Project Table Talk: Recent Episodes
Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund
Project Table Talk, a part of Fond du Lac Says No More, a collaborative effort bringing together community organizations in the spirit of ending power-based violence throughout Fond du Lac County. For more information, check out www.fdlsaysnomore.org, as well as our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and here on YouTube. Virtual Project Table Talk kicked off in January 2021 and is an extension of community education efforts started in 2018 as part of our Fond du Lac Says No More initiative. Virtual Project Table Talk is designed to share the stories and insights from around Fond du Lac County that bring to life our mission of facilitating bold change for women and girls. We will be coming together at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, chatting with guests from our community on a topic that primarily affects women and girls in hopes of educating and raising awareness specifically around our foundational pillars of: safety, dignity and freedom from violence; economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and health well-being. If there’s a topic you’d like to talk about, please e-mail me at fdlawomensfund@gmail.com.
About This ShowJune is recognized nationally as Pride Month, an opportunity to spread awareness and encourage allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community. In this episode, we chat with Vicente Lezama Morales, the founder of Fond du Lac's Pride Picnic, to discuss the history of the picnic and how it's evolved to present-day.
The 4th annual Fond du Lac Pride Picnic will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, at Lakeside Park, 555 N. Park Ave., Fond du Lac. The event will feature booths by local nonprofits, including our Women's Fund, as well as educational session by ASTOP, local food trucks and several bands. There will be activities for all ages.
About Our Guest
Vicente Lezama Morales (He/They) is originally from Mexico, but has been an advocate for Fond du Lac since his early teens. It all started when he worked to reinstate Fond du Lac High School's Sexuality and Gender Equality group in 2011. Vicente owns his own salon, Hair Lounge, as well as working with the Women's Fund as a Green Dot facilitator in the past. In his downtime he enjoys long hikes and is obsessed with house plants and hopes to own his own living plant wall. He has further served on the Well Coalition and CSI since 2019. About This SeriesProject Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This ShowIn an effort to address the issue of "Period Poverty," the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund is partnering with United Way agencies in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties, as well as the Ripon Area United Way, for the 2nd annual That Time. Menstrual Products Drive.
Tune in to hear details on how we plan to respond to the need of as many as one-third of families in the county having difficulty purchasing menstrual products for their children. School personnel have reported that often youth are missing school during their periods, due to the shame of not having products available to them. The drive looks to assist middle and high school youth throughout Fond du Lac County schools with products related to having their periods. Students in Oakfield, Campbellsport, North Fond du Lac, Waupun-Rosendale and Ripon, as well as St. Mary's Springs will benefit from the drive. White donation bins provided by Menasha Corporation are scattered throughout the county at various grocery stores and libraries. A full list can be found at www.fdlwomensfund.com.
The drive, which runs June 19-26 and coincides with United Way's Annual Day of Action on June 21, ensures all agencies involved meet the focus on pillars related to economic self-sufficiency, health and well-being, and education.
About Our Guests
Amber Kilawee serves as the Executive Director at the Fond du Lac Area United Way. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management from Lakeland College in 2007 and has worked for United Way since. She earned a certificate from the Institute of American Humanics in nonprofit management leadership and is a 2015 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Leadership FDL graduate. Originally from Plymouth, Wisconsin, she now calls Fond du Lac home and enjoys raising her two boys (Adrian and Dorian) here. Amber is a proud sports mom, driving all over the state to cheer on her boys as they play rugby, football, basketball, cross country, etc.
Erin Brendelson graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing in 2008 from Bellin College of Nursing in Green Bay. Since then, she has had a range of experience in physical rehabilitation, neurology, pediatrics and school nursing. She is currently working with Fond du Lac County's Harbor Haven, as an Inpatient Rehabilitation Nurse Manager and Infection Preventionist. She has served on the Fond du Lac Area United Way Board Board of Directors, Healthy Fond du Lac County Steering Committee, Living Well Coalition and CSI since 2019.
Jeff Puhlmann-Becker is the president of the Ripon Area United Way Board of Directors. Jeff's career and decades-long work has been focused on children and youth with the objectives of providing rich engagement opportunities and healthy social interaction, while building skills and confidence in young people. About This SeriesProject Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
With May as Foster Care Awareness Month, we sat down with Fond du Lac County Foster Care Supervisor Kay Metty Reinhard to discuss the dire need for foster parents in our area. Find out the scope of the need in terms of statistics related to local children in foster care, what it takes to be a foster parent and resources available to foster parents for ensuring the success of children placed in out-of-home care after abuse/neglect.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent in Fond du Lac County, please call Luleta Mena at (920) 906-4675 or luleta.mena@fdlco.wi.gov via e-mail.
