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 continue to shape the public sector across Wisconsin.
“Lauren, Julie, and Sam represent the very best of public service,” said Emily Petersen, Board President of Wisconsin Women in Government in a press release. “Each of them is making a meaningful impact by strengthening systems, supporting families, and improving outcomes across Wisconsin. From crisis response to child welfare to workforce development, their leadership is helping shape stronger communities statewide, and we’re proud to recognize their work.”
We look forward to honoring the 2026 award recipients at the WWIG Scholarship & Recognition Gala on April 29 at Monona Terrace in Madison.
Rising Star Award — Lauren Lanza
Crisis Coordinator, Waukesha County Health and Human Services
The Rising Star Award honors a woman who has demonstrated excellence and made an extraordinary impact early in her career. Lauren Lanza exemplifies this recognition through her leadership in transforming crisis response systems in Wisconsin.
Since beginning her public service work in 2016, Lanza has played a key role in transforming crisis response systems in Wisconsin. She helped launch Waukesha County’s embedded mental health clinician program within law enforcement, recognized with a statewide innovation award, and now oversees a Crisis Stabilization facility, a 24/7 crisis team, and multiple co-responder programs. Her leadership in integrating crisis response with 911 dispatch and the 988 Lifeline is helping reshape how communities respond to behavioral health emergencies.
Legacy Award — Julie Ahnen
Child Protective Services Manager, Dane County Department of Human Services
The Legacy Award recognizes women who have made significant, lasting contributions to government through their leadership and service. Julie Ahnen’s more than four decades in public service have had a profound impact on child welfare systems across Wisconsin.
Ahnen has been a driving force in shifting child protective services toward preventative, family-centered approaches, helping reduce reliance on foster care while strengthening support for families. A leader in advancing equity, she has championed efforts to address racial disparities and improve accountability through data-driven decision-making. Her work implementing Family First Prevention Services Act standards and mentoring generations of social workers has left an enduring mark on public service in Wisconsin.
Virginia Hart Award — Samina “Sam” Grimes
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
The Virginia Hart Award recognizes a public servant whose career reflects exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership. Samina “Sam” Grimes embodies these values through her lifelong commitment to supporting individuals and families across Wisconsin.
Known for her unwavering integrity, warmth, and accountability, Sam consistently exceeds expectations, whether mentoring new staff, advancing innovative vocational rehabilitation programs, or supporting individuals and families with complex needs. Her broad professional experience, from counseling to benefits work to leading key initiatives like IPS and Project SEARCH, reflects her commitment to creating equitable, person-centered pathways to success. Beyond her formal roles, she has spent more than two decades caring for vulnerable individuals through her Adult Family Home, serving as a guardian, supporting community members in crisis, and offering guidance far beyond the bounds of her job. Sam’s humanity, forward-thinking leadership, and lifelong dedication to uplifting others have made a profound and lasting impact across Wisconsin.
Nomination & Selection Process
Each year, WWIG invites colleagues, supervisors, mentors, and community members to nominate deserving women leaders. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee, and award recipients are recognized at the annual WWIG Scholarship & Recognition Gala.
We are grateful to everyone who helped highlight the exceptional women shaping the future of public service.