March 2023

International Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th and honors the contributions and achievements of women around the world. "Embrace Equity," this year’s theme, encourages people to challenge gender stereotypes and fight for gender equality. The day reminds us of the importance of welcoming women from different communities, countries, and continents, and also focuses on issues involving suppression and discrimination women still experience. The importance of improved healthcare, particularly in impoverished countries, is a focal point, as is eliminating abuse against women.

What can you do on this day heralding women and their accomplishments? Even here, at the local level, these suggested activities demonstrate interest in, show support for, and generate discussion on the role of women and their empowerment. On March 8th:

• Shop at women-owned businesses.
• Consult the International Women’s Day website to discover where events celebrating women will be held.
• Watch a documentary on women's rights. "This Changes Everything" and "9 to 5: The Story of A Movement" are two of the many films highlighting the evolution of women and the women's movement through the years.
• Enjoy a female filmmaker’s movie marathon that could include "Ladybird" and "Nomadland."
• Read and share the words of poets like Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood, and Amanda Lovelace.
• Contribute to our organization, the Women's Fund of Door County, whose aim is to improve and enhance the lives of women and girls in our community.

March 8th honors the impact of women worldwide. It is a day dedicated to preserving women's history and praising the progress of women, and it is a day when the importance of embracing equity is emphasized.

Tales of Our Lives

This year's dates for the ninth annual “Tales of Our Lives: A Story Slam” are Thursday, April 27^th, and Friday, April 28^th. Sturgeon Bay's Door County Fire Company, located at 38 S. 3rd Ave., is the site for the ten storytellers empowered through presentation. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for social hour, and the program begins at 7:00 p.m. Light appetizers are included in the admission price. To further support Door County Fire Company, consider arriving early and enjoying a more substantial offering prior to the event.

Tickets go on sale March 27^th through the Women’s Fund website and sell for $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door for this historically sold-out event. This year's music will be provided by Jeanne Kuhns. Unlike past performances, five different slammers will tell their emotional stories on each of the two nights.



Storytellers on Thursday, April 27^th are Nikkie Howard, Jeannie Hoffman, Symone Sandoval, Jennifer Aldrich, and Jeanne Kuhns. On Friday, April 28^th, slammers are Allison Le, Nikki Hedeen, Jess Holland, Milly Gonzales, and Scout Feldman.

We hope to see you there to hear poignant life stories that at times will evoke laughter and at other times, tears.

Welcome New Board Member: Kristen Jeanquart

Kristen grew up in Illinois and received her bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College and her master’s degree from Marquette University. After graduation, she worked as a Communication Coordinator for UW-Extension in Green Bay and as the Volunteer Coordinator for Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.

She met her husband while they were both at St. Norbert College and he lured her to Door County. They have three children, ages 6, 8, and 9; and Kristen is fortunate to be able to stay at home with them. As a side project, Kristen and her husband have a commercial rental property business. She has always been passionate about not-for-profits and finding ways to help the community. Kristen currently volunteers for several local organizations, including St. John Bosco Catholic School and the Golden Hearts Volunteer Appreciation event. Kristen feels lucky to call Door County her home. It is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. 

Save the dates

Tales of Our Lives: April 27th and 28th at Door County Fire Company

Celebrate Women Luncheon: September 15th at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center