About Our Guests
Kay Metty-Reinhard: Kay has been an employee of Fond du Lac County for 24 years. Her work began in the county as an Initial Assessment Social Worker until she was promoted to supervisor 15 years ago and recently shifted to Foster Care Supervisor. Kay currently supervises Access and Initial Assessment, which entails screening cases of alleged maltreatment and supervising those cases throughout the assessment process. Prior to Kay’s employment with the county, she worked for Theda Clark Medical Center as part of the trauma team as a social worker serving those who had been involved in a medical trauma. Kay also worked extensively with the elderly population managing a group home for a private company.
Kay is also employed as a Wisconsin Reviewer for the State of Wisconsin, reviewing cases of serious injury and death of children involved in Child Protective Services in order to best understand the systematic backdrop for which the work in child welfare is done and how to improve those systems in a blameless, progressive platform of safety science modeling.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This ShowThe month of May is recognized annually as Women's Health Month and kicked off this week with National Women’s Health Week, led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The goal is to empower women to make their own health a priority and to help women understand what steps they can take to improve their health – both physical and mental.
For our part at the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund we're focusing on a small piece of physical health for women – in particular physical therapy. As co-facilitators Maria Turner and Kyle Jefferson discover in talking with guest Tiffany Fisher, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist at Advocate Aurora Health, physical therapy is an effective for women facing various health issues. Tiffany's specialty is pelvic floor health, so she spends time addressing how this area is literally the core to so many women's pain issues.
About Our Guests
Tiffany Fisher is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist at Advocate Aurora Health, as well as a member of our Women’s Fund Board of Directors. She graduated from Marian University in 2002 with double majors in biology and chemistry. She then received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2005.Tiffany performs outpatient orthopedic care in all areas, with an emphasis in spine care. She received her certificate of achievement in pelvic physical therapy in 2012 and certification in nutritional physical therapy in 2022. She specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions in women, men and children. The most common diagnoses for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction include incontinence, urgency and frequency, constipation, preoperative and postoperative prostatectomy care, pelvic pain and bed wetting.
About This SeriesProject Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
Today's conversation - "Shattering the Stigma of Mental Illness" - is the third installment in our special three-part series on mental health. Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund Executive Director Maria Turner facilitates a conversation around stigma associated with mental illness with guests Elizabeth Nelson of NAMI Fond du Lac, Keziah Love of SSM Health and Kaitlyn Kenealy of her own therapy practice. We delve into the stigma and some of the historical aspects of it, as well as how each step in the therapeutic process may also open individuals up to having to battle both societal and personal stigma, shame and judgment. This series is in direct response to the finding of the 2021 collaborative research study by the four Women's Funds in Northeastern Wisconsin looking at COVID-19's impact on women in the region. Find the study here: https://www.fdlwomensfund.com/womens-funds-release-covid-19s-impact-on-women-in-northeast-wisconsin-study/
About Our Guests
Elizabeth Nelson is the new Executive Director at NAMI Fond du Lac. Elizabeth has a passion for ending the stigma surrounding mental illness. Elizbeth has previously worked as Mental Health Service Facilitator with Fond du Lac County Department of Community Programs (DCP) and Department of Social Services (DSS). She also has experience working as a classroom teacher at both Fond du Lac and Campbellsport High Schools, as Domestic Violence Advocate at Solutions Center in Fond du Lac and Shelter Advocate at FRIENDS Inc. Elizabeth received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point studying Family and Consumer Sciences and Sociology. She is currently working to obtain her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health through Lakeland University.
Keziah S. Love, MS, LPC-IT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist for SSM Health at St. Agnes Hospital where her expertise is in trauma. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh obtaining her master of science in clinical mental health and professional counseling in May of 2020. Keziah is the CEO and founder of Healing Scars Inc. since 2017. She began running her program at the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac for two years. Keziah mentors and counsels young girls from Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Racine, Kenosha, Oshkosh and the Green Bay area. She is a mother, mentor, professional actress, advocate, poet, motivational speaker and survivor of sexual assault, rape, and domestic abuse.
Kaitlyn E. Kenealy, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding a bachelor’s degree in history and women’s studies from UW-Stevens Point, a master's in gender and women’s studies from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a master’s in counseling (community and mental health emphasis) from Lakeland University. Kaitlyn has been trained and is certified in: mental health first-aid, trauma informed care, batterers treatment, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing. In the past, Kaitlyn has worked with suicide risk assessments (Y-Screen) and volunteered with Camp Reunite. Kaitlyn also facilitates therapy through the Fondy Cares initiative and is a part of the Prevent Suicide in Fond du Lac committee.About This Series
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
About This Show
We know April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, but do we know much about the long-term affects of abuse on a child's development into adulthood? In this episode of Project Table Talk, Dr. Sachin Jogal, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist with SSM Health in Fond du Lac, discusses his observations over his 25+ years as a pediatrician.
