United Way of Dane County’s Women United was established more than 20 years ago! Locally, Women United is a network of more than 1,200 women across Dane County who are driven, generous and deeply committed to uplifting others. And is part of a global force of 70,000 women from more than 165 communities across the world igniting change. 

Starting this year, Women United is introducing a $1,000 annual giving level as part of their membership. This change reflects the increased need and growing ambition of our work: helping more women and their families find pathways out of poverty. We know that financial insecurity continues to hold too many women back. This giving level helps Women United invest in long-term solutions that empower women to build lasting financial security – like homelessness intervention and prevention, case management, workforce training and building generational wealth.  

Through gifts of $1,000 or more annually, Women United members invest in a community where more women can succeed and reach their potential. Women United is also excited to offer a more accessible entry point through our Step-Up Program. Through Step-Up, members grow their annual gift from $500 to $1,000 over three years. To become a member, you can check the Women United membership box on your annual pledge form or visit our website to fill out our membership form. 

For those feeling inspired to be part of Women United but are unable to make the financial commitment right now, they can become a Women United Supporter by filling out the membership form and giving an annual gift that is meaningful for them – because we believe every gift matters and every woman belongs! 

Dane County Human Services, Division Administrator of Children, Youth and Families 

Each year, Women United honors a woman committed to making our community a better place to live, for all. The Women United Philanthropy Award recognizes her achievements in educating, empowering and inspiring young women and girls to be leaders in Dane County. This year, we are thrilled to honor Dr. Martha Stacker!  

Hailing from Milwaukee, Dr. Stacker brings an acute understanding of the challenges that impact families. She understands social service systems firsthand – both as a former recipient and now as a leader driving change within them. Throughout her career, she has held positions in the nonprofit sector, at public schools, the Department of Health Services, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Children & Families. Currently, she serves as the Division Administrator of Children, Youth, and Families at the Dane County Human Services Department.  

“I don’t like to say I have lived experiences, but rather that I’m living experience,” says Dr. Stacker. “I’ve been in poverty – I’ve been on the brink of homelessness, been on welfare, worked three jobs to get off of those systems and finally found my way back to college.”  

Fast forward through several years of hard work, Dr. Stacker became the first doctor in her family. While her journey has been nothing short of impressive, it is her humility that inspires others. She is a champion for vulnerable populations in our community, and her passion and   expertise have helped keep hundreds of families together, protected and thriving. 

“Throughout my life, I’ve worked within systems that are filled with inequities,” she says. “Gender, race, wealth inequities – these are very pervasive things, and they need to be disrupted and dismantled. That’s not easy work, but it’s the work I’m charged with and passionate about. And I surround myself with others who feel the same responsibility to build a better more equitable community for us all.”  

Her commitment doesn’t end with her nine-to-five job. Dr. Stacker serves on the board of Wisconsin Women in Government and is an active member of the Wisconsin Women of Color Network. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and National Organization for Human Services Honor Society. Additionally, she volunteers with the University of Wisconsin—Madison, presenting regularly to the School of Social Work Masters students and mentoring in the Criminal Justice program – to name just a few of her accomplishments.  

It is this commitment to and passion for the work that gives Dr. Stacker the experience we rely on at United Way, where she has been an active volunteer since 2012! She’s been a Chair and Co-Chair of our Financial Security Community Solutions Team, Chair of our Women and Wealth Subcommittee, and a member of our Board of Directors and Vision Council. To this day, she remains a committed advocate, noting that our Financial Security and Women and Wealth strategies are the way to open the door to better futures for women and children. We would not be where we are within these initiatives without her steadfast support.  

“I can only hope that my work creates a ripple effect and inspires the next generation of people who look like me – women and people of color – to continue tackling these issues,” says Dr. Stacker. “Even when times are challenging and it feels like everything is working against us, I always ask myself ‘what can I control? What can I keep moving forward?’ At the end of the day, that’s what empowers more women and families to lead the best lives they possibly can.” 

We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. Martha Stacker for her invaluable contributions to our community. And we’re honored to recognize her after all she has given back! Congratulations to this year’s Women United Philanthropy Award Recipient. 

At the heart of Madison Gas and Electric’s commitment to community and connection are two women: Carolyn Schurch and Jane Rossing, co-chairs of the company’s women’s employee resource group (ERG): Women’s Network. For Carolyn and Jane, the drive to empower women is both personally and professionally motivated. Whether through mentorship, advocacy or simply sharing their experiences, they believe in the power of women helping women.  

That belief became action in November 2023 when the two collaborated to launch Women’s Network. What began as an idea quickly grew into a thriving employee resource group with over 60 members. Monthly gatherings promote personal and professional connection, while quarterly events focus on women’s health and development. 

“Madison Gas and Electric places a strong emphasis on community involvement,” said Carolyn and Jane. “We feel proud to be part of a culture that prioritizes giving back.” 

For Carolyn and Jane, philanthropic leadership is about giving money and more. “It’s about being intentional, having a strong belief in the cause and being thoughtful with where and how we contribute.” That ethos guides their work with the Women’s Network and in the community. 

Their efforts have been bolstered by their partnership with Women United at Work, a peer support network for local ERG leaders that has provided guidance and strategic support as they built their ERG from the ground up. “It provided us with a clear framework to move from a rough concept to a fully formed group. We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other local ERG leaders – whether it’s networking, exchanging ideas or offering support.” 

Employee Resource Group leadership is often taken on by employees in addition to their full-time positions and responsibilities. Women United at Work partners leverage United Way’s planned activities so they can better balance their workloads and provide meaningful staff engagements…all while ensuring the most critical community needs are met.  

Personal and professional development events provide thoughtful time and space for staff at companies like MGE to set and achieve goals, while staff can connect with and build a supportive network of women who care about their community.