Community Testimonials

Community Testimonials: Blog Report for Our Annual' Yo Quiero Dinero, Our Stories Have Value!' 2025

Dear Community! 

This is the year Midwest Mujeres begins to walk. I’m incredibly proud of our team and how we are actively incorporating restorative justice into everything we do, from before showday to after. We are becoming dedicated to empowering las Mujeres. 

Thanks, Satya, for writing this community testimonial blog post for us <3

It’s a dream not to have to create or maintain everything. Marta being part of the event felt like the best decision I’ve made for the organization. We are celebrating our first year!! We are also expanding our board and actively recruiting for another seat. Email us if you are called to uplift ordinary people on an extraordinary journey of perseverance and create community. The women go on podcasts, TV shows, and public radio. Representation matters. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Madison Arts Commission! Without you, our arts community, this would not have been possible!

¡Gracias, MadTown!

Araceli 

Blog

After entering the beautiful MYARTS building and making their way to the fourth floor, attendees were invited into іYo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value. While people waited to listen to 10 brave women share their stories, they enjoyed an array of delicious food from Elotes Raspados "El Chisme" catering and artfully carved watermelons adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries from Artesan Fruit. Almost 200 attendees shared an evening eating together and celebrating the inspiring women on stage. 

Leading up to the event, Yo Quiero Dinero had 80 participants — both men and women — with childcare provided for 16 weeks (that’s 16 meals and two locations; we even walked to the Square!). Ten women completed over 400 hours of individual instruction and community work, supported by 12 incredible coaches and volunteer educators — professionals in finance, marketing, insurance, mindfulness, writing, voice coaching, and goal setting. Each one brought wisdom rooted in shared experience, reflecting the same communities we serve.

This event sparked support from Brian Espinoza, Latino Professional Association Director, who said, “I enjoyed it, the presenters did a good job of sharing their story and growth. I would love to have LPA be a future sponsor to give out free 1-year memberships to the recipients who completed your program.” 

After the event, Araceli, the founder of Midwest Mujeres, received a call from Dana Maya, local Latina poeta and community organizer for poetry, who shared, “I'm just calling, thinking about you, thinking about the event, which was such a beautiful, powerful success. Felicitaciones! People were so psyched, so emotional~”

Because of high demand, we just made our 2026 interest form live! Most of our participants come from direct referrals. SIGN UP OR SHARE!

Also, Midwest Mujeres is completing its first year of being a nonprofit. We are growing our board to 5 and would love any referrals!!

Thank you to our volunteers, caterers, MyArts Staff, Supporters, and Sponsors who rallied with us! "¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value!" Thanks to everyone!

Report written by Satya Williams, our Editor 

www.midwestmujeres.com