Wisconsin Women in Government Gala
MEDIA RELEASE: Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG), a statewide, bipartisan, non-profit organization, will host the Annual Scholarship & Recognition Gala at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center on Wednesday, April 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. The annual event draws elected and appointed leaders, advocates and lobbyists, legislative staffers, and others working in and with all levels and branches of local, state, and federal government.
"This event brings together a diverse range of leaders, advocates, and stakeholders from across the political spectrum, uniting in support of our mission to empower and elevate women's voices in public service," said WWIG president Chelsea Shanks. "Together, we recognize the vital role they play in shaping our communities and driving positive change at every level of government."
The event features a keynote speaker, presentation of the Legacy and Rising Star Awards, acknowledgement of 2023-2024 WWIG scholarship recipients, and silent auction. Registration includes a heavy appetizer buffet, and a cash bar is available. The event is open to all—WWIG membership is not required—and sponsorships are available. A discounted young professional rate for those under 30 is available upon inquiry.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Sanchez
Since 2003, Leslie Sanchez has served as a leader in public opinion research specializing in presidential and statewide elections as well as the women’s and Hispanic-Latino marketplace. Her career has been spent at the forefront of predictive data analytics that shift opinion, shape policy and aid the decision-making process for Fortune 500 companies, universities and colleges as well as global non-profit organizations.
For her work, Hispanic Business magazine called her one of the nation’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics,” and she was named “Texas Powerbroker” by the Houston Chronicle for being among the most influential Texans in Washington.
She is the author of two critically-acclaimed books: Los Republicanos, which accurately predicted key shifts of Latino vote prior to 2008; and You’ve Come a Long Way, Maybe: Sarah (Palin), Michelle (
Leslie started her career selling P.F. Collier encyclopedias door-to-door. Once in Washington, she served as deputy press secretary at the Republican National Committee where she was one of the principal architects of the organization’s first-ever multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at Hispanic voters. Soon after, Leslie was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as executive director of the White House Initiative on Hispanic Education. Under her leadership, the initiative successfully built a grassroots network of 20,000 parents, educators and students, and issued two Presidential Commission reports aimed at closing the academic achievement gap.
In addition, members of the public are asked to submit nominations for the "Legacy Award" and "Rising Star Award". These awards will recognize two outstanding women in careers interacting with public service.
The “Legacy Award” will honor one woman who has made significant professional contributions throughout her career to local, state, and/or national government.
The “Rising Star Award” will honor one woman who has been in her profession for 10 years or less, but has demonstrated excellence by making an extraordinary impact in her profession relative to her years of service.
Eligible nominees for both awards are those with roles in local, state, and/or national government, including but not limited to elected officials, public employees, and those interacting with government through the private sector.
Nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they have won the award. Award recipients will be notified of their selection and invited to the Annual Wisconsin Women in Government Scholarship & Recognition Gala in Madison, Wisconsin.
Nominations are due by midnight on March 8, 2024.
"These awards spotlight the talents and contributions of two women in public service, underscoring their pivotal role in driving positive change and inspiring future generations," said Shanks.
For more information, please visit wiscwomeningovernment.org/events.