Media Resources

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Madison, WI (March 30, 2022) – On Tuesday, February 22, United Way of Dane County appointed 11 new board members to our 2022-2023 Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of community leaders who guide United Way in their mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.

“Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated and influential leaders across the community who volunteer their time and expertise to help us build a better Dane County for all,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “This group of inspiring individuals push us to be our best and hold us accountable to the highest standards, making sure our work meets the ever-evolving needs of our community and best serves our partners in change.”

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UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY LAUNCHES THEIR CENTENNIAL YEAR
Celebrating Transformational Giving and Centennial Community Builders in 2022 

Madison, WI (March 16, 2022) – On March 3, 2022 United Way of Dane County kicked off our Centennial year at Community Celebration! As part of this event, we began to uplift the stories of community builders who’ve made the first 100 years of impact and innovation possible — and announced some incredible donations from corporate partners across Dane County that’ll help to launch us into the next century.

“This year is an opportunity to celebrate an incredible milestone while also ensuring another century of impact and innovation,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “We’re excited to be recognizing all of the people and organizations who’ve made our important work possible over the past 100 years. We’re also thrilled to announce some transformational donations that will be put to good use fueling the future of United Way 211 and the United Way Volunteer Resource center – helping people who need resources and those who want to give help – for decades to come. We are beyond grateful for the many corporate partners in Dane County who are committed to being a part of the change!”

The major gifts announced at Community Celebration are in response to the Corporate Challenge Grant set by American Family Insurance – through which the organization has pledged $5 Million to be matched by other local businesses. Participants in the challenge include:

• TASC – $1 Million
• Madison Gas and Electric – $500,000
• National Guardian Life – $250,000
• Ascendium Education Group – $150,000
• Alliant Energy – $125,000
• Oscar Rennebohm Foundation – $100,000
• Springs Window Fashions – $50,000

These commitments bring the current total for the matching challenge to nearly $7.2 Million! Additional participating companies will be announced in the coming months.

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UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2022 MICRO-INVESTMENT GRANTS INITIATIVE

Madison, WI (March 15, 2022) – United Way of Dane County’s Community Engagement Committee (CEC) is pleased to announce the availability of $25,000 in grant funding, made available through our 2022 Micro-Investment Grants Initiative.

Our 2022 Micro-Investment Grant Application launches today, March 15, 2022, with applications due by 11:59 pm on April 8, 2022. At this time, the CEC is accepting proposals and requests for up to $5,000 from grassroots organizations: community groups, nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations and other groups (with an annual operating budget of $50,000 or less) that are working to achieve racial equity and/or social justice for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian or individuals and/or families of color in Dane County.

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The Community’s Campaign Raises $18.1 Million with United Way of Dane County
Another successful year helps to launch United Way into the next century of impact and innovation

Madison, WI (March 3, 2022) – Thanks to the generosity of more than 20,000 individuals and 500 businesses across Dane County, our community was able to raise $18.1 Million during our 2021 Community Fundraising Campaign.

Later this evening, United Way of Dane County will be hosting a Community Celebration at The Orpheum Theater in Downtown Madison to celebrate the community’s generosity, give thanks to numerous partners for making this hard work possible and officially kick off our Centennial Year. There’s still time to register for and attend this event!

“At United Way of Dane County, we’re so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the past 100 years,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “But we couldn’t have done any of this important work without the support of our amazing community! Thanks to you all, we’ve spent a century investing in our community’s most pressing needs and working with our nonprofit partners and volunteers to build a strategic architecture for change. The dollars raised in 2021 will help to keep that work moving forward – and launch us into the next century of impact and innovation for Dane County.”

“United Way brings the many voices of Dane County together to solve big-picture issues no one entity can solve alone,” says Ginger Zimmerman, United Way of Dane County 2021 Campaign CoChair and President of Murphy Desmond S.C. “My co-chair, Dan Frazier (Madison Market Presidentof U.S. Bank), and I are so grateful to every community member who donated – time or dollars – to last year’s campaign. You make real, measurable change possible! Together we really are The Power of Many. Working for All.”

Those who give through United Way support more than 850 nonprofits – including 112 programs and 52 local agencies that work to address the greatest needs in the areas of education, income, health and 2Gen (multigenerational approach), helping to move the needle on community-level goals. For more information regarding how these dollars will be invested in 2022, see last month’s announcement regarding investment decisions. 

