The community’s generosity continues to inspire the Women’s Fund of Door County’s Board of Advisors; 2021 was financially successful for the fund.

The Women’s Fund makes grants to programs that promote economic opportunity, encourage potential, foster education, support health and wellness, and foster an appreciation for arts for women and girls in our community. We would not be able to invest in the work of these amazing organizations and programs without your support.

The Women’s Fund awarded a grant in the fall of 2021 to Mentor Door County, a one-on-one mentoring program through We Are Hope, Inc. Since its inception in the fall of 2020, ten mentor/mentee matches have been made with more mentors ready to share insights.

Mentor Door County also offers a variety of fun and engaging programming, including the PodSquad podcast club, a “Choose Your Own Path” event geared toward high school seniors as they determine their post-graduation plans, and a vision board party to set goals and ring in the new year. They plan a panel discussion of women in male-dominated careers featuring some impressive Door County women.

Heidi Bader, a school counselor in the Sturgeon Bay School District for 20 years, has lived and worked in Door County for 27 years. She is married to Scott Bader and has two adult daughters, Betsy and Hannah, whom she says are “fully launched.”

Three years ago, she joined her husband at Coldwell Banker. She loves being on the water in any way, shape, or form in her spare time. Otherwise, she can be found in the woods with her dog, Dottie the Doodle.

Melissa (Mel) Ripp is the owner and founder of Peapod Marketing & PR Consulting. Prior to being a solopreneur, Melissa held marketing leadership and strategist positions at a variety of corporate, not-for-profit, and educational entities, including CUNA Mutual Group, Renaissance Learning, and Lake Forest Country Day School.

A Door County native who spent her early professional years working at American Folklore Theatre (now Northern Sky Theater), The Hardy Gallery, and the Ephraim Historical Foundation as well as writing for the Peninsula Pulse and Door County Living magazine, Melissa has a fierce love for the place she was born and raised. A life-long appreciation for the arts, her never-ending curiosity, and the drive to be of service to others were all values she forged on the peninsula. In moving back home, Melissa aims to ensure all women in Door County have ample opportunities and equitable access to economic stability, creative expression, and the other resources they need to reach their potential. 

Tammy Sternard began her career with the Door County Sheriff’s Office in 1993 as a Reserve Deputy. Since then, she worked her way through the ranks serving as a Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant and then elected to her current position of Sheriff.

A lifelong resident of Door County, Tammy has volunteered in the community for decades. She appreciates the value of people coming together to work on issues. She has seen firsthand how sometimes what seems to be impossible is achievable when people work together. 

She is an active supporter of a wide variety of community activities throughout the county. She coaches youth sports, serves as a Big Sister, is an Advisory Board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Door County, and helps out with numerous not-for-profits, helping in fundraising and awareness for a variety of important causes. Tammy enjoys free time with family and friends, golfing, and trying new recipes.  

For more information about the Women’s Fund or to donate, please visit www.womensfunddoorcounty.org

Door County Community Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity.