Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) is proud to honor outstanding women who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and made extraordinary contributions to government at the local, state, or national level. Through the Rising Star Award and Legacy Award, WWIG recognizes women whose leadership, dedication, and impact have shaped the public sector.
Rising Star Award
Rising Star Award honors a woman who has demonstrated excellence and made an extraordinary impact in her profession relative to her years of service. This award is designed for women who have been in their profession for 10 years or less and work in local, state, or national government. Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to:
Who is Eligible?
- Elected officials
- Public employees
- Professionals who interact with government through the private sector
2025 Rising Star Award Recipient
Michelle Wynveen
Michelle Wynveen, also known as Shelley, will receive the Rising Star Award in 2025 in recognition of her exceptional achievements and contributions to public service..
With an impressive military background and a commitment to serving veterans and their families, Michelle has emerged as a leader dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those who have served our country. Born and raised as the twelfth of sixteen children in New Berlin, WI, Michelle attended Mary Queen of Heaven Elementary School and Nathan Hale High School. She proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2015, completing various assignments, including service in Iwakuni, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, CA. As a formal school instructor and a dedicated mentor, she left a lasting impact on the Marines under her guidance.
After her military service, Michelle transitioned into civilian roles, including positions as a Litigation Assistant and a Sensitive Crimes Project Coordinator with the Milwaukee Police Department. In 2020, she became a Lifetime Member of the VFW and has engaged actively with organizations supporting women in the military. In her current role as the County Veterans Service Officer for Calumet County, Michelle advocates for veterans and their dependents, guiding them through the complexities of the benefits application process. Her recent appointment as the Wisconsin Representative for the National Association of CVSOs Women’s Committee highlights her commitment to improving advocacy for female veterans.
Michelle holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, and she is on track to earn her Doctorate in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement in August 2025 from Concordia University – Wisconsin. With her relentless dedication and passion for serving others, Michelle Wynveen exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader and advocate for veterans, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
Legacy Award
Who is Eligible?
The Legacy Award recognizes women who have made significant professional contributions to local, state, or national government. This award honors those who have left a lasting impact through their leadership, dedication, and service. Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to:
- Elected officials
- Public employees
- Professionals who interact with government through the private sector
2025 Legacy Award Recipient
Eve Galanter
Eve’s impressive career includes serving as the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and multiple terms as a member of the Madison City Council, where she held the role of Council president. Her extensive experience also includes directing the Madison regional office for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl for nearly 13 years and providing consulting services in public relations, fundraising, event planning, and government relations for various corporate and nonprofit clients.
A longtime advocate for civic engagement and women’s leadership, Eve has held significant positions such as president of the Madison Public Library Board, President of the Wisconsin Women’s Network, and chair of the Madison Civics Club. She successfully launched the Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute, which continues to empower women across the state to become effective advocates for public policy. She is also past president of the UW-Madison Hillel Foundation, the YWCA of Madison Foundation, TEMPO Madison, and Wisconsin Women in Government.
Eve is President of the Capital Times Kids Fund and is actively involved in numerous boards, including the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Madison Senior Center Foundation, and the TEMPO Madison Foundation. She is also the founder and sponsor of the Wisconsin Civics Games. Her commitment to public service and community engagement has profoundly impacted countless individuals and organizations throughout Wisconsin.
Eve’s remarkable contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award and the Community Shares of Wisconsin Backyard Hero Award. She was also recognized in the inaugural class of Brava Magazine’s Women to Watch and the sole woman featured in InBusiness Magazine’s “Seven over Seventy.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Eve is a proud mother and grandmother, and a graduate of the University of Chicago. Her diverse career has included roles as a teacher, freelance writer, television news reporter focused on consumer affairs, and an occasional proofreader for friends.
Nomination & Selection Process
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and contributed to celebrating the remarkable women shaping the future of public service. Your efforts play a vital role in recognizing and uplifting these leaders. As we celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary women, we eagerly anticipate the opening of the 2026 nomination window at the beginning of the year. Let’s continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders!