Heather Lott’s career seemed designed for the Dane County New Teacher Project (DCNTP), a consortium of 18 school districts focused on supporting beginning teachers through mentorship.

As founder and executive director of her foster-based organization, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin, Lauren Brinkman helps all-breed pets from high-kill shelters in other states.

In April 2023, Courtney Willegal opened the 11,000-square-foot The Sensory Zone, an inclusive indoor activity space on Madison’s East Side.

As executive director of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, Christine Benedict helps other girls discover their own strength and potential through running.

As the owner and director of Arthouse Preschool, Heather Murray is responsible for 30 children and six staff members. But her sense of responsibility extends far beyond that.

Augusta Brulla uses her art-making background to help local artists develop business acumen and connect with organizations that might purchase their work.

The deepest pain can often become an individual’s biggest passion — something Anne Michels knows well.

With a background in music as well as youth protection and compliance, Prenicia Clifton founded Seein’ is Believin’ to provide culturally-focused programming to promote mental health and resilience in children and teenagers.

Amanda Marek is the executive director of Active Youth Wisconsin, a nonprofit working to give kids accessible opportunities to be active and promote the physical and mental benefits of movement.

Rachelle Stone is driven by a desire to create experiences she didn’t have as a student — in K-12 and as an undergrad at UW-Madison.