Erica Halverson: The Actor-Artist Educator
byAs a self-professed “artist academic,” arts educator, author and podcast host Erica Halverson says two tenets guide her work.
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Areli Estrada: The Smile-Maker
by“I have lived in Mexico, L.A. and Green Bay … Madison is so unique because of its ability to bring people together and work collaboratively. I have a lot of support, and there are large and influential Black and Latino communities here. That’s why we are able to get so many things done,” says Areli Estrada, executive director of Affordable Dental Care.
Alyson Schaefer: The Teacher-Turned-Changemaker
byAlyson Schaefer has big plans this year for her business, Mental Fitness 4 Teens, including launching an affiliate program to expand her programming to kids in younger grades as well as adults and booking more speaking engagements. “One of my mantras for life is to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says.
Karen Laing: The Caregiving Changemaker
byKaren Laing didn’t set out to become a midwife, lactation consultant or tech CEO when she enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989.
Michelle McGrath: The Youth Advocate
byAs project coordinator for the Waunakee Community Cares Coalition, an organization dedicated to the prevention of substance misuse and encouraging positive mental health for teens, Michelle McGrath is working to expand the organization’s influence and reach.
Marsha Mansfield: The Uplifting Lawyer
byAs director of LIFT Wisconsin, Marsha Mansfield wants to make legal services accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Rosa Thompson: The Role Model to Black Girls
byAs the founder of Black Girl Magic Educational Services, an organization serving girls in fourth through eight grades who identify as Black, African American and multiracial, Rosa Thompson’s influence in Madison is profound.
Diane Hanson: The Faithful Founder
byEverything Diane Hanson does is guided by her Christian faith. “I was born a peacemaker. I always knew that about myself,” says the former chaplain.
Megan Sollenberger: The Helping Hand for Families
byWhile millions of people who are mothers don’t found an organization based off of diaper need, that’s exactly what Megan Sollenberger did — starting The Village Diaper Bank in 2018, a nonprofit that provides free diapers and wipes to families in need.
Ann Catlett: The Compassionate Leader
byAnn Catlett started Solace Friends in 2018 to provide end-of-life care for people who are housing insecure, impoverished or don’t have a place or people to turn to at the end of life.