Dr. Jogal discusses normal childhood development and how child abuse and neglect can impact that progress. He also discusses a mother's health not only during pregnancy, but once the child is born and how important that is as a foundational basis for a child's ongoing health and well-being. We look at Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) and talk about the ripple effects of those experiences on all aspects of an individual's life - impacting everything from physical and emotional health to success in school to the earning potential of someone as an adult. Tune in for a conversation that delves well past the obvious and touches on all five of our Women's Fund's foundational pillars of focus.
About Our Guests
Sachin Jogal, MD is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist with Fond du Lac Regional Clinic/SSM Health. He's spent more than 25 years as a pediatrician serving the health needs of children with particular focus and expertise on obesity, toxic stress, infant mental health and community health. Originally from India, Dr. Jogal's family immigrated to the United States when he was diagnosed with leukemia around the age of 10. He has lived in Wisconsin for the past 15 years, residing in the Fond du Lac area for 1.5 years. He also recently has been tasked in leading the community's CSI group.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
As we head into recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we sat down with Anna Koepsel and McKenzie Zahradnik of ASTOP Sexual Abuse Center, along with local therapists Keziah Love and Kaitlyn Kenealy to talk about walking through the trauma of sexual abuse and finding a path toward healing. These experts talk frankly about what they experience when clients come to them and the therapy tools they've found most effective in healing from the pain of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. We also found out what activities ASTOP will be hosting during April with so many ways the community can come out to support this agency and this issue that disproportionately affects women and girls. About Our Guests
Anna Koepsell is the new Executive Director at ASTOP, Inc. and a Fond du Lac native. Anna has her bachelor's in social work from Marian University and has been in victim services for more than five years. As a former ASTOP intern and Prevention Educator, Anna is dedicated to ASTOP’s mission of assisting survivors, treatment, outreach and prevention of sexual assault and abuse in our community. She has a huge passion for serving all ages of those in need in Fond du Lac County and wants to work toward making our community a safer place for everyone.
McKenzie Zahradnik is the new Prevention Educator for ASTOP, working to educate our communities on sexual assault, boundaries and healthy relationship through educational presentations and support groups for a wide range of individuals starting as early as 4k all the way through adulthood. Her previous experience was working to bring awareness to domestic violence at Ripon College, as the philanthropy chairwoman for Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Outside of work, she is married to my high school sweetheart, Gage Zahradnik, raising two little boys: Liam (2 years old) and Kashton (6 months). During the summer, the family travels to watch Gage play semi-professional football for the Racine Raiders, along with camping, hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.
Keziah S. Love, MS, LPC-IT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist for SSM Health at St. Agnes Hospital where her expertise is in trauma. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh obtaining her master of science in clinical mental health and professional counseling in May of 2020. Keziah is the CEO and founder of Healing Scars Inc. since 2017. She began running her program at the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac for two years. Keziah mentors and counsels young girls from Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Racine, Kenosha, Oshkosh and the Green Bay area. She is a mother, mentor, professional actress, advocate, poet, motivational speaker and survivor of sexual assault, rape, and domestic abuse.
Kaitlyn E. Kenealy, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding a bachelor’s degree in history and women’s studies from UW-Stevens Point, a master's in gender and women’s studies from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a master’s in counseling (community and mental health emphasis) from Lakeland University. Kaitlyn has been trained and is certified in: mental health first-aid, trauma informed care, batterers treatment, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing. In the past, Kaitlyn has worked with suicide risk assessments (Y-Screen) and volunteered with Camp Reunite. Kaitlyn also facilitates therapy through the Fondy Cares initiative and is a part of the Prevent Suicide in Fond du Lac committee.About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
In recognition of national Women in Construction Week, we brought in two women from C.D. Smith Construction to discuss their paths in this traditionally male-dominated vocation. As part of our Women's Fund's commitment to its leadership development pillar, we strive to bring forth information that will advance women's leadership - especially related to fields where women have not had as much opportunity for success.
Having this conversation with these two local women made so much sense because, according to a report released in 2021 by constructionexec.com, only 10% of the construction industry is populated by women. That percentage includes administrative and office roles, as well as field employees. So what drew these women to their roles as project engineer and project manager and what advice would they have for other women or girls dreaming about taking this path?
About Our Guests
Amy Schneider earned a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In 2017, Amy joined C.D. Smith Construction as a project coordinator; the next year she was promoted to a project engineer. Her daily duties include assisting project managers and superintendents with schedules, budgets and coordination to ensure the best build possible. She works in the office and on the jobsite. Amy has worked on numerous projects, including SECURA Insurance and Acuity. She is currently working at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac and Columbus HS. She enjoys her work and the support and training she has received from her team.
