Group photo of OFS current and former staff, board members, and participants at the gala.

Thursday, September 25, 2025, Operation Fresh Start hosted the Cultivating Change, Celebrating Growth 2025 Gala at the Monona Terrace! We thank the 265 people who attended to celebrate OFS participants, staff, and award recipients. Thank you to our sponsors, community supporters, and volunteers for showing up and believing in the work and our participants!

The gala highlighted the transformative impact of OFS’s programs on emerging adults in Dane County, celebrating the achievements of participants in the Legacy, Academy, and Empowerment Programs, and honoring the dedication of staff, community partners, and supporters. Through inspiring stories, award presentations, and recognition of both individual and collective accomplishments, the event showcased how education, mentorship, and hands-on training empower young people to build brighter futures and strengthen the community.

With the communities support, OFS will continue its legacy of empowering emerging adults in Dane County! Scroll on to view our award winners, pictures, and additional highlights!

The gala kicked off with OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon's inspiring words:

"We are all for one. One purpose, one community, one shared belief that every young person deserves a fresh start. Through the right support and hard work, a fair chance at building their own bright future is possible."

Legacy Participant of the Year

Adriel Romero Cadena

"Without OFS I would have been lost," Adriel said. "l say that loud and proud... I was trapped in the darkness, and you guys found the light for me. I found my goals, I found what I wanted to do, and now I'm striving."

After receiving his diploma this summer, Adriel is attending Madison College to become an EMT paramedic and a firefighter.

“I want to help my Hispanic community," Adriel said. "I feel like we’ve lost a little of that sense of unity and support, and I want to be a role model. I want to show people that we can do more. That we are capable.”

Academy Participant of the Year

Donquavion Brown

“When I first walked into OFS' doors, my mindset was mainly built on getting a diploma, and through this program, I quickly learned that it was much more than that," Don said. "While doing the work, I learned that my mindset and lifestyle were changing for the greater good. "I know that the young man who walked in the door all those years ago, as well as my mother, would be proud of me today."

After earning his diploma, driver's license, and many conservation industry certifications, Don is working as a Greenway Conservation Trainee with the City of Madison Engineering.

Empowerment Programs

Participant of the Year

Manizha Davlatova

After graduating high school in 2023, Manizha bravely decided to leave her home in Tajikistan and start a new life in the United States. With her young daughter by her side, she stepped into a new country speaking only Tajik and Russian, determined to build a brighter future.

"At OFS, I earned my driver's license through the Drive Program and graduated from the CareerPoint Healthcare class," Manizha said. "This led me to get a job at UW Health, buy my own car, and buy a home for me and my daughter. I want to thank everyone who has helped me with my journey." 

Manizha now works at UW Health as a patient transporter, a critical role that ensures patients receive safe and compassionate care.

Charles Jackson

Transformation Award

Jacob Corona Cordero

After receiving his diploma through Legacy in 2022, Jay became one of the first graduates of Build Academy. He was hired by JP Cullen and is now in his third year of his carpentry apprenticeship.

"Thank you to Operation Fresh Start for not just helping me graduate a month before my graduation date that I was supposed to be not a part of, but for helping me find a career path that was right for me," Jay said. "I'd also like to thank JP Cullen for giving me the chance and opportunity to show that I am capable of striving."

"What I admire most about Jay isn't

his strong work ethic, it's his commitment to his community and dedication that shines through in everything he does," OFS Resource Specialist Grace Coleman said.

Leadership Award

David Lehrer



"I want to thank Connie Ferris Bailey (former OFS Executive Director) for all she did for the program and for getting me involved,” David said. "She was a great ambassador and a great spokesperson for the program."

Since first volunteering in 1995, David has been a steadfast champion of OFS, from tutoring young people in math to mentoring through life's challenges. As a longtime board member and past president, Dave guided OFS through financial hardships, governance changes, and growth into a stronger, more impactful organization. He was the OFS board chair from 2011-2014 and continues to be a member of our development committee.

"Just being a tiny part of OFS has been so rewarding for me," David said. "So I want to thank all of the young people, past and present, who have given me that joy, inspiration, and fun over all these years."

Community Collaboration Award

Tina Geier



Tina began her career as a special education teacher at La Follette High School in 1994, later taking on the challenging role of educator for youth in our Dane County Jail. Seeing the need for re-entry support, she identified OFS as a partner and spearheaded a collaboration that continues today.

