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Laura Schwartz, Keynote Speaker at the 26th Wisconsin Women in Government Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala
Wisconsin Native, Author of Eat, Drink & Succeed, Television Commentator and former White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration to Speak at May 7 Event

MADISON- Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today that Wisconsin-born and raised, Laura Schwartz, who served as the White House Director of Events to former President Bill Clinton, will keynote the organization’s 26^th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala on Tuesday, May 7^th, 2013 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

“We are proud to celebrate our 26^th Anniversary this year, and are thrilled to have Laura Schwartz as our keynote speaker,” said Lisa Schultz, WWIG President. “Laura will bring positive energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to our annual fundraising event. Her experiences with government in the White House, domestically, and internationally make her an excellent role model for women serving in government at all levels.

The rejuvenated event will begin with a networking reception featuring a silent auction from 5:00-6:15pm. The program and keynote address will run from 6:15pm-7:00pm. This year’s event features a revamped format that emphasizes networking and will include heavy appetizers and dessert. This year’s Awards Gala will highlight outstanding Women of Achievement in the business field, as well as recent undergraduate scholarship recipients.

WWIG’s 26^th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala is the premier bipartisan political event in Wisconsin, attended by more than 1,000 federal, state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has raised more than $1 million to support and encourage women to choose a career in public service and to advance women in government. Wisconsin Women in Government is fully volunteer-driven and all funds raised will benefit scholarships and programs benefiting women pursuing careers in government service.

Media interested in attending should contact Laura Smith at 715-252-0016 or via email at laura.kirsten.smith@gmail.com for media credentials.

Laura Schwartz was born and raised in Plymouth, Wisconsin. During her time as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, Laura created and executed more than 1,000 White House events including 12 State arrival ceremonies and dinners, America’s Millennium Celebration, and NATO’s 50th Anniversary. Laura is an eight-year veteran of the Administration, having served as The White House Director of Television and Midwest Press Secretary for the President prior to being named Director of Events in 1997. Following the Administration, Laura traveled the world with Former President Clinton for his Foundation and Global Initiative.

In her first book, Eat, Drink & Succeed! Climb Your Way to the Top Using the Networking Power of Social Events, Laura shares the secrets that skyrocketed her onto the world stage, adding color with personal anecdotes from her life and White House years. Laura appears regularly as an international television commentator speaking about leadership, networking, domestic and foreign affairs, pop culture and special events. Laura’s non-partisan commentary is well respected both domestically and internationally.

Laura is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, where she founded White House Strategies in 2001. She has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Chicago” by Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine and one of Chicago’s “Most Bold and Beautiful” by Chicago Magazine. She proudly serves on the boards of the American Heart Association and Clean the World.

2011- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland’s first woman Lieutenant Governor

2009- Donna Brazile, veteran Democratic political commentator and strategist

2008- Jenna Bush, best-selling author and international child rights advocate

2004- Mary Matalin, former counselor to President Bush and Vice President Cheney

1997- Lynne Cheney, former Chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and author

1992- Molly Ivins, award- winning syndicated columnist and best-selling author

1991- Peggy Noonan, columnist for the Wall Street Journal, author, and former speechwriter to President Reagan

1998- Donna Shalala, President of the University of Miami, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and former Chancellor of UW-Madison.

2013 Women of Achievement and Undergraduate Scholars

Women of Achievement in Business and Scholarship Recipients to Be Honored at May 7^th Gala in Madison

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) today announced the recipients of the 2013 Women of Achievement awards and this year’s undergraduate scholarship winners. The four Women of Achievement will be honored alongside WWIG’s scholarship recipients at WWIG’s 26^th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala on Tuesday, May 7^th at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available at http://conta.cc/12utSFq and individual tickets can also be purchased at the door.

“WWIG is proud to support women at all stages of their career – from high school to distinguished professionals,” Lisa Schultz, WWIG President said. “This year, WWIG will honor four outstanding women in business as well as our talented scholarship winners including three undergraduate scholars. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating these accomplished women at our May 7^th Scholarship Recognition Gala.”

WWIG will also recognize its additional scholarship recipients, 2012 Bonnie Reese legislative intern Laura Shong, 2012 Badger Girls State Governor Kate Wehrman, and the 2013 La Follette Graduate Seminar graduates.

The four Women of Achievement were chosen from a competitive field of successful businesswomen nominated for their outstanding professional and civic contributions.

Cindy Brown is the President of Chippewa Valley Bean, the largest kidney bean processing facility in North America that exports 30 percent of its products internationally to countries such as Japan, Colombia, and Russia. She is also the president of Doane Ltd., a 4,000-acre sixth-generation family farm in the Chippewa Valley. In addition to the time she devotes to the family businesses, Brown has also been committed to helping those suffering from hunger and poverty around the world. She helped build a school in Haiti and established a first-of-its-kind micro farm in Ghana.