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United Way Invests More Than $22.3 Million Locally
Investments support impactful programs working together to promote family well-being and reduce racial disparities Dane County

Madison, WI (February 8, 2022) – Thanks to the incredible generosity of local donors, United Way of Dane County is thrilled to announce the investment of $22,336,524 into our community. From healthy Black moms and babies to school readiness, family-sustaining careers and stable housing, United Way is investing dollars into the very foundation of family well-being for the future of a thriving Dane County.

The total investment amount reflects the achievement of the community’s 2021 campaign goal of $18.1 Million. Thanks to the leadership of Dan Frazier (Madison Market President; U.S. Bank) and Ginger Zimmerman (President; Murphy Desmond S.C.) and success in securing additional funding through grants and other opportunities, we’re enabled to continue investing in our community’s most pressing needs, allowing us to collaborate with nonprofit partners to solve big-picture issues that no one organization can address alone.

While we know the Agenda for Change – a vision for our community with goals around Education, Income, Health and 2Gen (Multigenerational Approach) – is focused on the right levers, this work is ever evolving. 2022 marks the first year of investments in new health strategies focused on programs that address the social determinants of health, specifically targeted to support programs working collectively to reduce racial disparities in health outcomes in Dane County.

Investment decisions are based on the work of our Vision Council and Community Solutions Teams volunteers, led by Chair Tim Bartholow, MD. United Way invests in 108 local programs and 52 local agencies to amplify collective impact and achieve measurable results that change lives. These investments (outlined in the below chart) show the depth and breadth of the innovative work our community’s generosity makes possible. Additionally, a total of 800 nonprofits are supported through the campaign by donor designations.

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American Family Insurance Pledges Lead Centennial Gift of $5 Million to United Way of Dane County
This gift exemplifies American Family Insurance’s dedication to our community andthe well-being of Dane County families.

Madison, WI (February 1, 2022) – For decades, American Family Insurance has partnered with
United Way of Dane County, serving as a partner for change and innovation in our community. This
year, as United Way of Dane County celebrates 100 years, American Family has pledged their
continued support with the largest single corporate gift in United Way’s history.

Before his retirement as CEO, Chairman Jack Salzwedel of American Family Insurance established
a Corporate Challenge Grant, through which American Family is pledging two $2.5 Million gifts to
be matched by other corporate partners in Dane County. This generous gift is meant to inspire
local businesses to unite in effective community change. The dollars donated by American Family
and the companies that participate in the challenge are a true investment in United Way. By fueling
the vital resources below, United Way will be able to innovate and be a catalyst for change for the
next century.

• United Way 211: Dane County’s most comprehensive database of agencies and services –
connecting 40,000+ residents each year to resources that can help, 24/7.

• United Way Volunteer Resource Center: Connecting prospective community and corporate
volunteers to opportunities that match their interests, helping 150,000+ people give back
each year.

This investment will further increase United Way’s ability to mobilize our community – increasing
engagement and nonprofit capacity through volunteerism and proximity to community problems –
and facilitate people working together to find and deliver solutions for our community.

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United Way of Dane County Prepares for an Exciting Year Ahead
Join us at our events to witness The Power of Many. Working for All. in action

Madison, WI (January 10, 2022) – On March 1, 2022, United Way of Dane County turns 100 years
old! And we’re officially kicking off our year-long celebration of our Centennial on Thursday, March
3. We invite all to join us at our Community Celebration at The Orpheum Theater in beautiful
downtown Madison to help us celebrate this milestone and raise a glass to our amazing
community.

Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating the donors, volunteers and nonprofit and business
partners who have made our important work possible over the last century. Join us at any of our
events to help us thank our community and learn how we’re ensuring another century of impact
and innovation. Mark your calendars for:

• Community Celebration | Thursday, March 3 | 5:00-7:00 pm | The Orpheum Theater
• Seasons of Caring: Spring Into Action! | April 17 – 23
• Loyal Contributor Party | June 7 | 4:00 pm
• Seasons of Caring: Days of Action | June 24-25
• Seasons of Caring: Community Kickoff | August 23
• Women United Brunch | September 16 | 10:00 am
• Winter Seasons of Caring | November 15 – December 31
• 2023 Community Celebration | March 1, 2023 | 5:00 pm

To learn more and register for these events, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org. For media
inquiries and interview requests, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications,
United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org.

