Reflecting on this past year, I wanted to share some thoughts about our chapter. Living in a post-pandemic world is new to everyone, so we are all experiencing changes differently, but at the same time, doing it together. I know in my career, our company has had to be agile, flexible, and really roll with the punches when it came to serving our customers. It definitely wasn’t easy and, at times, I wasn’t exactly sure where we were going or how we would be able to continue.

I have seen our EWI organization adapt and grow in those same ways. It’s something we should all be really proud of. From our programming to our philanthropy efforts, our group has been able to effect so much positive change. I want to keep that momentum moving forward this board year as we face new challenges. I’m confident that our group will continue to shine and use that energy to gain new members and keep our chapter thriving for many years to come.

I ask that everyone keeps an open mind this year, and I will leave you with this quote from long-time IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, “Growth and comfort do not coexist.”

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Nickie Rouleau

Chapter President

The following firms are being posted for membership:

Children’s Wisconsin

8915 W. Connell Ct.

Milwaukee, WI 53226

NAICS: 621111

Badger Meter

4545 W. Brown Deer Rd.

Milwaukee, WI 53223

NAICS: 221310

If no written objection is received within ten (10) business days of this posting, these firms will be approved for membership.

Link to MyEWI's Milwaukee Chapter Group Page (login required)

Our November EWI meeting was held at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Members enjoyed a delicious salad bar and potato bar catered by EWI favorite, Skylight Catering. The group spent the evening learning about recruitment techniques from Tina Braley, as well as our new fundraising vehicle, RaiseRight, from Ginny Czarnecki. Members also got the chance to meet with their new committees. Overall, it was a very productive meeting.

As mentioned, we recently launched a new fundraising option, RaiseRight, for the chapter. Through this program, you can purchase gift cards from hundreds of popular retailers. The best part is that a percentage of your purchase goes directly to EWI Milwaukee, and you don't have to spend anything extra! You can even purchase gift cards for yourself and use them in lieu of cash or credit at your favorite stores. This program will be running indefinitely, but the holidays are a perfect time to purchase those gift cards for everyone on your holiday list! Be sure to register through the link in the email sent by Ginny Czarnecki, so the chapter gets credit for your purchases and then START SHOPPING!

This past September, Marjorie Yoshida (outgoing President), Laura Poll (incoming President-Elect), and Tina Braley (past President) all attended the annual Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting (LCAM) in Corpus Christi, TX.

The days were packed with learning and networking and the evenings were packed with food and catching up with old friends (while creating some new ones!). Corpus Christi was a great host and blessed the conference with good weather.

Click HERE for LCAM event photos and click to enlarge any of the photos you see here!

The chapter received a lovely letter written by one of this year's ASIST scholarship winners, Mya Johnson.

Her letter reads, "Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel composing this letter. Several months ago, I had the pleasure of speaking in front of your chapter and revealing to the outstanding women who surrounded me the opportunities and obstacles that led me to where I am today. Not only did this experience allow me to reflect upon myself before I left for Harvard, but it aided me as I laid the foundation from which I would continue to grow moving forward. In the few months I’ve been a member of my school’s community, I can confirm that my personal and professional growth here is bringing me closer to my aspirations."

Click HERE to read the rest of Mya's letter.

EWI Milwaukee was sad to hear about the passing of one of our own. Joan Perdue was a past President of our chapter. Click HERE to read Joan's obituary.

Also, be sure to check out MyEWI for handy information you can start using NOW in your committees, like their Tool Kits (login required).

Laura Poll, December 3rd

Kathy Marchant, December 7th

Jackie Makinen, December 7th

Julie Asher, December 21st

Please consider reaching out to those you know who may greatly benefit from being a part of the EWI family. Invite them to follow our social media, check out our website and/or attend a meeting as a guest. Encourage them to learn more about the endless benefits of joining EWI!

If you have someone in mind please reach out to Tina Braley today!

Industries/ Firms of focus include: Local municipalities, jewelers and personal care business such as massage, chiropractors, hair salons, etc.