Voices and Dreams Academy: Nobody Ever Told Us Our Stories Were Worth Money
- Araceli Esparza
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Introducing the Voices and Dreams Academy by
Midwest Mujeres
Last year, we produced a show with 10 extraordinary local women about why our stories have value. This year, we're asking a new question: What does the American Dream look like through the eyes of women from the Americas?
El año pasado produjimos un espectáculo con 10 mujeres locales extraordinarias sobre por qué nuestras historias tienen valor. Este año planteamos una nueva pregunta: ¿Cómo se ve el sueño americano a través de los ojos de mujeres de las Américas?
This summer, we’re proud to launch the Voices and Dreams Academy—an 8-week storytelling and speaker development journey that culminates in our signature showcase event, "Voices & Dreams Live," taking place on Sunday, Nov. 1st.
This graduation will reconnect with Midwest Mujeres' roots in organizing prior Día de los Muertos Events at local libraries for many years! And now we get to do it again! This year's event will be at the Goodman Community Center. This community center has given our community a space for elders and intergenerational/multicultural events for many decades.
Whether you're building a business, seeking to grow your confidence, or dreaming of taking the stage, this program is for you. Our academy helps participants gain practical skills in financial wellness, branding, and storytelling—preparing you for real-world speaking opportunities and entrepreneurial growth.
Why join?
Comprehensive training – Wellness lifestyle, networking events, photography, videography, business listings, and storytelling workshops designed for real-world impact.
Career & business boost – Polish public-speaking skills that translate to pitches, panels, and boardrooms.
Supportive community – Learn alongside women who, like you, believe their stories have value.
Access & inclusion – Child-care stipends, light snacks, and bilingual instruction (ESL learners welcome!). WE have a Spanish coach this year! Welcome Leti Rico
Networking begins at 5:30 PM Class runs 6 – 7 PM every Wednesday
Location: Midwest Mujeres HQ, Madison, WI
¿Por qué unirse?
Formación integral: talleres sobre estilo de vida saludable, *networking*, fotografía, videografía, presencia empresarial y narración de historias (*storytelling*), diseñados para generar un impacto real.
Impulso profesional y empresarial: perfecciona tus habilidades de oratoria para presentaciones, paneles y reuniones de alto nivel.
Comunidad de apoyo: aprende junto a mujeres que, al igual que tú, creen en el valor de sus historias.
Acceso e inclusión: ayudas para el cuidado de niños, refrigerios ligeros e instrucción bilingüe (¡bienvenidas las estudiantes de inglés!). ¡Este año contamos con una instructora de español! Bienvenida, Leti Rico.
2026 Voices and Dreams Course Roadmap | Las Clases
Academy Schedule La Agenda | Date/Fecha | Topic & Guest |Tema y Presentador |
Meet our Coaches! Network with social entrepreneurs + artists + authors + podcast hosts + award-winning presenters + Black women-owned businesses + Latina-owned businesses. Food and light beverages are limited, so come on time. | ||
Join us for Forward Fest, the largest Tech Entrepreneurial conference in the region. Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Thursday. Aug 20 10:30 -1 PM | Link to register: https://forwardfest2026.sched.com/event/2P0F4/from-stage-to-strategy-voices-dreams-in-action Light food and beverages will be provided. |
Mini Sound Bath with Aracely Wehr and Master Class in Story Development How do you talk about yourself without talking? Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Aug 27 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | |
Public Speaking/Confidence building + The art of storytelling | Commitment: You must join by this date and attend 100% moving forward to get on stage and be recorded. | |
What is your Story? with Speaker and Trainer Gregg Potter Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Sept 9 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Guest Speaker: Gregg Potter, Owning your presence |
Upfront and scared-- what do you say? Overcoming fears. With Anita + Leti Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Sept 16 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Guest Speaker: Anita Rodriguez and Leti Rico |
Paquita Raddish "Your Story for Power" Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed Sep 23 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Guest Speaker: Paquita Raddish When Stories Graduate Podcast Host Vendor Author and Faith-Based Business Coach Has been in business for over 10 years! |
Qiana Holmes "Embody Your Story" Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Sep 30 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Author, Empowerment Coach Qiana Holmes - Embody Your Voice |
Make-Up Professional Photoshoot with BrandHuse Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Oct 7 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Picture Day! We begin to write your blog and create your social media kit and podcast guest bio page--because who knows! Right?! |
Academy Schedule | Date | Coach and Topic |
Public Speaking Like a Rockstar! Amber Swenor Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed Oct 14 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | National award-winning keynote speaker: Amber Swenor |
Miriam Hall Mindfulness Session Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed Oct 21 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Miriam Hall – Overcoming stage fright, Mindfulness coach. Spanish Storytellers will be recording this day. |
First Rehearsal Session Jonathan Delgado Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Wed. Oct 28 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Fine-tuning your story for impact and clarity. Reflect on your American Dream and tie your story! |
Final Rehearsal Location: 306 E Wilson St., Second floor | Fri Oct 30 5:30 PM Networking 6 PM Class | Final prep class Your personal blog will be live. Free Business listing. Social Media highlight. Possible media appearances. |
Stage-Ready Goodman Community Center This will be live-streamed and recorded. | Sunday, Nov 1 12-2 final run-through Break 4 PM Return for light networking and take pictures. 5 PM Show Begins | 12-2 PM Run-through: With Johnathan Delgado, pick your stage partner and walk-up song. |
Voices and Dreams LIVE Voces y Sueños En Vivo | Sunday, Nov 1 3-4 PM Community Alter 4-5 PM Networking 5 PM Dinner + Show! | Videography, photography, and opportunities will be on tap! |
📚 Speaker & Faculty Biographies
Araceli Esparza – Founder & Director of Midwest Mujeres. Araceli is the lead facilitator of the Voices and Dreams Academy. She is an award-winning speaker, poet, and author who brings over a decade of experience in community storytelling and women’s leadership development. Her facilitation style is culturally rooted, healing-centered, and always joyful. Araceli believes that storytelling is a tool for economic empowerment, and her mission is to amplify the voices of women who are often left out of the spotlight.
