Green Bay, Wis. – In recognition of Women’s History Month and Equal Pay Day on March 14, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Deputy Secretary Patti Epstein, and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Administrator Michele Carter, held a roundtable discussion with Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Northeast Regional Director Colleen Bies, Wisconsin Women’s Council Executive Director Jenifer Cole, Wisconsin Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region Executive Director Julie Keller, and Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation Senior Vice President of Community Impact Amber Paluch, as well as community stakeholders and local leaders, including Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, on strategies to help advance women across the state, and highlight the impact of Governor Evers’ 2023-25 Budget proposals and ongoing investments to support women’s economic parity and workforce development.
“Governor Evers and our entire administration have been committed to equity and Wisconsin’s workforce since day one,” said Secretary Blumenfeld. “The future of Wisconsin is tied firmly to the future of women in this state, and I’m proud to see the impact being made by Governor Evers’ investments for women in Wisconsin, as well as the impact of our stakeholders’ efforts statewide.”
“Women’s History Month and the Women’s Council’s 40th Anniversary are all occasions for us to look back at the history and progress we made, but also an opportunity to look toward our future—an opportunity to evaluate where we are at in the pursuit of gender equity and equal participation— and understand what is needed to advance women’s economic and social equality and enhance our ability to fully participate in all aspects of life in Wisconsin,” said Executive Director Cole.
“In Wisconsin, women play a critical role in our thriving economy, making up 48% of our workforce and participating at a higher rate than women in other states,” explained Administrator Carter. “Yet we face a decisive moment in history, and we must act purposefully and objectively if we want our women, our families, and our economy to maintain an edge. Gov Evers’ proposed investments in paid family and medical leave, small businesses, workforce training, childcare, and apprenticeship will help remove some of the barriers that disproportionately affect women while keeping as many people as possible engaged and active in our workforce.”
“Personal financial literacy is a life skill that can substantially improve the quality of life for people of all ages and in all stages of life,” added Deputy Secretary Epstein. “Financial education gives people the tools they need to achieve their dreams, expand their opportunities, and attain financial security for themselves and their families. Today’s conversation was so important in furthering this work.”
A follow-up to an earlier event in Milwaukee, the women’s focused series of conversations aims to spotlight existing challenges and strategies being implemented at the state and local level to help address social and economic equity in Wisconsin.
