Meet Missy Mpati Husband, a Madison chef, Kulture Kitchen founder, and real estate agent who shares South African flavors, hospitality, and an entrepreneurial vision. With more than a decade of culinary experience, Missy Mpati Husband is growing Kulture Kitchen through South African flavors, creative dining experiences, and welcoming hospitality. Witness her story on Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Goodman Community Center from 3-7 PM

fter a serious accident left her unable to walk or work, Diana Pacheco Sanchez discovered that she had not lost her knowledge, faith or ability to build something new. Join her and our other storytellers on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM

When the career and life that defined her changed, Liliana Espejel began asking a deeper question: Who am I becoming? Her journey connects engineering, immigration, theater, and conscious reinvention. Join her and the women of Midwest on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center for our annual storytelling event.

Meet Milsa Nagaraj, Choosing a Future of Her Own. She is a Mexican immigrant and emergent nonprofit leader in Madison whose journey connects education, family, and the courage to ask for support. After years of balancing work and motherhood, Milsa Nagaraj invested in her education. Today, she brings that experience to serving her Madison community. Join us Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Goodman Community Center to hear her story and others. At 3 PM, we will have a community altar, an

Meet Jackie Holland, a bilingual HR leader redefining strength through quiet leadership, self-trust, and the courage to be heard. Meet her and the 2026 Midwest Mujeres' Voices & Dreams Academy cohort on Sunday, November 1 at 3 PM at the Goodman Community Center. Jackie Holland has built a career helping others navigate difficult conversations. Now she is learning that her own quiet voice carries power.

Monica Weitzel's professional journey is connected by one purpose: helping people feel welcomed, valued, and part of something meaningful. Join her on Sunday, Nov 1, at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM for the community altar and at 5 PM for our storytelling show and dinner.

After nearly 10 years in the same job, Luz Padilla returned to school and began building a new career in real estate. At 42, she is proving that it is never too late to begin again. Join her and the women of Midwest Mujeres on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 3 PM at the Goodman Community Center. These women have powerful stories to share with our community. American Dream through the eyes of women of the Americas.

Meet Rosa Edwards, a 2026 Voices & Dreams Academy participant 2026 VOICES AND DREAMS ACADEMY PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT "At least now 13 places know your name.” Rosa Edwards has always known that she loves caring for people. She didn't always know how to turn that calling into a visible, sustainable business. As Founder and Care Coordinator of Rosa Cares LLC, Rosa provides compassionate in-home care for seniors and adults with disabilities. She built the company around dignity, pe

This Latino Heritage Month, Midwest Mujeres celebrates 15 women whose stories bring leadership, culture, creativity, and new beginnings to life. What does the American Dream look like through the eyes of women from the Americas—and the communities they now call home? For the women of the 2026 Voices & Dreams Academy, that question holds many answers: building a business, returning to education, creating stability for family, finding community, or giving yourself permission

Meet the women at this exclusive preview event! Help us help them--get some practice speaking to a virtual audience!

More than 50 people joined us for the Voices & Dreams Academy kickoff, and the room was filled with energy, courage, and connection.Women, coaches, alumni, professional speakers, and community members came together to learn about the Academy and build meaningful relationships. Our open mic was one of the evening's most powerful moments, with stories shared by women from Janesville, Milwaukee, and Madison. Each story reminded us why spaces like Voices & Dreams matter.

For some women, the dream is surviving discrimination and refusing to let it define them. For others, it is creating opportunities for the next generation that they never had themselves. Join Voices & Dreams Academy and create your story and impact your community.

We would like to invite you to a very important workshop for our families: Alzheimer and Other Dementias: The Role of Family. This workshop will be in Spanish. A bilingual buddy system will be available. Thursday, May 28, at 5 PM at the Midwest Mujeres offices. This Spanish-language space was created for families, caregivers, and individuals who want to learn more about the signs of Alzheimer’s, caregiving strategies, and the resources available for our community.

The Midwest Mujeres Collective is a shining example of how mentorship can be structured to maximize impact. This organization is dedicated to Latina and other Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, providing a space where mentorship is accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering.

As Midwest Mujeres closes our first year as an official nonprofit, we’re reflecting on the women who shaped this journey — women like Stephanie Habeck and Georgina Guerrero Hernandez, whose stories remind us why this work exists. Stephanie, a cosmetologist and owner of Stephanie’s Chair, joined Yo Quiero Dinero while navigating the everyday realities of rent, bills, and survival. She came for business support, but what she found was community — a place where her voice was val

Post-event blog on our impact and community testimonials

Creating Confident Smiles and Stronger Futures for All. Joanna Roldan embodies quiet strength and determination. As a dental assistant student, she’s learning that oral health care is about more than perfect teeth—it’s about teamwork, empathy, and confronting internal bias. Her path reflects the resilience of a young woman of color who has learned to work twice as hard to reach her goals. Watch her story at our show on Sat. Nov. 8th at the MyArts Theater.

Francelia Lara's story is one of service, commitment, and community transformation. Through her workshops and mentorship, she helps women build confidence and capacity as educators and caregivers, ensuring that every child’s early experiences are filled with care, culture, and connection. Discover her lessons as a child care provider and what keeps her hope in the next generation.

With every project, Jo Fernandez helps individuals and families declutter their homes and their hearts, creating environments that support mental wellness and ease. For Jo, cleaning is not just a task — it’s an act of care, a ritual of restoration. Come on Sat. Nov 8th and learn from her story of reinvention and finding meaning in her life.

Today, as the leader of I Care LLC, Maria Elena provides compassionate respite care for adults with dignity and love. Her story embodies adaptability, purpose, and service — a testament to how one woman’s commitment to healing can cross borders and languages, bringing comfort con corazón to every community she touches.