Sara Wright is a project manager at C.D. Smith. She has served as a project engineer, assistant project manager and now project manager in the past four years. Sara studied at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Construction Management. Sara takes pride in working on local projects such as Waupun Christian Home, St. Agnes Hospital and SSM Health Beaver Dam. Currently, she is working on projects at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac and the Columbus School District referendum in Columbus. Sara encourages women interested in construction to reach out and job shadow others in the field to see firsthand the rewarding career path available in construction industry.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
In this episode, we kick off a three-part monthly series, focused on conversations related to mental health leading up to our 2022 Power of the Purse Mind If... Luncheon April 27 where mental health is also the theme. Our Women of Achievement for the year, Keziah Love and Kaitlyn Kenealy, two local licensed mental health therapists who will serve as keynote speakers at the event, also will lead us in each of these Project Table Talk discussions about mental health.
Today's chat focused on COVID's impact on mental health - particularly how it's disproportionately affected women. Our regional survey with other Women's Funds in Northeastern Wisconsin revealed significant concerns surrounding the state of women's mental health. We dive into that conversation, while also discussing how the ability to cope with fear and uncertainty is playing a huge role in everyone's ability to function in our "new normal."
About Our Guests
Keziah S. Love, MS, LPC-IT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist for SSM Health at St. Agnes Hospital where her expertise is in trauma. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh obtaining her master of science in clinical mental health and professional counseling in May of 2020. Keziah is the CEO and founder of Healing Scars Inc. since 2017. She began running her program at the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac for two years. Keziah mentors and counsels young girls from Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Racine, Kenosha, Oshkosh and the Green Bay area. She is a mother, mentor, professional actress, advocate, poet, motivational speaker and survivor of sexual assault, rape, and domestic abuse.
Kaitlyn E. Kenealy, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding a bachelor’s degree in history and women’s studies from UW-Stevens Point, a master's in gender and women’s studies from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a master’s in counseling (community and mental health emphasis) from Lakeland University. Kaitlyn has been trained and is certified in: mental health first-aid, trauma informed care, batterers treatment, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing. In the past, Kaitlyn has worked with suicide risk assessments (Y-Screen) and volunteered with Camp Reunite. Kaitlyn also facilitates therapy through the Fondy Cares initiative and is a part of the Prevent Suicide in Fond du Lac committee.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
The first episode of season 2 focuses on February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month - a critical piece of our Fond du Lac Says No More initiative. Executive Director Maria Turner sits down with Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Deputies Andrea Dowland and Derek Rehfeldt to discuss what they've observed in their roles as patrol officer and school resource officer, respectively.
Our discussion focused on what the deputies have seen among teens in the rural schools and Fond du Lac County communities, as well as perspectives on how parents can be more engaged. Resources were shared related to internet safety and technology, which play huge roles in all relationships these days - but particularly for unhealthy relationships among teens.
About Our Guests
Deputy Andrea Dowland has been with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office since 2010. She began as a Corrections Officer and was promoted to Patrol Deputy in 2013. She currently serves on numerous special teams, including: Field Training Officer (FTO), Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Crash Investigator, Honor Guard and as a Deputy Reserve. Deputy Dowland is a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Instructor and an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Instructor. She currently works first-shift patrol in the center portion of Fond du Lac County and also serves on the Prevention Education Committee, an offshoot of the Coordinated Community Response Team
Deputy Derek Rehfeldt began his law enforcement career in 2013, working as a Corrections Officer in Sheboygan County. He shifted to Patrol Deputy in 2015 and has been the School Resource Deputy in the Oakfield School District since 2018. He is part of the Deputy Reserve Unit.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
The final episode of 2021 features our three co-hosts - FDLA Women's Fund Board members Erin Flood and Kyle Jefferson along with Executive Director Maria Turner - in casual conversation about the learnings of the first year of the show. What began out of necessity in repurposing our Project Table Talk community education activities during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a bimonthly opportunity to educate, learn and showcase people of Fond du Lac County united in the desire to help others.
Our topics this year have featured difficult conversations related to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, all of which align with our Fond du Lac Says No More initiative. But we've also discussed equally important issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, poverty and the pandemic's impact on women. And, we've taken opportunities to inspire by featuring the work of many of our partnership grantee agencies and how they are changing lives throughout Fond du Lac County, in part, because of the generosity of our Women's Fund donors.
Through this first year, we've also been able to feature the people - mostly women - who roll up their sleeves every day in the spirit of giving to others. For that, we are grateful not only to support them, but more importantly to CELEBRATE them! That, after all, is what the spirit of the holidays is all about. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And best wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the coming New Year!
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
The end of the year brings with it the spirit of giving and in Fond du Lac County, the last push by all nonprofits to meet year-end goals. The Fond du Lac Area United Way assists in helping formulate those goals through its annual grant-making, which is of course, bolstered by giving during its campaign.
In this episode, we chat with FDLA United Way Executive Director Amber Kilawee and Board member Dr. Joanne Pasiuk about the campaign goals, progress and why giving to their organization has broad impact within the entire nonprofit community.