Joanna Roldan- Program Coordinator -
Leti Rico - Spanish-speaking Life Coach- Leti specializes in helping women and professionals navigate workplace wellness and dismantle limiting cognitive patterns. Through public speaking, strategic masterclasses, and interactive workshops such as Código de Abundancia, Despierta tu Esencia, and El arte de sanar, she equips individuals with the tools to refine communication, elevate their leadership presence, and cultivate a success-oriented mindset.
Gregg Potter – Speaking & Presentation Coach. Gregg is a professional speaking coach who guides participants through public speaking techniques, including vocal strength, body language, storytelling structure, and overcoming stage fright. He helps women unlock the confidence they need to command any room or audience.
Johnathan Delgado – Stage Manager: Johnathan coordinates rehearsals and handles all behind-the-scenes logistics for the ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! showcase. His attention to detail and experience in live events help ensure a smooth and empowering stage experience for all participants.
Amber Swenor - Public Speaker
Hi, I’m Amber Swenor.
Transformational leadership and business coach and consultant. Musician. World traveler. Dog mom. Proud auntie. Deep feeler. Also a professional speaker, certified retreat leader, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
I work with leaders who are done performing their way through their careers and ready for something deeper, something more expansive.
Coaches
Miriam Hall – Contemplative Arts Teacher. Miriam is a Madison-based photographer, writer, and contemplative arts teacher. She is the co-author of Looking and Seeing: An Introduction to Contemplative Photography, and she helps participants connect with their story through mindfulness and artistic reflection.
Qiana Holmes – Guest Speaker: Embodiment & the Dynamics of Storytelling. Qiana is a seasoned adult educator and skilled facilitator who specializes in women’s leadership and embodied storytelling practices. Her session invites participants to move from head to heart, connecting the body to the voice.
Paquita R– Guest Speaker: Faith-Rooted Entrepreneurship. Ms. Purnell is a graduate, professional speaker, and multiple business owner based in Beloit, WI. She is the visionary co-founder of Blessed Divine Creations and founder of The Divine Solutionist, where she equips purpose-driven entrepreneurs with faith-rooted strategies and empowered coaching. With a deep passion for personal growth and leadership, Paquita inspires women to align their businesses with their values and divine purpose.
Mentors
Marta Carrion – Milwaukee Chapter Manager & Madrina. Marta acts as both Mentor and Madrina (godmother) for the women in the Academy. She offers hands-on guidance, emotional support, and logistical coordination throughout the program. Marta is a trusted and nurturing presence who makes sure every mujer feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Prenicia Clifton – Business & Success Coach. Prenicia is a trusted coach who specializes in helping women of color build successful businesses. With a keen understanding of systemic barriers, she offers clarity, accountability, and strategic planning to help entrepreneurs break through limitations and grow with purpose.
Tennisha Loggins- Mentor/Coach
Voices and Dreams Academy: Our Stories Have Value
What you’ll walk away with
A polished seven-minute TED-style talk and Blog Post with Website Presence (SEO)!
Brand kit (Bio + Headshot with makeup), Professional Photography + Potential Media appearances
Introductions to local coaches and master classes with them for FREE!
A new network of mentors, peers, and potential collaborators
How to apply
Complete the online application with our member manager(first 25 spots go fast!).
Look for a welcome email confirming acceptance.
Our staff will connect you to our coaches for free 1:1 sessions to map your goals.
Attend the kickoff on July 16.
Rolling applications accepted until September 9 (must apply to get on stage).
Apply now and show the world that Our Stories Have Value! Questions? Email us at info@midwestmujeres.com
Need-to-knows
Child-care stipends available • Light snacks every session
Semi-bilingual classes – basic English required; final talks may be in Spanish or Spanglish
Commitment matters: from Sep 9 onward, 100% attendance is required for stage performers
Whether you’re an emerging leader, an entrepreneur, or simply ready to claim your voice, this academy was built for you.
Join the VVoices and Dreams Academy: Our Stories Have Value and step into the spotlight with Midwest Mujeres—helping close the wage gap, one story at a time.
See you on Wednesday, August 12th for the Preview--at the new fun spot, One Social FoodHall, 123 E. Wilson Street. Photography and Videography will on tap.
Learn about the art of storytelling.
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