April 2023 Connect
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Excite. Elevate. Envision
Hello and happy spring! The theme of my letters has been renewal and change for our chapter, and you all might have noticed that we are growing. It’s an exciting time to be leading a group of so many women at different points in their careers and lives. 

The late Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.…It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” 

Our group is so extraordinary and I truly believe we can do anything we set our minds to. I ask that all of you continue to have that spirit as we take on the rest of the year.

Best,



Nickie Rouleau
Chapter President
Can you spare 10 minutes to learn about how you should NOT negotiate who you are? Listen to this powerful and uplifting discussion with Brené Brown, an American professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host, talk about how our worth and our belonging are not to be negotiated with other people.
Date: February 7, 2023
MMAC
Caterer: Skyline Catering

Our February EWI meeting was held at the offices of member firm, MMAC. It was the always-favorite annual Handmade & Heartfelt fundraiser. The chapter did an amazing job with their contributions benefitting the chapter's operating funds. We were also joined by Dr. Sarah Thordsen, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, who shared vital information on women's heart health and gender-specific risk factors and symptoms.
Date: March 7, 2023
The Community Corner at The Corners of Brookfield
Caterer: Grimaldi's Pizzeria

Our March EWI meeting had the chapter back to brass tacks with its bi-annual business meeting. Committee directors updated the chapter on the happenings within each of their respective groups, as well as shared goals for the upcoming months. It was an evening of lively dialog and reflecting.
Date: April 4, 2023
Sprecher Brewery
Caterer: Sprecher Brewery

Our April EWI meeting combined beer, tacos, and an extremely educational and worthwhile investment outlook update from chapter member and Edward Jones advisor, Missy Wahlen. We rounded out the evening by decorating uplifting handwritten notes to senior citizens. They were delivered to St. Monica's Senior Living in Caledonia.
Since January, we've had the following firms posted for membership:
 
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Associated Bank River Center
  • Infinite Warrior
  • Rumble Boxing
  • CMG Financial / CMG Home Loans
  • Krueger Communications, Inc.
  • Color Glo
  • Urban Ecology Center
  • Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District #21
  • Coalition for Children, Youth & Families
  • Connect Chiropractic
  • United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

We've also welcomed both new reps and new members since January!

  • Cristina Crogan - new rep from Next Door Foundation
  • Elizabeth Klein & Leslie Ortiz - new reps from Olympus Group
  • Sue Chipman - new member from Krueger Communications, Inc.
  • Kimberly Wolverton - new member from Connect Chiropractic

WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE US!
In 1770, the British Parliament considered a bill that would punish women for witchcraft if they wore... what?

Take your cursor and highlight the text immediately following this sentence for the answer: Makeup... Wearing makeup was frowned upon at the time because of its "effects on men."
(If this trick doesn't work for you, check out the SOURCE, and scroll all the way to the bottom for #15!)
Great news from the Baseball Suite Raffle! 

The drawing was held at Magoo's on the Mound on Thursday April 13th. Thanks to everyone who attended. See the Facebook Live post of the ticket drawing HERE. The winning ticket was purchased by Steve Cvikel - a cousin of Nickie Rouleau. 😊

All 200 tickets that were printed were sold. Net proceeds were $3,876.38. Just WOW!!

Top ticket sellers include Nickie Rouleau, Julie Frey, Donna Munnik and Ginny Czarnecki. Well done, everyone ⚾!!
If you haven't already signed up for RaiseRight, please consider doing so. The Chapter benefits from members using gift cards to pay for everyday (and not-so-everyday) expenses. Remember, this program is not limited to our chapter representatives. Anyone can sign up using EWI of Milwaukee's unique code and proceeds from their purchases benefit the chapter. No selling - just making purchases you normally would except by using gift cards. The chapter has raised $238.03 to-date from purchases made by members. Please contact Ginny Czarnecki for questions or more information.
Your FUNdraising for Operations Committee is considering holding a Meal Raffle in conjunction with Mother's Day. Stay tuned for more information!

Since everyone seemed to really enjoy getting gently used designer handbags last year, we are looking at doing that again at one of the summer meetings. If YOU have or have access to any gently used designer handbags that you would like to donate, please let Ginny or another committee member know and we'll make collection arrangements. Committee includes: Donna Munnik, Lori Skerencak, Tina Braley, Mary Caye Smith, and Jackie Makinen.


Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Membership Meeting
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Rockwell Automation
Our May meeting takes us to the historic Rockwell Automation, where we'll hear Tessa Myers, Senior Vice President - Intelligent Devices at Rockwell, present "How Women are Uniquely Qualified as Leaders".