We also delve into the newly released L.I.F.E. (Leading Indicators for Excellence) Report, which is a collaboration among FDLA United Way, Envision Greater Fond du Lac and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. Specifically, we talk about the findings related to child abuse and domestic violence, two important quality of life and health and safety issues that align with our Fond du Lac Says No More initiative.
About Our Guests
Amber Kilawee serves as the Executive Director at the Fond du Lac Area United Way.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management from Lakeland College in 2007 and has worked for United Way since. She earned a certificate from the Institute of American Humanics in nonprofit management leadership and is a 2015 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Leadership FDL graduate.
Originally from Plymouth, Wisconsin, she now calls Fond du Lac home and enjoys raising her two boys (Adrian and Dorian) here. Amber is a proud sports mom, driving all over the state to cheer on her boys as they play rugby, football, basketball, cross country, etc.
Dr. Joanne Pasiuk is a general surgeon who has been working at Fond du Lac Regional Clinic at St.Agnes Hospital since 2013. She went to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, on a U.S. Navy scholarship and served on active duty until 2013. She has been a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 2012.
Jo was stationed as a surgeon in Naples, Italy, for two years - her favorite years in the Navy. She also worked at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia and supported the Marines in Afghanistan at Command Outpost Shukvani and Forward Operating Base Payne.
Since 2018, Jo has been Medical Informatics Director for SSM Greater Fond du Lac, and in May 2021, she additionally took on the position of Medical Director, Ambulatory Care.
Outside of work, Jo is an adventurous traveler, a cautious skier, an enthusiastic cook (who can not follow a recipe) and a fashionista who loves to find a bargain. She lives with her husband Bret, who is a Nephrologist at FDL Regional Clinic, and their youngest two kids who are in fifth grade at Pier Elementary.
This is her first year on the Fond du Lac United Way Board of Directors.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
November is Native American Heritage Month, so in this episode we'll take a look at a brief historical overview of tribes in Fond du Lac County, led by local historian Tracy Reinhardt.
We'll also hear from Cheri Welch, a lifelong resident of the area and a member of the Brothertown Indian Nation. Cheri will discuss her experiences growing up in this area from Native American dissent, as well as how the Brothertown Tribe has not been officially recognized by the federal government. We'll also talk about how native women experience violence at rates far greater than their white counterparts and what is being done statewide to address this issue.
Ben Giles of the Fond du Lac Historical Society will also fill us in on his thoughts on how the history of indigenous people intersects with the Women's Fund's Fond du Lac Says No More initiative. Ben was one of the participants in the first men's focus group for the initiative's Phase II: Engaging Men and Boys in Ending Violence Against Women and Children efforts.
About Our Guests
Cheri Welch is an enrolled member of the Brothertown Indian Nation and Fond du Lac resident. She served on the Election Committee for several years, volunteers on the Picnic and Homecoming Committees, represented the tribe at Fond du Lac's annual Celebrate Community Event, has contributed to the Brothertown Newsletter and is participating in the Brothertown Book Club.Cheri holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Education and is retired from Fond du Lac County, where she served as a Social Worker in many capacities for more than 30 years. Cheri is a widow with both an adult son and daughter.
Ben Giles is the Executive Director of the Fond du Lac County Historical Society. He also serves on the Fond du Lac City Council. Prior to his time at FCHS, he was the Membership Director and Youth in Government Advisor at the Fond du Lac YMCA. He currently serves on numerous nonprofit Boards and enjoys giving back to the community that raised him.
Tracy Reinhardt is a native of Fond du Lac, mother of four, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of two. Tracy has been researching Fond du Lac history for more than 50 years. She researched and created the Rienzi Cemetery Walk, to teach local residents a little of the local history, and has also authored several family histories as well as local history books. Tracy is currently the Library Director/Archivist for the Fond du Lac County Historical Society. She is a graduate from St. Mary's Springs Academy and Moraine Park Technical Institute and also previously worked as a surveyor and AutoCad technician.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
Recognizing the need to have men take an active role in our mission-focused work, the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund is in the midst of Phase II of the Fond du Lac Says No More initiative focused on Engaging Men & Boys in Ending Violence Against Women and Children.
In that vein, our Women's Fund has been purposeful in inviting men to be part of our Board of Directors, which currently is comprised of 91% women, to add support and perspective to the conversations and work we are doing. Men must take active roles in the fight toward gender equity and the eradication of power-based violence.
In this episode, past and present male Board members Dr. Alan Patterson, Police Chief Aaron Goldstein and Kyle Jefferson share perspectives with facilitator Maria Turner on how men can step up, take action and serve women and girls in this cause.
About Our Guests
Dr. Alan Patterson is the first man to serve on the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund Board of Directors, recently completing his service in December 2020. He was instrumental in the planning of the Fond du Lac Says No More initiative and served as chair of the Community Education Committee. Alan is also founder and president of Mentore, a leadership consulting and coaching business. He holds a bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master's from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate in education from Boston University.