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Madison Ballet Partners with United Way of Dane County to Offer Free Tickets for The Nutcracker to Families in Need

MADISON – (Tuesday, December 14, 2021) Madison Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker returns to Overture Hall this holiday season! And, this year, Madison Ballet wanted to spread the joy by offering free tickets to families who might not otherwise have the means to attend. So, they reached out to United Way of Dane County, who were thrilled at the opportunity and turned to their network of local nonprofit partners to identify families in need and distribute tickets.

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United Way of Dane County Earns Coveted 4-Star Rating From Charity Navigator

Madison, WI (September 21, 2021) – United Way’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 11^th consecutive time that United Way has earned this top distinction.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices, and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that United Way of Dane County exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in our area of work – only 2 percent of charities evaluated have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star ratings.

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United Way of Dane County Kicks Off the 2021 Community Campaign

Madison, WI (August 19, 2021) – Today, as part of a virtual kickoff event, United Way of Dane County officially announced the start of our 2021 Community Campaign. Built by analyzing community data, acknowledging the community’s greatest needs and leading conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders, this year’s goal is to raise $18.1 million, which is a $300k increase over last year’s goal.

“History shows our community rises to the challenge, especially when we are in the midst of an emergency or have heightened needs,” said Daniel Frazier, United Way of Dane County Campaign Co-Chair and Madison Market President of U.S. Bank. “With the effects of the pandemic still lingering, we owe it to our neighbors to reimagine the long-term recovery of our community and build back better. And with the support of this community, we’re optimistic we can do it.”

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Nearly $1.5 million in Program Grants Distributed on Behalf of the UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity
Grants target financial stability and the education achievement gap for BIPOC community members

Madison, WI – June 3, 2021 – UW Credit Union, in partnership with United Way, will award 27 organizations located throughout the greater Milwaukee and Madison areas with racial equity program grants totaling $1.5 million. The UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity is a collaborative effort with United Way of Dane County and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County to remove barriers to economic mobility.

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United Way of Dane County Announces New Strategies to Support More Equitable Health Outcomes

Madison, WI (May 19, 2021) – In a press conference on Wednesday, United Way of Dane County announced a new mobilization plan, outlining strategies to meet evolving healthcare needs in our community.
As a result of a year of planning and work, United Way’s Health Community Solutions Team (CST) of volunteers found that, while our community remains a top place to live, raise a family and retire, that is not typically the case for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian and people of color
(BIPOC) in Dane County. In fact, after reviewing data from the County Health Rankings Report, the Dane County Community Needs Assessment and other sources, they found significant gaps in quality of and access to care between the white and BIPOC populations in Dane County.

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Volunteers Honored with Virtual Community Volunteer Awards

Madison, WI (April 13, 2021) – After a year of pause due to COVID-19, United Way of Dane County is happy to formally announce the recipients of the 2020 Community Volunteer Awards!

For more than 20 years, we’ve recognized the incredible champions for change in Dane County through the Community Volunteer Awards. And while we typically gather in person to celebrate their commitment to this community, this year we’re taking time to celebrate our award recipients and nominees virtually as part of National Volunteer Month.

The Community Volunteer Awards highlight the enormous benefits volunteers bring to Dane County. Leading by example, the nominees and award recipients encourage everyone to engage in their community through volunteerism.

“This month, we are celebrating some of our community’s most dedicated volunteers,” said Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These individuals and organizations play a key role in championing change in our community. While their passion, dedication and commitment are always an inspiration, they’ve made such an incredible impact during this historically difficult time. Coming together to meet crisis with generosity and hard work, they’ve helped us meet the increase in need and remain committed to helping our community recover. Thank you, volunteers, for all you do. You are the real change-makers in Dane County!”

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The Community’s Campaign Raises $17.8 Million with United Way of Dane County
Despite the challenging year, the community helped us reach our goal

Madison, WI (March 18, 2021) – Thanks to the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses across Dane County, our community was able to raise $17.8 Million during our 2020 Community Fundraising Campaign, helping us to reach our goal despite such a challenging year.