We will then spend part of the evening working on a philanthropy project benefitting the Meta House. The Meta House is a non-profit organization helping women reclaim their lives by providing inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.

We will be putting together activity bags for 20 women. These activity bags are given to the women when they check into the Meta House along with a welcome basket. 

The materials for these activity bags were made possible thanks to the generous donations from the following companies and member firms:

For anyone who's interested in seeing a bit of history and doesn't mind sticking around after the meeting, our Rockwell Automation host, Lora Burback, will be offering Clock Tower tours.
RSVP BY MAY 1ST
Upcoming meeting news:
  • June 6th: Firm Recognition & Literacy Night at the Bucyrus Club
  • July 11th: Annual potluck! Outdoor location TBD
  • August 1st: Hosted at Mueller Communications. Program TBD
  • September 5th: Bi-annual Business Meeting. Location TBD
  • October 3rd: New board installation at the University Club
  • MORE TO COME!

As always, if you have any ideas for venues or speakers, please email Lorie Barbian.
The chapter recently announced dates for member (and, possibly, prospective member!) socials. Please be sure to add these dates to your calendar. Venues and details will be announced later.

Even MORE important, these events will be published on our LinkedIn page. It's critical that these event notices be shared with your connections, so we can attract potential members!
Members recently enjoyed the 2nd Quarter Social, compliments of the ladies at Personal Sentiments. We snacked on goodies and wine while creating unique, custom paintings. Click on the images below to enlarge and see how much fun was had.
Welcome to our two new firms!

Rep: Sue Chipman, Office Manager
Firm Brief: Founded in 1959, Krueger is a locally-owned full-service communication company that offers integrated network, business phone, IT, and carrier solutions.

Rep: Kimberly Wolverton, Outreach Coordinator
Firm Brief: Connect Chiropractic provides neurologically-based chiropractic services. By performing a full neurological and structural analysis, they are able to get an exact assessment of your overall health.
Learn more about our past activities by clicking on the links below. Share with your networks, so they can see first-hand the good work that EWI Milwaukee does for the community.


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

We'll also be updating the MyEWI Milwaukee Chapter Group page (login required) with news and resources, so be sure to visit there often. Members can also add their own posts to the chapter page, so you can keep the chapter abreast of what's going on in your world and your committees.
Jaime Wooten, April 15th
Mary Caye Smith, April 17th
Rocky Theisenkapp, April 19th
Lori Skerencak, April 24th
Julie Frey, April 25th
Elizabeth Klein, April 25th
Cortney Ihde, May 1st
Missy Wahlen, June 6th
Sharon Fryjoff, June 24th
We're growing and there's no stopping us!

We are still looking for firms in the following industries:
  • Accounting Firms
  • Jeweler
  • Hospitality - Hotels & Restaurants
  • Local Sports Team
  • Health Care

Do you know anyone at any of these companies?
  • Harley Davidson
  • Molson Coors (Miller)
  • GE
  • Johnson Controls
  • Aurora
  • Quad Graphics
  • Roundy's

How about former EWI Reps - do you stay in touch with anyone? Invite them to a meeting!
How about any co-workers or other departments in your company? Invite them to a meeting!
How about friends and family? Invite them to a meeting!
How about that Vendor or Sales Rep you work with? Invite them to a meeting!

Let's get creative and make this the year we grow! Retention & Recruitment Director, Tina Braley, is always available for phone calls, Zoom meetings, or is willing to meet up for a coffee or glass of wine with potential new members. Please let her know if you'd like to meet up!

Click the buttons below for handy R&R resource materials.
Announcing two upcoming events offered by our member firms!
Connect Chiropractic cordially invites you to attend their Open House to learn more about their services. They'll have refreshments, snacks, and even some door prizes.

When: Wednesday, May 3rd
Time: 6-8PM

Click to enlarge the image, and get more information on the event.
Rockwell Automation is excited to be holding their 33rd Annual UPAF Fundraiser Dinner, and they would love for you to attend.

When: Saturday, May 20th
Time: 2-7PM

Click the image to enlarge, and get more information on the event. To purchase tickets, click HERE.
In memory of Pauline Kliefoth, a Past President and long-time member of EWI of Milwaukee who passed away on July 16, 2022.

Her obituary may be found on the Schmidt & Bartlet Funeral Home website.

Click to enlarge the image.
EWI of Milwaukee Website
Share with others our stories and visit for up to date member-only information. www.ewimilwaukee.org
Continuing to Support Next Door
Donate Books!
Next Door needs our help to keep their shelves filled! You can donate gently-used books or purchase new books — or host a book drive to multiply your impact. Visit the Next Door Amazon Wish List to purchase the books they need most.
Click this link to learn more about volunteer opportunities at NextDoor.