Rooted in love and fueled by their sense of care, these women followed their passion to create spaces where they empower others to grow. Whether providing a place of connection or support when needed most, they are on a mission to uplift our community.
Charlotte Deleste
"Do Something Good" - that's what Charlotte Deleste would say at the end of every broadcast at WISC-TV. She didn't just say it, she lived it. Charlotte took her frustration and anger over what her son with special needs couldn't get in terms of personal and respite care, and created Gio's Garden, a therapeutic respite center for children with special needs not for her family, but for other families to get the care they need and deserve. Named after Gio who inspires the non-profit, Gio's Garden has helped nearly 800 families since 2012.
Gio's Garden - 608.833.GIOS
Kerri Kane
As the founder of Waunakee Project Brave, Kerri is a dynamic professional who is passionate about using music, storytelling, and community events to inspire courage, promote healing, and create a positive impact. Waunakee Project Brave is committed to empowering individuals through uplifting experiences that encourage self-expression and personal growth. The organization's mission is grounded in the acronym BRAVE: Being Real Affects the Value of Everyone, a principle that fosters authenticity and connection within the community. Managing real estate, leading community initiatives, and building strategic connections, Kerri is unwaveringly dedicated to excellence and making a lasting difference.
www.waunabebrave.com | kkane@kerrikanerealty.com
Katy Chryst Youngdahl
As the daughter of a Wisconsin Football Coach, Katy learned what it takes to become one of the greats and is on a mission to help women achieve the same. Football players are cool, but the real power players? Women who boldly claim I’m the one. I’m done playing small. I’m going all in. Katy coaches on elite standards, personal power, confidence, and the unsexy work of facing fears head-on. "To witness everyday women breaking free from self-doubt and external validation and unapologetically unleash the best versions of themselves– I love what I do.”
Instagram: @katy.chryst.youngdahl | Facebook: @Katy.Chryst
Root 2 Rise
During her 30-year career in education, Denise Hanson empowered her students to discover their potential. Now, through her nonprofit, Root 2 Rise, nearly 400 high school students have found this same inspiration serving as Tutor-Mentors in neighborhood elementary classrooms. Many, once doubtful of their academic abilities, now inspire their younger peers and go on to graduate. This transformative experience provides a stipend and a DPI Employability Skills Certificate upon completion. Students regard it as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and pursue rewarding careers.
www.root2rise.org | info@root2rise.org
Beth Williams
Beth is the founder and executive director of Yada Fair Trade & Resale in Middleton, a local nonprofit that works with women and children in our community that have been sexually exploited and trafficked. Through Yada, she has created a place of community and support. Yada regularly hosts an addiction recovery group, a car care clinic, free access to a trauma therapist, and other similar opportunities. Beth‘s passion and mission to see women move from surviving to thriving and among the women she serves, she is affectionately called the “Hope Dealer.”
www.yadaftr.com | beth@yadaftr.com
Michelle Kullman
On Nov. 4, 2021, Michelle received the call that is every parent's worst nightmare. Her son, Cade, had died in his dorm room at UW-Milwaukee after taking a single Percocet painkiller that was laced with 100% fentanyl. Michelle immediately threw herself into advocacy work to educate on the danger that One Pill Can Kill and accessibility to lifesaving Narcan on college campuses. She serves on the board of Restoring Roots, a nonprofit creating long-term recovery housing in Dane County, and is now launching Shining Light Grief Support, offering Grief Yoga® classes to help others heal.
Restoringroots.org | michelle.shininglight@gmail.com