virtually across the nation with emphasis on creating accessibility to racially disenfranchised and at risk populations through partnerships with schools, community programs, and nonprofit organizations.
Char Braxton is currently an Ambassador and Classroom Assistant with the
empowering and award-winning UW-Odyssey Program. She is a High Honors student
at Madison College graduating in the class of Spring 2023. She is on the road to
attending UW-Madison majoring in Creative Writing and the Chinese Language. Her
first poetry entry earned the top prize from the UW-Writers’ Conference. She believes
we are all diamonds, and it’s our choice to let our light shine.
2:30-3:15 Option 2
“Working with Survivors of Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence Seeking Justice and Healing as Defined by Them”
Erika Petty is Executive Director and Lead Attorney at LOTUS Legal Clinic, where she has worked with survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking since 2016. Erika supervises staff attorneys and handles her own caseload of providing civil and immigration legal services to survivors. Erika is a frequent presenter and speaker on victims’ rights generally, and specifically, on meeting the needs of human trafficking survivors through a rights-based and victim centered lens. Prior to joining LOTUS Legal Clinic, Erika worked as a staff attorney at Legal Action of Wisconsin, providing civil legal services to low-income individuals. Erika graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2006 where she focused on public interest law and was recognized by the State Bar of Wisconsin with the Public Interest Student of the Year Award in May 2006. Erika enjoys running, sailing on the Great Lakes, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
2:30-3:15 Option 3
“Public Policy: How to Influence the Future for Women and Girls” – Stephanie Malaney and Barbara Petersen
Stephanie Malaney is currently co-chair of Wisconsin State Public Policy. Stephanie is a former state president, Appleton branch president, and currently actively working in the public education sector. Stephanie’s leadership in the public policy area continues to advance AAUW’s mission of equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Barbara Peterson was the WI public policy state chair for several years after retirement from 3M Company marketing and sales. She continues to fill this role for the River Falls AAUW branch. Barb re-joined the state public policy group because of her passion for women’s issues and the desire to promote AAUW issues in our legislature. The advent of Zoom has made it possible for every member to be more involved in legislation that affects women and girls.
2:30-3:15 Option 4
“Financial Confidence Part I: A Road Map to Feeling Confident with your Financial Plan” – Julie Lipsky-Ellenbecker and Kristina Schnucke
Julie Ellenbecker Lipsky, CFP®, CDFA®, President, CEO & Senior Wealth Advisor at
Ellenbecker Investment Group.
Julie has worked in the financial services industry since 1993, and has held a
pioneering role with Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG) since it was founded. Julie’s
primary role is to oversee the firm’s business operations and promote its high level of
standards throughout every aspect of its growth while acting as President and Senior
Wealth Advisor. Julie also leads a team in servicing our EIG clients.
Both personable and knowledgeable, Julie has built strong relationships with our clients, employees, and partners. Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Southern
Wisconsin. She is a graduate of the Leadership Intensive Program, a powerful personal
development program for individuals and leaders who care passionately about living
and working a life of significance.
As an advocate of volunteerism and philanthropy, Julie served as a Director on the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation Board from 2009 – 2013 and as the Chair from 2013-2020. She is currently serving on the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee – Camp Whitcomb Mason Committee and has been a founding member of the EIG Charitable Foundation since 2006.
Kristina Schnuckel, CFP®, AIF®, Director of Client Experience & Wealth Advisor at
Ellenbecker Investment Group
Kristina Schnuckel joined the EIG team in 2013. She graduated from University of
Wisconsin – Milwaukee and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
designation in 2011. In 2014, Kristina became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary ®, to
better assist our clients through the use of Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans.
Kristina is a seasoned Wealth Advisor at EIG and her role as Director of Client
Experience ensures that every EIG client receives the same white glove service they have come to expect.
Kristina feels that investments are just one piece of a much
larger puzzle and is happy to help provide the extra service that is necessary for a more
secure and happy retirement. Kristina serves on the board of West Africa Mercy
Ministries, a non-profit that cares for orphans in Accra, Ghana among other projects.
Breakout Sessions 2
3:30-4:15 Option 1
“Educating Ourselves: The American Indian Nations of Wisconsin and Land Acknowledgment Statements” – Chris Ebert, Leslie Brunsell, and Pam Taylor
Chris Ebert is a member of the Northwoods Branch. Chris is currently the co-communications coordinator on the State Board and has held several leadership positions on both the state and branch boards.
Leslie Brunsell has been a member of AAUW Janesville since 1997 and
has held a variety of board positions, She is currently the branch DEI chair and the DEI
coordinator for AAUW WI.
Pam Taylor is a member of the Northwoods Branch, where she currently serves as president and is also the president of the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods.
3:30-4:15 Option 2
“Know More About Afghanistan: Cultural Insights”
Khatera Nazari, UW-Milwaukee student from Afghanistan
I grew up in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, where I learned that the world needs resilient women, namely women who are lively and energetic regardless of their environment. Particularly, in Afghanistan, even now, women are not accepted as human beings.
I started studying English when I was in fourth grade in elementary school. I started to get an English course with the help of Shams institution. The English book series which I have studied was called “Active One.”I was the youngest student in the class, and my classmates used to call me “Chochagak” in Dari, which means a child or a little girl; however, I did not care what they called me. I just wanted them to understand that I would make it regardless of whether they believed in me or not, and finally, I managed to do it. I finished the IRC (International Rescue Committee) system.
I have a simple family. There are six people in my family. We were living very happily in our small home, which we built with trust and honesty. I was a close friend to my mother, sisters, and brothers. However, my father died when I was 17 years old, and those days were exceedingly difficult for me. I was and I am a princess for my dad. I am proud of my father because he taught me how to defend my rights and how to be strong in a society like Afghanistan by telling me my rights and by letting me learn knowledge to understand and live those rights. My father is my role model because he fought against all terrible beliefs and it was not easy to illustrate: a girl should not laugh, a girl does not have the right to go to school or university, and a girl should marry a boy that he chooses for her; my father defended women’s rights.
3:30-4:15 Option 3
“Courageous Conversation: Understanding Unconscious Bias”– Rebecca Surges and West Suburban Milwaukee DEI Committee
Rebecca “Becca” Surges has been a member of the West Suburban Milwaukee branch for the past 8 years. As Chair of the WSM DEI Committee (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), Becca leads diversity initiatives including Courageous Conversations.
In her professional role as Director of Philanthropy & Marketing Communications for St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee, Becca oversees fundraising and communication strategy for Milwaukee County.
During the convention’s Courageous Conversation, Becca will be joined by members of the West Suburban Milwaukee DEI Committee
3:30-4:15 Option 4
“Financial Confidence Part II: Basic Estate Planning”
Attorney Stacy A. Vogeltanz received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A. 2007) and graduated cum laude from the University of
Minnesota Law School in 2010. She previously worked with the Milwaukee County Department of Child Support Enforcement and the Wisconsin Supreme Court Office of Lawyer Regulation and helped Social Security Disability applicants obtain the benefits they deserved. Stacy has been focused on Estate Planning and Elder Law for the past 8 years. At her firm, Angermeier & Rogers, LLP, Stacy assists her clients navigating the
Long Term Care process, applying and qualifying for Medicaid, creating thorough estate plans for clients of all ages, and helping families settle an estate after the death of a loved one.
Stacy is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar, Milwaukee Bar Association, Wealth
Counsel, Elder Counsel, Wisconsin Council of Estate Planning Attorneys, and the
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is an accredited attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs.