Voices and Dreams Academy: Our Stories Have Value

Introducing the Voices and Dreams Academy by Midwest Mujeres

This summer, we’re proud to launch the Voices and Dreams Academy—a 14-week storytelling and speaker development journey that culminates in our signature showcase event, ¡Yo Quiero Dinero: Our Stories Have Value!  Happening in November.

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.

Sign up, Now!

Why join?

• Comprehensive training – Financial wellness, branding, 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 semi-bilingual instruction (ESL learners welcome!).

Networking begins at 5:30 PM Class runs 6 – 7 PM every Wednesday

Location: Midwest Mujeres HQ, Madison, WI

Voices and Dreams Course Roadmap

Phase	Date Wednesday	Topic & Guest
Kickoff	Jul 16	Welcome with Araceli Esparza & the Midwest Mujeres team
Financial Wellness	Jul 23	Stephany Peñate, Old National Bank
	Jul 30	Investing 101 with Olivia Buenrostro-Soto, Wisconsin Financial
Two-Week Break (Aug 4–19)
	Aug 20	Money mindset for entrepreneurs with Stephany Peñate
Branding Bootcamp	Aug 27	Branding foundations
	Sep 3	Canva business planning with Araceli
	Sep 10	Content creation with local influencer MadTown Mama
–– Break (Sep 14–20) ––		Individual Branding Sessions
Storytelling	Sep 24	Crafting your stage talk with Prenicia Cliffton and Araceli (must join by this date to perform)
	Oct 1	Paquita Purnell – speaker & entrepreneur
	Oct 8	Veronica Figueroa – storyteller coach & nonprofit leader
	Oct 15	Miriam Hall – mindfulness coach
Stage-Ready	Oct 22	Qiana Holmes - Embody your voice
	Wed, Oct 29	Theater run-through #1
	Wed, Nov 5	Theater run-through #2
Showtime!	Saturday, Nov 9	¡Yo Quiero Dinero! live performances (choose one night)

Voices and Dreams Academy: Our Stories Have Value

What you’ll walk away with

• A polished seven-minute TED-style talk

• Deeper financial confidence & an actionable money plan

• A personal brand kit and social-media content strategy

• A new network of mentors, peers, and potential collaborators

How to apply

1. Fill out our quick interest email!

2. Complete the online application with our member manager(first 25 spots go fast!).

3. Look for a welcome email confirming acceptance.

4. Our mentor or Membership Manager will email you to schedule a 1:1 session to map your goals.

5. Attend the kickoff on July 16.

6. Rolling applications accepted until September 15 (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 24 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 July 16!