Deb Carey is the founder and president of New Glarus Brewing Co., which is well-known for “Spotted Cow” and its other Wisconsin beers. She was the first runner-up for the 2011 National Small Business Person of the Year and has been a long-time advocate for government policies that will have a positive impact on growth within the industry, particularly for small breweries trying to compete against much larger competitors. Earlier this year, Carey was an invited guest of President Barack Obama at his State of the Union Address where she sat with First Lady Michelle Obama during the speech.

Camille Haney began her career in the state Attorney General’s office and ultimately worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under former Secretary Tommy Thompson. She then moved into the private sector where she founded her own company, Strategic Alliances, Inc. which focuses on consumer advocacy. Haney is also committed to community service through her involvement with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and United Way.

Susan Lipp is the Owner and Chairwoman of the Board for Full Compass Systems, a professional audio, visual, lighting and musical instrument company, and the fourth-largest woman-owned business in Wisconsin. She is also active in a number of community organizations, including serving on the Circus World Museum Board.

WWIG looks forward to honoring these Women of Achievement, while raising funds for its scholarships and programs, at this year’s scholarship recognition gala. WWIG will also recognize this year’s undergraduate scholarship winners.

With the support of generous sponsors, WWIG provides undergraduate scholarships to make post-secondary education more accessible to women pursuing careers in public service. This year, Wisconsin Women in Government awarded three $3000 scholarships – one each to students enrolled in Wisconsin’s public, private and technical colleges, respectively. This year’s awardees are:

Vicky Hunter lives in Rhinelander and is pursuing an associate’s degree in the Administrative Professional program at Nicolet Area Technical College. She serves as President of the local chapter of Business Professionals of America and volunteers for the Special Olympics and cancer research. She returned to school after 30 years and is a mother and a grandmother. Vicky also works at the Wisconsin State Public Defenders office in Rhinelander.

Kala Frueh is known as an astute problem solver and she aspires to one day become a member of the C.I.A. She served as a volunteer on the Burlington Rescue Squad and is pursuing a degree in psychology and criminology at Marquette University. She is distinguished by her commitment to serving her community and her inspiring personal story.

Cassandra Ramos is a third-year student at UW-Milwaukee and she found her calling to public service through a Chicano social justice student organization. Cassandra is pursuing a degree in social welfare and has a distinct passion and advocacy for policies of social justice. She is from West Bend. Her professional goal is to work in deterrence programs in the juvenile justice system and on fair immigration policies.

At this year’s banquet, Wisconsin Women in Government will also honor Jennifer Boyce, a 2010 WWIG Graduate Seminar alumna who passed away this year. Jennifer’s love for community and her dedication to the well-being of the people of Wisconsin will live long past her senseless death.

This year’s gala features keynote speaker Laura Schwartz. Laura Schwartz, a professional speaker, television commentator, and author of Eat, Drink, & Succeed, was born and raised in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Schwartz began as an intern in the Clinton White House and rose to White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, where she executed more than 1,000 events.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: wiscwomeningovernment.org. Individual tickets are $65 and can also be purchased at the door.

“We thank our generous sponsors for their continued support of WWIG and for enabling us to support women pursuing careers in government service,” Lisa Schultz added. "If you cannot attend the event, please consider sponsoring WWIG's great scholarships and programs by making a donation today."

Wisconsin Women in Government May 7 Gala to Feature Silent Auction and Networking Opportunities

Event to Feature Keynote by Laura Schwartz, Former Clinton White House Director of Events and Author of Eat, Drink & Succeed

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) today highlighted some of the raffle and silent auction items available at the upcoming May 7 gala. WWIG’s 26th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala, which will be held from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Monona Terrace in Madison, features keynote speaker and Wisconsin native Laura Schwartz. Schwartz is a television commentator, former White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, and author of Eat, Drink & Succeed: Climb Your Way to the Top Using the Networking Power of Social Events. Tickets and sponsorships for the event are available for purchase now at http://wiscwomeningovernment.org.

"Wisconsin Women in Government is excited for this year's gala event, which features dynamic keynote speaker Laura Schwartz, fabulous silent auction and raffle items, and great opportunities to network with elected officials and professionals,” Lisa Schultz, WWIG President said. “WWIG invites people from across the state to join us on May 7th to support our mission of supporting women pursuing careers in government service."

