Our 2025 Women to Watch Lead These Worthy Causes
byLearn more about our 2025 class of Women to Watch and the amazing organizations they lead.
LOCAL WOMEN
Updates on Our 2024 Women to Watch
byLast year’s class of Women to Watch were busy — expanding programs and initiatives they lead, raising money for worthy causes and championing important issues, including youth mental health and cancer research funding.
2025 Women to Watch
byIntroducing this year’s group of inspiring changemakers who tirelessly push for progress.
Heather Lott: Instilling Confidence in New Educators
byHeather 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.
Lauren Brinkman: Rescuing Pets in Need
byAs 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.
Courtney Willegal: Embracing and Celebrating Neurodiversity
byIn April 2023, Courtney Willegal opened the 11,000-square-foot The Sensory Zone, an inclusive indoor activity space on Madison’s East Side.
Christine Benedict: Empowering Girls through Running
byAs executive director of Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, Christine Benedict helps other girls discover their own strength and potential through running.
Heather Murray: Addressing the Childcare Shortage
byAs 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: Advocating for the Arts
byAugusta Brulla uses her art-making background to help local artists develop business acumen and connect with organizations that might purchase their work.
Anne Michels: Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis
byThe deepest pain can often become an individual’s biggest passion — something Anne Michels knows well.