By Amanda Wegner | Photography by Hillary Schave
For Geralyn Vaval, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s empowering.
“The reason why I do this is because I want people, anyone, to know that they can have a chance to succeed,” says Vaval, founder and CEO of Madison’s Wisconsin Family Mental Balance, a mental health clinic. “But one of the biggest [barriers] is a lack of knowledge and understanding the resources available.”
To help expand knowledge and resources, Vaval founded Cultivate Change in December 2024. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower youth and individuals, including those with mental health disorders, through skills development, educational programming and mental health support. The organization’s foundational offering, EmpowerNext, is a financial literacy workshop that helps youth develop crucial money management skills. Another is the Housing Access Initiative, which empowers women and children navigating housing instability.
In its second full year, Vaval is committed to expanding Cultivate Change’s reach by 50%, particularly for women and children. To achieve this, she’s continuing to forge relationships with local shelters and schools to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.
“This goal is not just a number; it represents the lives we can touch and the futures we can help rebuild,” says Vaval, who is also pursuing a doctorate in psychology, examining the impacts of housing instability on one’s mental health.
She is also establishing a community resource fund to support those experiencing housing instability. With a $100,000 fundraising goal in her sights, the fund will provide financial support for down payment assistance, and create a program offering services and resources, including resume assistance and mock interviews. She is currently raising funds for this initiative.
“Knowledge and support build confidence. And confidence gives you power,” says Vaval.
What’s a piece of advice you would give every woman?
“Believe in yourself and never silence your voice.”