Now serving as director of MMSD's Office of Youth Re-Engagement, Tina has spent more than 25 years investing deeply in the success of every student in our community. Her leadership and vision are vital to ensuring young people have the support they need to thrive.

"The work I get to do every day is exciting and challenging, and I think it's very important," Tina said. "It's also a small part of a much larger collective of work that is also really exciting and challenging and very, very important... Most importantly, our participants, our young people, you do the hardest work. We are grateful for you and stand here with you.”

Jim Sanders Heart of the Mission Award

Joe Collins

"On any given day, you can hear Joe in the whole room or the hallway, reminding his crew, ‘Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life,’" OFS Deputy Director Jasmine Banks said. "For eight years, Joe has supported countless young people with patience and understanding, walking beside them through life's challenges and celebrating their successes. His influence extends to staff as well, sharing his wisdom, steady presence and generosity of spirit. Joe just doesn't teach. He inspires."

"I feel like when you guys are on site, you stand out as leaders," Joe said about the participants at the Gala. "It makes my job super easy. It makes every day joyful to come. It makes every day much more pleasant. I just want to point out that it is always about the young people... I wanted to honor them here tonight.

Joe reminds us all of the power of compassion, perseverance, and the incredible difference one person can make when they lead with their heart.

Connie Ferris Bailey Cornerstone Award

Seth Lentz

Seth has been a visionary partner in expanding educational and career opportunities for emerging adults for more than 20 years as the CEO of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.

"Seth has championed programs connecting youth to in-demand careers in construction, conservation and healthcare," OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon said. "His commitment to equity and collaboration amplified OFS impact and has helped build a more inclusive, prepared workforce for Dane County and beyond."

Seth said that Connie Ferris Bailey was one of the first people he met when he joined the Workforce Development Board.

"Our collaboration and partnership have weathered changing economic conditions, changing political winds, and different interests of our youth, but we’ve always found ways to be creative and be innovative and find a new path. That partnership is very important to us at the Workforce Development Board."

Thank You!

Thank You, Dane County Executive

Melissa Agard!

Thank you to County Executive Agard for sharing your wonderful remarks at our Gala!

"More than 9,000 young adults have been served over the 55 years of Operation Fresh Start," Agard said. "Think about how the lives of those 9,000 people and the folks who supported them and loved them and believed in them have been made more vibrant because of Operation Fresh Start."

Melissa Agard is a proud graduate of East High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She's also a proud mom of four sons and a Madison's north side resident. She began her public service journey as a small business owner and Dane County Board supervisor. She was first elected to the State Assembly in 2012 and served five terms in the Wisconsin State Legislature. She was elected to the State Senate in November 2020 and was chosen by her colleagues to serve as Senate Democratic leader in November 2022. In November 2024, she was elected as our Dane County Executive.

Thank You to our emcee,

Dan Terrio!

Thank you to Dan Terrio, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director of Milwaukee County, for volunteering to be our emcee this year!

Dan has worked for Milwaukee County for four years and has 25 years of experience in public speaking, freelance event planning, organizational fundraising, marketing, leadership, development, organizational development, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, and talent training and development.

He found his passion for serving others when he grew up on the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Reservation in North Central Wisconsin.

"Since I was 13 years old, I have devoted my life to the betterment of all people," Dan said. "The ability to motivate through the power of word is one of my strongest suits."

Thank you again, Dan, for guiding the evening with warmth, energy, and humor.

Thank you Melissa Behling, The Dog Edit for event photos!

Ways to Donate

Jody Weyers, OFS Development Director (middle) with Lau (right) and Bea Christensen (left).

Every dollar helps provide guidance, education, and hands-on experience that empowers emerging adults to build brighter futures. Together, we can open doors of opportunity and change lives.

Thank you to everyone for believing in our mission and those who gave generously at the Gala or plan to in the months ahead!

If you'd like to see the impact of your support firsthand, we warmly invite you to come for a tour, join us for a graduation or volunteer with our crews!

At our July 23 Full Circle Celebration, 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation announced a $25,000 match through September 30, 2025! You still have today to be part of the match!

2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation is the community outreach arm of 2nd Market Capital Advisory Corporation. They created the foundation in 2018 to provide support to organizations committed to improving the lives of young people in our community.

They believe the best way to enable all children to succeed in school, careers, and life is to provide access to educational and economic opportunities.

Thank you 2MC Foundation for this very generous gift for the seventh year in a row. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to emerging adults in our community!

Thank You To All Sponsors

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