MADISON, WI – In recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Wisconsin Women’s Council and Women’s History Month, a celebratory reception was held on Thursday, March 23rd at the Wisconsin Executive Residence. Governor Tony Evers, First Lady Kathy Evers, and Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez were joined by current and former Council members, cabinet agency leaders, legislators, and Women’s Council partners and supporters to mark the occasion.
“We are glad to welcome the Wisconsin Women’s Council to the Executive Residence to celebrate the Council’s work over the past 40 years,” shared First Lady Kathy Evers. “Tony and I look toward to working with the Council on future efforts to advance gender equity and empower women in our great state.” First Lady Evers also congratulated Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez on her appointment to the Women’s Council as Governor Evers recently appointed the Lt. Governor to serve as his designee on the Council.
The event was an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous history of the Council and thank all the remarkable, dedicated women who have served over the past four decades. “We are not only celebrating the past 40 years of the Women’s Council but we’re also celebrating Women’s History Month and the remarkable history of trailblazing women who came before us and played a critical role in the history and prosperity of our state,” said Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. “As we come together to honor and reflect upon the achievements of Wisconsin women and the Wisconsin Women’s Council, we also renew our commitment to continuing the progress of generations of extraordinary women to keep moving Wisconsin forward.”
The Women’s Council also paid tribute to the legacy of the late Governor Tony Earl, who established the Women’s Council by Executive Order on February 1, 1983. Governor Earl was a tremendous supporter of gender equity and his legacy lives on through the work of the Council and its mission to enhance the ability of all Wisconsin women to participate fully and equally in all aspects of life. Though unable to attend the event, Roberta Gassman, former policy advisory to Governor Earl and founding Governor’s designee to the Council, provided remarks in honor of Governor Earl. “Governor Tony Earl to his core, then and throughout his entire life was committed to fairness, equity, justice, and doing what was right. He was the finest of public servants. He, like the Women’s Council, leave a legacy of making Wisconsin a better place for all.”
Women’s Council Chair Denise Gaumer Hutchison shared her reflections on the current and future work of the Women’s Council. “When we are all involved by providing the power to lift up women and girls, we will enact lasting change that is so desperately needed because, together, we cultivate our own confidence and voice because our potential is not limited to our gender – we have the ability to be treated equally because we are equal.” Chair Gaumer Hutchison closed the speaking program with stating, “here’s to 40 more years of the Women’s Council being successful in showcasing the success of women and our equality.”
The Women’s Council looks forward to 40 more years of our work promoting initiatives that empower women in Wisconsin, serving as a clearinghouse for information on programs and resources, conducting research, and promoting unique partnerships to further women’s social and economic equality. For more information about the Wisconsin Women’s Council, visit our website at: womenscouncil.wi.gov.