On Thursday, March 18, we at United Way of Dane County announced the campaign total and gave thanks to numerous community partners for making this hard work possible via a video posted to our social media accounts. While this event usually takes place in person, this year’s Celebration was a full week of events where the community could participate virtually. Learn more about the final event occurring tomorrow here.
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UW Credit Union Invests $1.5 Million in Madison and Milwaukee to Address Racial Equity
The “UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity” is in partnership with United Way

Madison, WI – February 17, 2021 – UW Credit Union will invest $1.5 million to address racial inequities in Madison and Milwaukee through a new fund launched in partnership with United Way of Dane County and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.

The UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity will address the barriers to economic mobility for people of color, with a focused goal of funding transformational programming solutions in Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and/or Washington counties. Specifically, programs that increase financial stability and improve educational outcomes.

“The UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity is an extension of our brand mission, “Here for Every You,” said Sheila Milton, UW Credit Union Vice President of Diversity Equity, and Inclusion. “This fund is about investing in our neighbors in a tangible, meaningful way. This includes improving the financial wellbeing and capability of our Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community members.”

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Dane Workforce Housing Fund Reaches $11.8 Million in Investment Support
Fund seeks to address the workforce housing crisis in Dane County.

Madison, WI (Nov. 12, 2020) – The Economic Stability Council (ESC), made up of a group of local employers and funders, is excited to announce it has exceeded its goal of raising $10 million from local businesses to address the Dane County workforce housing needs. The fund, established and managed by Madison Development Corporation, is intended to be a long-term strategy that will help create and sustain more workforce housing units in Dane County and keep them affordable for at least 15 years. FULL PRESS RELEASE

Fabiola Hamdan Receives Women United Philanthropy Award

Women United Breakfast Celebrates Women in Philanthropy

Madison, WI (October 2, 2020) – Fabiola (“Faby”) Hamdan was honored with the Women United Philanthropy
Award at United Way’s virtual Women United Breakfast, which took place on Wednesday, September 30.  FULL PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Download PDF HERE

August 14, 2019

WORKING FOR ALL WEBINAR: COMMUNITY RESPONSE & RECOVERY

MADISON – On Tuesday, August 18, United Way of Dane County will launch the first installment of
the Working for All webinar series, starting with the topic of Community Response & Recovery.
Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County, and Paul Kundert, President and CEO
of UW Credit Union and 2020 Campaign Chair, will share an update on the current needs and
resources in Dane County.

The webinar will be followed by a private virtual Media Meet & Greet with Renee Moe and Paul
Kundert, where they answer your questions about information shared during the webinar.

Join us to learn how United Way is bringing our community together to address racial disparities
and support recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic and how you can help.

WHAT: United Way of Dane County Working for All Webinar & Media Meet and Greet

WHEN: Tuesday, August 18 | Register below
• 12:30 – 1:00 pm: Virtual Program/Working for All Webinar- Register
• 1:00 – 1:30 pm: Virtual Media Meet & Greet- Register

WHERE: Virtual Zoom Webinar | Register at Eventbrite with links provided.

If you would like to set up a separate time for an interview, please contact
Karen Burch, VP of Community Engagement & Marketing at (941) 713-0850.
To learn more about United Way of Dane County, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org

Over One Third of Wisconsinites Struggling to Make Ends Meet Financially

Third United Way of Wisconsin ALICE® Report shows many faced financial insecurity before COVID‐19

MADISON, WI—July 27, 2020—34 percent of Wisconsin’s 2.4 million households are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, and internet access. The astounding statistic was revealed in the state’s third ALICE report, released today by United Way of Wisconsin in partnership with United For ALICEand local United Ways across the state. FULL PRESS RELEASE 

Media Advisory

Application for Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund Open MADISON, Wis. –United Way of Dane County has officially opened the application for organizations to apply for dollars raised through our Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund. More than 840 donors have invested more than $1.4 million since the fund launched March 13 to provide financial relief for individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

WHAT: Organizations invited to apply for funding

WHEN: Friday, March 27 through Friday, April 3

WHERE: https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/covid-19-fund-process/

FUNDING PRIORITIES:
• Eviction/homelessness prevention
• Food/meals for older adults and children
• Flex fund (flexible dollars to respond to other crises that individuals, families or nonprofits experience)

P.S. United Way of Dane County is still actively recruiting volunteers for projects that have been deemed *safe and *“essential” by local government, including food delivery drivers. Help us recruit volunteers by sharing this link and clicking “volunteer now”: https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/

Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund Announcement

Madison, WI (March 20, 2020) – As Dane County faces one of the biggest public health crises in its history — businesses reducing workforce or closing leaving some without incomes, school closings leaving parents searching for childcare, food and housing services bracing for new complexities in their work, and health care workers preparing for a spike in patients — leaders in our community are taking action.

