Leading Outside Her Comfort Zone
byAfter seven years as CEO of YWCA Madison and transforming the organization into an equitable community hub, Vanessa McDowell-Atlas was ready for a new challenge.
FEATURES
Mother of Invention
byRachel Neill had an idea: What if there was a toy that kids could rearrange into different shapes — covered in child-friendly fabric and thoughtfully designed — built for them to jump and climb on?
How to Embrace Inclusive Career Pathways for the LGBTQ+ Community
byIn 2023, Heidi Duss envisioned a transformative initiative for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the creation of the OPEN Foundation.
How to Recognize Your Value
byAs the founder of SMITH Company, Lisa Smith works with female-led businesses and executives to help them increase their revenue and reverse their limiting beliefs.
The Courage and Confidence to Lead
byThe seeds for Sandy Morales’ journey to become CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County (BBBS) were planted years before she ever joined the nonprofit.
Building Her Own Real Estate Empire
byJulia Steege-Reiman and her husband own Voyageur Extended Stays, which offers seven furnished, extended-stay properties in Madison.
Perfect Pairings
byWhether it’s in music, the culinary arts or community engagement, these area couples are passionate about what they do — and are fabulous fits with one another.
A Masterfully Musical Pair
byMusic has always been a passion for Naha Greenholtz and Kyle Knox. It’s what brought them together — even before they became a couple.
A Perfect Duet
byBy Katie Vaughn | Photography by Hillary Schave Leotha Stanley first noticed his future wife at a gospel choir rehearsal, but surprisingly it wasn’t…
Love at First Sip
byJessika and Erika Jones are co-owners of Giant Jones Brewery on Main Street in Madison — a dream that was 10 years in the making.