Press Release: Evers Administration Celebrates Women’s History with Investments and Roundtable Series

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

Evers Administration Celebrates Women’s History with Investments and Roundtable Series

Lt. Gov Rodriguez, DOA Secretary Blumenfeld and stakeholders highlighted investments and future strategies for women in Milwaukee 

Milwaukee, Wis. – In recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld held a roundtable discussion with Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) leaders and stakeholders from the Wisconsin Women’s Council and women-led businesses on strategies to help advance women across the state, and highlight the impact of Governor Evers’ 2023-25 Budget proposals as well as ongoing investments to support women’s economic development.   

“From Day One, Governor Evers and our administration have been committed to supporting Wisconsin women, families, and our workforce, and today, we have an unprecedented opportunity to continue this important work,” said Lieutenant Governor Rodriguez. “From initiatives to help women advance their careers and start new businesses to supporting working parents by creating a 12-week paid family leave program to ensuring child care is affordable and accessible, Governor Evers’ budget is designed to support women, kids, and families alike. As we recognize International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we must continue working toward these important goals and supporting women in Wisconsin.”

“The future of Wisconsin is tied firmly to the future of women in this state,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “We know that when women have an opportunity to contribute, to be leaders, to start their own businesses, to be part of the success story of our State, that we get better outcomes, and greater impact, and I’m proud to see the impact being made by Governor Evers’ investments for the future of women in Wisconsin.”

“Every day is International Women’s Day at the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), as we see women starting businesses at twice the rate of men and responsible for creating two of three all new jobs in the United States,” said Wendy K. Baumann, WWBIC President/CVO. “For over 35 years WWBIC has provided that quality business and financial training coupled with access to fair and responsible capital for women entrepreneurs and business owners.”   

From left, Wendy K. Baumann, Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) President/CVO; DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld; Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez; Jenifer Cole, Wisconsin Women’s Council executive director; and Kamaljit Jackson, WWBIC VP, highlight investments and future strategies for women during a roundtable in Milwaukee on Wednesday, March 8.  

“The eloquence of Mark Twain words ‘the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why’ celebrate the unwavering dedication of WWBIC’s ‘why’ to eradicate the gaps that still exist for women in our country - from access to capital, to wages, to board representation, to the social and health freedoms,” added Kamaljit Jackson, WWBIC VP. “WWBIC celebrates women not just today, but everyday – so let us never forget the progress we have achieved, collectively, while not becoming complacent nor weary that more work needs to be done to ensure equality for women – globally.”

“International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and the Women’s Council’s 40th Anniversary are all occasions for us to look back at the history and progress we made, but also an opportunity to look toward our future—an opportunity to evaluate where we are at in the pursuit of gender equity and equal participation— and understand what is needed to advance women’s economic and social equality and enhance our ability to fully participate in all aspects of life in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Women’s Council Executive Director Jenifer Cole.

Additional roundtable events focused on women and economic development are being planned for Green Bay and Madison for the month of March, with details coming soon. Please reach out to DOACommunications@Wisconsin.gov for inquiries.