Today United Way of Dane County, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Selfless Ambition and other area organizations announced a collaborative effort to provide financial relief for those hit hardest by the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Community members and businesses have already raised more than $885,500 for the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund.

Funds will be split into two approaches:
1. Short-term emergency, focused on individual and families’ immediate needs. This fund is operated by Boys & Girls Club and Selfless Ambition and fundraising closes on March 20. Grant decisions will be made by May 15 and will be directed to:
• Medical supplies for those impacted by this virus
• Meals for kids due to school closures
• Local shelters as they assist families and individuals
• College students in need of temporary housing and meals
• Senior citizens in need of meals, transportation and medical assistance
• Hardship funding for nonprofits for individuals and families

2. Long-term response and recovery, focused on providing resources to nonprofits, individuals and families. This fund is operated by United Way of Dane County and will remain open for the foreseeable future. This fund is focused on:
• Food/meals for older adults and children
• Eviction prevention
• Homelessness prevention
• Flex fund (flexible dollars to respond to other crises that individuals, families or nonprofits experience)
Long-term recovery needs will continue to be assessed as more data about the impact of the crisis become available.

No administrative costs are being charged for either fund. An independent group of community, business and grassroots leaders will determine disbursements. More information can be found here.

We are grateful for the support of the hundreds of donors and businesses who have contributed to the fund so far. Lead gifts to the combined effort include the following:
$100,000 Dan and Patti Rashke TASC Family Foundation
$100,000 Madison Gas & Electric Foundation
$100,000 UW Credit Union
$ 75,000 Ascendium Education Group
$ 50,000 Kevin and Sheila Conroy
$ 50,000 Bob and Anne Trunzo
$ 50,000 Jim and Jessica Yehle
$ 50,000 John and Jo Ellen McKenzie
$ 50,000 American Family Insurance
$ 50,000 UW Health, UnityPoint Health–Meriter and Quartz
$ 50,000 Madison Teachers Inc.
$ 42,500 Alliant Energy
$ 30,000 Group Health Cooperative of South-Central Wisconsin, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital –
Madison, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and UW Health
$ 25,000 GE Healthcare
$ 25,000 Meicher Family Foundation
$ 38,000 from individuals and families in gifts of all sizes

United Way of Dane County is also actively recruiting volunteers to assist in COVID-19-related efforts. At Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s request, we are working to connect any healthy person willing to help agencies with volunteer power and material donations, for example volunteer matching EPIC employees with Meals on Wheels or TASC employees donating masks to Porchlight. Volunteerism priorities are:
• Food delivery
• Childcare for emergency care workers
• Temporary housing and food pantry staffing support
• Temporary housing and food pantry donations
Help now with safe volunteer opportunities and material donation needs specific to COVID-19 relief at www.volunteeryourtime.org.

We are committed to the care of our community and each other, and we always emerge stronger than before. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All.

To make a gift to the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/help4covid or text “help4covid” to 40403.

BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH GROUP AWARDS $26,130 TO LOCAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

High school leaders review and identify grants that will benefit youth-led organizations and youth programs

Madison, WI (April 27, 2022) – Earlier this month, the By Youth for Youth (BYFY) committee, a collaborative project through the Dane County Youth Commission, United Way of Dane County, the City of Madison Community Development Division, and UW-Extension Dane County’s Institute of Positive Youth Development, awarded $26,130 to 16 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2022 were focused on racial justice, rights and accessibility, environmental change and environmental justice for climate change, mental health access (with an emphasis on marginalized communities), resources for teens experiencing poverty, and immigrant and undocumented youth justice, rights and accessibility.

“By Youth for Youth gives the next generation of community leaders an opportunity to make real impact at a young age,” said Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These inspiring teens are learning how to collaborate, communicate effectively and accelerate results – all to help more people and change more lives. We are so proud to convene Dane County’s up and coming thought leaders and change makers!”

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