Our Story
In 1987, a group of women recognized that although they worked across different agencies, offices, and organizations, they shared many of the same experiences. They founded Wisconsin Women in Government to create a welcoming community where women working in and around government could build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, support one another’s professional growth, and inspire the next generation of women leaders.
Four decades later, that vision continues to guide everything we do. While our organization has grown and evolved, our purpose remains the same: to bring together women from all levels of government and the public sector to learn, lead, and succeed together. Wisconsin Women in Government is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an all-volunteer organization that relies on the dedication of Board members and partners to fulfill its mission.
How We Make an Impact
$1.2M+
Awarded in scholarships
40
Years of empowering women
Hundreds
Leadership Seminar graduates
Thousands
Connected through WWIG events
Scholarships
Investing in the next generation of public service leaders through merit-based scholarship awards.
Leadership Development
Building confident, capable leaders through our Leadership Seminar program.
Events & Networking
Creating opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside professionals across Wisconsin.
Awards & Recognition
Celebrating women whose dedication and service strengthen government and communities.
Board of Directors
The Wisconsin Women in Government Board of Directors is a diverse, bipartisan group of women leaders dedicated to supporting, promoting, and encouraging women’s participation in government at all levels. Together, they guide the organization’s strategic direction, plan impactful programs, and foster mentorship and networking opportunities that empower women across Wisconsin to lead and serve.
Erin Smith
President
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Sydney Andersen
Vice-President
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin
Richelle Andrae
Secretary
WPHCA & Dane County Board of Supervisors
Sherri Voigt
Treasurer
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Emily Petersen
Past President
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources
Brittney Richmond
Member-at-Large
Wisconsin Court System
Allison Cramer
Member-at-Large
Home Care Association of America
Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara
Legislative Board Member
Wisconsin State Legislature
Rep. Lee Snodgrass
Legislative Board Member
Wisconsin State Legislature
Eve Galanter
Alumni Board Member
Lauren Duncan
Board Member
Wisconsin Court System
Fabiola Hamdan
Board Member
Dane County Department of Human Services
Carrie Schneider
Board Member
National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Dr. Martha Stacker
Board Member
Dane County Department of Human Services
Jeanne Duffy
Board Member
Wisconsin Women’s Council
Julia Halopka
Board Member
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Mandy Mayek
Board Member
Wisconsin Technical College System
Megan Strichko
Board Member
Wisconsin Technical College System
Melanie Platt-Gibson
Board Member
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Elise Winter
Board Member
Deloitte
Amy Moreland
Board Member
Office of Governor Tony Evers
Laura Nolan
Board Member
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Anna Mercer
Board Member
Office of Governor Tony Evers
Biltu Hamda
Board Member
Milwaukee County Transit System
Committees
WWIG’s committees are the engine behind our mission. Each committee brings together board members and volunteers who are passionate about empowering women in public service—driving connection, fostering leadership, and amplifying women’s voices across Wisconsin.
Communications
Chair: Sydney Andersen
Amplifies WWIG’s voice through newsletters, social media, and member communications that keep our community informed and inspired.
Development & Outreach
Chair: Elise Winter
Vice Chair: Melanie Platt-Gibson
Builds sustainable support for WWIG’s mission by cultivating partnerships, securing sponsorships, and expanding our reach across Wisconsin.
Gala
Co-Chair: Lauren Duncan
Co-Chair: Brittney Richmond
Vice Chair: Julia Halopka
Plans and produces WWIG’s signature annual celebration, honoring women whose leadership and service strengthen government and communities.
Nominations
Chair: Erin Smith
Identifies and recruits women leaders to serve on the WWIG board, ensuring diverse and bipartisan representation across all levels of public service.
Programs & Professional Development
Chair: Richelle Andrae
Leads the planning and execution of WWIG events, networking opportunities, and professional learning experiences, including webinars.
Scholarship
Chair: Emily Petersen
Vice Chair: Martha Stacker
Oversees WWIG’s scholarship program and Leadership Seminar, investing in the next generation of women leaders by supporting students and professionals pursuing careers in public service.