Alan and his partner Sheli Sadoff, who is one of the original founders of the Women's Fund, are longtime Fond du Lac residents and extremely involved in the community. Alan currently serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac Board of Directors, Treffert Way for the Exceptional Mind Governance Board and Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club.
Aaron Goldstein is the newly appointed police chief for the City of Fond du Lac Police Department. He has been a part of the Fond du Lac police force for more than 23 years, holding various leadership positions and securing various accreditations/training along the way including from the FBI National Academy and the Global Institute of Forensic Research.
Originally from Chicago, Aaron and his wife have two adult children and are active within the community as volunteers. Besides his role as a member of the Women's Fund Board of Directors, Aaron currently serves on Envision Fond du Lac's Safety Council Board, Fond du Lac County Law Enforcement Executive Association, Moraine Park Technical College Institutional Review Board Committee, Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac Board of Directors, Northeast Wisconsin MABAS 112 Incident Management Team and Fond du Lac County Traffic Safety Commission.
Kyle Jefferson is business development manager at Aurora Health Care. Kyle holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and professional certification as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Originally from Cleveland, Kyle is the father of two children, and he and his wife will be welcoming another child to their family next spring. He coaches football and track and field at St. Mary's Springs High School. In addition to his current service on the Women's Fund Board of Directors, Kyle also serves on the Cops4Kids Board of Directors.
About This SeriesProject Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table. No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Also discussed, are topics related to our foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
About This Show
Pam Sippel and Pam Tranel join us to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Girls on the Run in Fond du Lac! Last Saturday, the program held its 5k in-person after COVID-19 caused the race to be canceled in 2020. Despite a shorter training season, 165 girls took part in the 5k, which is a culmination of a 10-week curriculum and training. But Girls on the Run is more than just about running - it's about building leadership skills, confidence and community connections. Since the beginning 10 years ago, the FDLA Women's Fund has granted funding for the program annually with that support rising to the level of $5,000 per year as one of our "signature grantees."
Co-hosts Erin Flood, who serves on the FDLA Women's Fund Board of Directors, and Executive Director Maria Turner find out about the program and its emotional impact on the girls, their coaches, their running buddies and the sponsors!
About Our Guests
Pam Sippel is the Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. Pam has served in a leadership role for the Boys & Girls Club for more than 10 years, focusing her time and talents on supporting the needs of both elementary and teen members enrolled at the Club.
Pam has been working for the Girls on the Run Fond du Lac program for 9 years as Council Director. She is an incredible aspect in our community to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
Pam has created strong partnerships with the local public school district to help create a continuum in the care of the youth in Fond du Lac. She has also taken on a leadership role for the local Girls on the Run chapter and has served as the Council Liaison for more than 7 years.
Pam Tranel is the Program Assistant and Girls Coordinator for Girls on the Run FDL. She also serves as one of the key liaisons to help in the coordination of the program within the Fond du Lac School District.
Professionally, Pam dedicates her time to serving children within the school district as a Speech & Language Pathologist.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
Hearing the national statistics related to COVID-19's impact on women, leaders from the four Women's Funds in Northeastern Wisconsin assembled in the fall 2020 to plan a research survey to find out what was happening to women in our own neighborhoods.
Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund, Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay, Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region and Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation joined forces with St. Norbert College’s Strategic Research Institute to administer the survey over a six-week period between March and April 2021. The survey garnered data to see how women and their families were impacted economically and socially one year since the pandemic struck the Northeastern Wisconsin region. It was funded by a grant from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, a funding collaborative which includes funds from the U.S. Venture Open Fund for Basic Needs, the J. J. Keller Foundation and other community donors.
Co-hosts Erin Flood, who serves on the FDLA Women's Fund Board of Directors, and Executive Director Maria Turner talk through some of the key survey findings with guests from each of the Women's Funds in the region. One area of focus was on the prevalence of domestic violence and child abuse, which aligns with our Fond du Lac Says No More initiative. For the full report findings, go to our Website www.fdlwomensfund.com and click the banner at the top of the home page.
About Our Guests
Julie Keller has served as the executive director of the Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region since February 2019. She has been in the nonprofit sector for 18 years as the executive director of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services and CHAPS Academy, and development officer at St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. Prior to her career in the nonprofit sector, Julie worked in the financial industry as an analyst. She is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh with a degree in finance. Julie has a passion for issues impacting women and girls and the role philanthropy plays in addressing their greatest needs for the betterment of our entire community.
Karen Monfre is president and past treasurer for the Women's Fund of Greater Green Bay Board of Directors. She retired in 2020 from Wipfli after more than 30 years assisting clients in accounting, corporate tax and investment banking. She currently serves in varying capacities on eight corporate and nonprofit boards. She holds a business administration degree from UW-Madison, along with numerous certifications including certified public accountant and financial planner among others.