The evening begins with a networking reception and silent auction from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. and the speaking program begins at 6:15 p.m. This year’s awards gala will highlight outstanding Women of Achievement in the business field, as well as recent undergraduate scholarship recipients.
This year’s silent auction and raffle always features exciting items donated from a wide variety of generous local businesses and individuals. Silent auction and raffle entertainment items include items from:

Finally, for those looking for gift ideas, there will be Book Club gift baskets, a copy of Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know signed by author Jill Geisler, a handmade wreath, framed posters and print canvases, an emergency car kit, items from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Madison Mallards, SwimWest, Scotts Pastry Shoppe, Abracadabra Limousines, Lucky Dog Daycare, and American Players Theatre, and a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol courtesy of Senator Fitzgerald.

Some of these items will be included in the event raffle: Individual gala tickets are on sale now for $65 and can be purchased online. Raffle tickets are also available for advance purchase or at the door for $10 each, or 6 for $40. For more information about sponsorships or tickets, please contact WWIG at wwigquestions@gmail.com or by mail at: P.O. Box 2543, Madison, WI 53701.

WWIG’s annual gala is the premier bipartisan political event in Wisconsin, attended by more than 1,000 federal, state, and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has raised over one million dollars to support and encourage women to choose a career in public service and to advance women in government. Wisconsin Women in Government is fully volunteer-driven, and all funds raised will benefit scholarships and programs benefiting women pursuing careers in government service.

Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch Encourages Women to Help Women through “Suited for Success” Drive

Lt. Governor Joins Wisconsin Women in Government and Klinke Cleaners in Support of Professional Clothing Drive from April 15-26

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) has officially launched its annual “Suited for Success” professional clothing drive, with the support of Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and professional women across Dane County. The Lt. Governor joined WWIG in encouraging women to donate gently-used professional attire to Klinke Cleaners between April 15 - 26.

“I applaud Wisconsin Women in Government for supporting the ‘Suited for Success’ program to help provide women in need with access to professional clothing that will make a difference for them as they interview and start new jobs,” said Lt. Governor Kleefisch. “As our state continues to move forward in creating new jobs and opportunities, we need to make sure that all women have the clothing they need to make a solid first impression. I wish all of the women who will benefit from this program the very best as they begin a new journey toward a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

Sponsored by WWIG and Klinke Cleaners, the professional clothing drive will benefit the YWCA of Madison’s “Suited for Success” program. Between April 15^th and April 26^th, donations of gently-used women’s business attire will be accepted at any Madison-area Klinke Cleaners location. Simply drop off up to three gently-used women’s business outfits, mention “Suited for Success,” and Klinke Cleaners will clean, press and deliver the clothing items to the YWCA of Madison.

“Wisconsin Women in Government is very excited to have Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch’s support in announcing and promoting this year’s ‘Suited for Success’ professional clothing drive,’” Lisa Schultz, WWIG President, said. “This program helps give women that extra boost of confidence they need as they prepare for job interviews and ultimately start new jobs. We thank Klinke Cleaners for again sponsoring this event and encourage women across the area to generously donate.”

Over the past 26 years, WWIG has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to women pursuing careers in government service, including undergraduate scholarships, the La Follette Graduate Seminar program, Badger Girls State, and other programs. To benefit these programs, WWIG holds an annual scholarship recognition gala. This year’s gala will be held on May 7, 2013 from 5-7:30 p.m. in Madison. For more information on this year’s event, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit: wiscwomeningovernment.org.

23 Women Receive Scholarships for WWIG Graduate Seminar

Twenty-three women have received full scholarships to participate in Wisconsin Women in Government's 13 th Annual Public Policy Graduate Seminar program. The six-week course began January 19th.

Offered in cooperation with the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the goal of WWIG’s Graduate Seminar is to give management and leadership training to women currently working in state and local government and to women working in the private sector who interact with government.

“We are pleased to offer this leadership training to women who are committed to continued careers in Wisconsin government,” said Lisa Schultz, WWIG President. “We have a terrific group of women once again this year, and this graduate course is a wonderful opportunity for them to gain management, networking, and leadership skills.”

The Graduate Seminar is a program fully funded by WWIG and offered in cooperation with the La Follette School of Public Affairs. It is funded through an annual banquet fundraiser, attended by 1,000 state and local elected officials, business leaders, public servants, and political enthusiasts.

Every year, WWIG awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate study in government, sponsors the Graduate Seminar, sponsors the Bonnie Reese Legislative Scholarship, provides scholarships to the young woman elected Governor of Badger Girls State (BGS) and 22 girls to attend BGS. WWIG also offers leadership seminars to help women across the state with career and professional development.

WWIG Seeking Nominations for ‘Women of Achievement’ Awards at Annual Gala

Annual spring Gala to honor women leaders in business; deadline to submit nomination forms is April 10, 2013

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) announced today that it is seeking nominations for outstanding women in the field of business that will be honored as “Women of Achievement” at this year’s spring Gala. WWIG’s annual Gala will take place on Tuesday, May 7^th.

