My mom, Sue Ann Thompson, taught me a lot of things — but one of the most lasting lessons was simple: “Get a good night of sleep. Things always feel better in the morning.” It was her way of reminding me that, no matter how overwhelming life feels, clarity often comes with rest and a fresh perspective. That advice has stayed with me through life, motherhood, and leadership. When my mom was undergoing breast cancer treatment in Madison, she was also serving as Wisconsin’s First Lady. As she traveled the state, she saw firsthand how women in rural areas lacked access to the care, information and support she was receiving. She recognized that gap — and instead of walking away from it, she leaned in. In 1997, she founded the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) to bring resources, support, and education to women who needed it.
Now, as executive director of WWHF, I carry forward her vision. She taught me to see a need and respond with purpose. That mindset is woven into the DNA of our organization: When we see a gap in the healthcare landscape, we look to see if this is something we are uniquely able to fill and help.
My mom’s compassion and resolution continue to guide me, and I’m proud to walk the path she helped create.
– Tommi Thompson, executive director, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation
Read more from our May/June 2025 feature on mother-daughter bonds here.