Karen Schneider serves as a board member for the Oshkosh Area Women's Fund. She is the publisher of the Oshkosh Herald and is a community advocate for providing resources and tools for people to reach self-sufficiency in our community.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
Virtual Project Table Talk continues with lively conversation among our guests Daisy Frazier of Ebony Vision and Tracy Abler of United for Diversity and co-hosts Erin Flood and Kyle Jefferson who serve on the FDLA Women's Fund Board of Directors and Executive Director Maria Turner. We'll discuss The Humanity Project of FDL, Black History Month, racism and ways we can come together for change!
About Our Guests
Daisy Frazier is originally from the south side of Chicago and has been a resident of Fond du Lac for 40 years.
She is employed by SSM Health/Agnesian HealthCare. She is the President of Ebony Vision a non-profit local community organization. Their mission: To impact & improve the Fond du Lac Community & surrounding areas through unified efforts that educate & enhance the African American culture. Their Vision: They are dedicated to networking and developing partnerships within the community that secure the legacy as an organization, standing for equality and promoting positive effects through community outreach.
Daisy tries to live her life in service to others: She was honored with the 2019 Women of Achievement Award by the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund, recipient of the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award through Marian University’s Annual Community Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, one of the founding members of The Humanity Project: Telling the Untold Story, a member and prior board member of United for Diversity, prior board member of the Equal Opportunity Commission for the City of FDL, alumni of Leadership Fond du Lac and a current Rotarian with the FDL Rotarian Morning Club. An award named in her honor is the Daisy Frazier Social Justice Award by Fit Oshkosh.
Tracy Abler has lived in the Fond du Lac area all her life. She and her husband, Mike, have six daughters and four grandchildren (only one of which is a boy!). Raising happy, confident, caring girls to women is their life’s work!
Tracy is a substitute teacher for the Fond du Lac School District, will be making her first commitment as a CSA Associate this spring, is a co-founder of The Humanity Project: Telling the Untold Story, a member of the YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Global Committee, and serves as the President of United for Diversity, a local nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate, educate and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our Fond du Lac community. She is an active community volunteer who is motivated through service, collaboration and building relationships.
Tracy has a BBA and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Marian University. As far as professional training in DEI work, life has been her classroom. She self-educates herself through various workshops, trainings and readings, but has learned most through simply building relationships and hearing others’ stories.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
In its inaugural episode, Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund Executive Director, Maria Turner, and Women's Fund Board of Directors member, and creator of The United State of US, Erin Flood, discuss the Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program. A program brought to the Fond du Lac Community by the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund, in support of #FDLSAYSNOMORE and by the generous support of the Lacey Saddoff Foundation, this program allows the average citizen to feel empowered to show that a culture of violence will not be tolerated in our community.
To participate in this free community training, go to:
www.fdlsaysnomore.org
For information related to individualized Green Dot training for your employees, church, service or community group, e-mail Maria Turner at: fdlawomensfund@gmail.com
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
In recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month, this week's guests - Sarah O' Neil, Cheryl Ketterhagen and Jackie Gomez - lend insights into interventions related to helping older adults through the perils of abuse. Sarah helps us understand the definitions related to elder abuse and what types of things are involved, from physical, verbal and emotional abuse to financial abuse, including scams by outsiders to steal money from the elderly. Cheryl and Jackie walk us through what it looks like from the perspective of social workers in Fond du Lac County responding to the calls, conducting the investigations and working with victims and their families to obtain justice with the assistance of many community partners.
Co-hosts Erin Flood, who serves on the FDLA Women's Fund Board of Directors, and Executive Director Maria Turner seek to learn about the scope of the issue throughout Fond du Lac County and the state, and what resources are available to the community. Through its Fond du Lac Says No More initiative, the FDLA Women's Fund seeks to serve diverse populations of women and girls affected by power-based violence. The work The Arc is doing with its grant achieves that goal beautifully!
About Our Guests
Jackie Gomez is an Adult Protective Services Social Worker employed with Fond Du Lac County for the past two years. Prior to being employed with Fond Du Lac County, Jackie attended Marian University with a double major in Social Work and Psychology. Jackie enjoys being a social worker and helping people is her passion. Jackie always tries to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude in the workplace even when things are tough.
Cheryl Ketterhagen was originally hired as an ongoing social worker for the Fond du Lac County Child Abuse Unit in 1988, where she served for two years before transitioning into the Adult Unit to an Adult Protective Services Social Worker position. She's been in that role ever since, currently investigating Elder and Adult At-Risk referrals, as well as completing guardianships and protective placements. Cheryl, as well as others in the department, work very closely with the hospitals, police departments, banks, attorneys, the District Attorney's Office and many other collaterals within Fond du Lac County to keep the elderly safe. She is proud of a track record of success and collaboration with community partners in getting people charged when they have committed crimes against the elderly, or those that are vulnerable.