Each year during the annual Gala, WWIG honors professional women who have been trailblazers and made significant contributions within a specific field. Last year, WWIG honored women in journalism and mass communication, and in previous years women in healthcare, local government, and the military have been honored as “Women of Achievement.”

The 2013 spring gala will honor talented women, including entrepreneurs, who have achieved significant accomplishments in the field of business, garnered the utmost respect from colleagues and employees, and have made a positive impact on the community.

Wisconsin Women in Government
Attn: Awards Committee
P.O. Box 2543
Madison, WI 53701

Wisconsin Women in Government’s Annual Awards and Recognition Gala is the premiere bipartisan political networking event in Wisconsin, attended by nearly 1,000 federal, state and local elected officials, public servants, business leaders, and political enthusiasts. Since 1987, WWIG has been committed to raising funds to support scholarships awarded women choosing to pursue an education that will ultimately lead them to a career in public service.

This year’s Gala will be a networking event and silent auction with heavy appetizers and dessert served. Individual tickets are currently on sale for $65, and can be purchased online at www.WiscWomenInGovernment.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; and more information about the sponsorship levels by calling (608) 848-2321 or email mmpurtell@gmail.com

WWIG, Klinke Cleaners Sponsor ‘Suited for Success’ Professional Clothing Drive April 15-26

MADISON – Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) and Klinke Cleaners, in their 11th year of collaboration, are partnering together to help support the YWCA of Madison’s “Suited for Success” program, the organizations announced today.

“As WWIG celebrates our 26th year of helping women pursue careers in public service, we are pleased to once again partner with Klinke Cleaners to support the Suited for Success program,” said Lisa Schultz, WWIG Board President. “Suited for Success helps low-income women return to the workforce by providing them with professional clothing at no charge. We encourage community members to donate women’s business clothing and help make this year’s program a success.”

Up to three “gently used” outfits of women’s business clothing may be donated between April 15 and 26 at any Klinke Cleaners in the Madison area. Mention “Suited for Success” when you drop off the outfits and Klinke Cleaners will clean, press and deliver the clothes to the YWCA of Madison. Receipts will be available. No footwear or accessories, please.

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service or a government-related field by providing scholarships to those who may not have the financial resources to pursue their goals. Proceeds from the Annual Scholarship and Recognition Banquet are used to support scholarships for women at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

WWIG presents: Work Happy What Great Bosses Know

Work Happy What Great Bosses Know: An Evening with Jill Geisler, Author, of Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know

Jill Geisler has helped thousands of managers become better bosses -- and true leaders. As head of the respected Poynter Institute’s Leadership and Management programs, she teaches, coaches and consults in organizations in the US and abroad.

Friday, March 22, 2013
5:30 - 8:00 pm
von Briesen & Roper
411 East Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1000
Milwaukee, WI 53202

$35 Registration includes signed copy of book: Madison Area for only $50.00 Transportation and Registration!

More Information & Registration

Mark Your Calendars! 2013 Annual Awards & Recognition Gala

Wisconsin Women in Government Encourages Women in Government Service to Apply for Graduate Seminar Program

Wisconsin women interested in furthering their careers in state government are encouraged to apply for Wisconsin Women in Government’s 13th Public Policy Graduate Seminar by November 30, 2012. Offered in cooperation with the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, the goal of WWIG’s Graduate Seminar is to provide management training to women in the public and private sector to help them acquire the skills they need to move into positions of leadership.

"We invite aspiring women in government agencies and the private sector to apply to participate in Wisconsin Women in Government’s Graduate Seminar," Lisa Schultz, WWIG President, said. "The public policy Graduate Seminar is an integral part of WWIG's work to support women pursuing careers in government service. Wisconsin Women in Government is proud to partner once again with the La Follette School of Public Affairs in offering women this great opportunity to develop the management, networking and leadership skills they need to lead in public service and advance their careers."

There are fifteen scholarships available for women currently employed in government. Five additional places are reserved for other applicants, including those in the private sector, at a reduced cost of $400. The course will be offered for six weeks in January and February of 2013.

The Graduate Seminar is a program of Wisconsin Women in Government offered in cooperation with the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact WWIG if you are interested in sponsoring an attendee or portion of the seminar.

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service. Through the generous support of our sponsors, WWIG awards scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate and post-graduate study at Wisconsin institutions of higher education. Over the past 26 years, WWIG has awarded a number of other scholarships to women pursuing careers in government service, including the La Follette Graduate Seminar program, the Bonnie Reese legislative internship, Badger Girls State, and other programs.

Thank you to all who attend the 26th Annual Scholarhip & Recognition Gala!