Sarah O'Neil is currently an Elder Abuse Enhanced Training Project Coordinator with the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice. In that position, she oversees the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program in Outagamie and Door counties, which is funded through a federal grant.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This ShowAs October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, we at the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund thought we'd feature a program that is working with women and children - many of whom who've been victimized by violence - to get their lives back.
About Our Guests
Theresa Menting , a lifelong Fond du Lac resident, is executive director of Goebel Family Foundation's Women's Empowerment Series, as well as local business owner, mentor, educator, life coach and professional performer. Theresa says she has always been an advocate for marginalized populations and is intentional in fostering relationships with community members and helping those in need.
Theresa founded and directed the series first through Fond du Lac County Department of Social Services and then shifted directions in bringing it under the governance of her family's foundation in 2019. She is also founder and CEO of Sweet ‘N Easy Events, which provides event planning and coordination services throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Theresa has served in numerous volunteer positions and was nominated as a Young Professional Future 5 Award Winner, and was named one of Fond du Lac’s 2018 People of the Year. Her company, Sweet ‘N Easy Events, was also named the 2018 Best Full-Service Wedding Planning & Decorating Company by Global Wedding Awards. Theresa attributes her passion for supporting, mentoring and educating others as a cornerstone to her success locally.
Syeda Green is originally from Chicago, but has called Fond du Lac her home since 2009. She has worked for Mercury Marine for 10 year as a machinist technician and is in her second year in working toward an associate's degree in healthcare administration.
In her free time, Syeda loves to write, help people and make memories with her daughter Skylar and others close to her. Her goals are to finish school to obtain her degree, as well as dive into entrepreneurship with a cleaning business she plans to launch in 2022. She says she is determined to break generational curses within her family through growth, healing and creating a future that she can be proud of.
Trisha has a bachelor's degree in sociology with a nonprofit management emphasis and a communications minor. She says her dream is to help others and continue to grow herself in that process. She is also a single mom to two girls, Annabelle, 6, and Alana, 5, whom she moved with her back to Berlin 2018, leaving behind a negative and abusive past.
Trisha credits Women's Empowerment Series with helping her pick up the pieces after her mother - her greatest support person - died in May 2021. Her mentor has been integral in helping her grieve her loss, while also guiding her in enrolling in DVR services to garner continued support for herself and her children as she gains more experience in the nonprofit world.
About This SeriesProject Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health and well-being.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.
About This Show
Mental health issues are increasingly at the forefront of conversations related to how we can best serve today's youth. The pandemic aside, kids today seem to have greater understanding of their emotional needs than ever before, but may not always have the support or resources to navigate their mental health concerns alone.
The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is addressing this need for Club members with the implementation of a mental health coordinator on-staff, as well as increased training for all staff members. In this episode, we'll talk with Club CEO Dan Hebel and Mental Health Specialist Aly Sanders to delve into this important subject matter. It's a topic that aligns with the focus the FDLA Women's Fund is also committed to with the recent addition of Health and Well-Being - including mental health - to our agency's foundational pillars.
About Our Guests
Dan Hebel has served as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac for the past 8 years, but has worked at the Club for 20 years. During his tenure, he's seen a lot of change amongst youth and has found it gratifying to be able to respond to the needs of local children and teens.
Born and raised in Fond du Lac, Dan graduated from St. Mary's Springs in 2000 and went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation with an emphasis on youth-at-risk from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Dan is an active community volunteer, currently serving on the Police and Fire Commission, as a Board member for St. Mary's Springs Academy and FDL Festivals, and a youth baseball coach.
Aly Sanders took on her current role as mental health specialist at the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac earlier this year, but has worked at the Club for nearly 5 years with previous positions as teen program aide and Pier Elementary site director.
Aly has a bachelor's degree in social work with a minor in psychology from Marian University and received her master's in social work from Concordia University.
Originally from Little Chute, Aly says her favorite part about working at the Boys & Girls Club is being able to build such unique relationships with the youth and that she learns something new each and every day.
About This Series
Project Table Talk is designed to bring local women (and men!) together to talk on topics that may have historically been whispered in hushed tones between best friends over the kitchen table.
No more! As in Fond du Lac Says No More, an initiative led by the FDLA Women's Fund in partnership with Solutions Center, ASTOP, Agnesian/SSM Health DV Services and the Fond du Lac Police Department to raise awareness and action surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect. Although the majority of PTT topics will focus on FDL Says No More topics, we will also sprinkle in other talks that may align more with one of our other foundational pillars: economic self-sufficiency; leadership development; education; and women's health.
Join us as we not only tackle some serious topics, but showcase some of the amazing women (and men!) leading the way to facilitate BOLD CHANGE for Fond du Lac area women and girls.