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Líder con corazón | Bold community leader and changemaker Jenise Judon is the founder of Never Say No Enterprises and a Director with Urban Triage, where she lives out her mission to empower lives, build community, and inspire change. A dynamic speaker and organizer, Jenise has become a respected voice in Madison’s social justice movement, known for her authenticity and fierce compassion. Her story — one of resilience, faith, and transformation — reminds others that healing and leadership can coexist. Jenise identifies as a motivational speaker, and it shows in her commitment to helping others turn barriers into breakthroughs. Every project, partnership, and community effort she leads carries her mantra: For every NO the world gives, we build our YES! Jenise continues to lead with corazón, inspiring others to rise, rebuild, and never say no to their own greatness. Connect with her here! We hope you can join us and enjoy this wonderful story of resilience and determination on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the MyArts theater at 4 PM. Get your tickets now!

Creadora de belleza y comunidad | Beauty & community builder Stephanie Habeck is the owner and operator of Stephanie’s Chair, a salon where beauty meets belonging. With over 20 years of experience behind the chair, Stephanie has created more than a business — she’s built a refuge. She is creating a space for self-love and transformation through hair care. Her clients don’t just come for a haircut; they come for connection, laughter, and a sense of home. Known for her precision, artistry, and care, she works with all hair types and textures, always honoring the uniqueness of each person who sits in her chair. For Stephanie, the salon is a sacred space — a place where stories are shared, tears are released, and confidence is reborn. Her philosophy is simple: when you leave my chair, you should feel as beautiful inside as you look outside. Through her work, she’s helping redefine beauty one honest, joyful moment at a time. Discover how her tangled hair story can help you untangle your life on Saturday, Nov 8 at the MyArts Theater at 4 PM. In her words: "ALL HAIR IS GOOD HAIR! I'm here to polish your crown!" Visit her at her salon: https://www.stephanies-chair.com/about Discover how her tangled hair story can help you untangle your life on Saturday, Nov 8 at the MyArts Theater at 4 PM.

“Simplified Finances Where You Are - On All Levels" This is Aida's slogan, and she lives it. Every day, Aida helps business owners make sense of money and overcome the barriers of bookkeeping that many of us find difficult. Aida Leflore is an Afro-Cuban American accountant and entrepreneur, founder of Leflore Accounting Services LLC in Madison, Wisconsin. With over a decade of professional experience, she supports individuals, nonprofits, and businesses in achieving financial stability and peace of mind. For Aida, accounting isn’t just about spreadsheets — it’s about storytelling through numbers, creating clarity and possibility for every client she serves. Her approach is patient, empowering, and grounded in community trust. Beyond the desk, Aida embraces life with the same bold energy — running races, biking, dancing, and traveling the world. Her independence reflects her philosophy: work hard, live free, and help others do the same. Through her work and example, she’s showing that financial wellness can be a path to liberation — especially for women of color building their own legacies. Let’s turn your financial story into a legacy of empowerment. Book a strategy session with Aida and start building your freedom today https://calendly.com/lefloreaservices 🎟️ Come celebrate with us! Join Aida and the MWM community for Voices & Dreams 2025 on Saturday, November 8, at the MyArts Theater in Madison. Hear powerful stories, connect with community, and experience the brilliance of our mujeres on stage. 👉 Get your tickets here

Raising Voices and Families: How Georgina Guerrero Leads with Love Georgina Guerrero embodies the resilience of Latina motherhood and the entrepreneurial spirit of her community. A dedicated secretary, daycare teacher, and local businesswoman, Georgina balances many roles with grace and determination. Every step she takes is rooted in love for her children and her belief that dreams are meant to be pursued — no matter the obstacles. Her journey into entrepreneurship reflects the values of familia, faith, and fierce independence. By stepping into leadership and owning her voice, Georgina is inspiring other Latinas to do the same — to see themselves not just as survivors, but as creators and leaders. At a recent Childcare Summit With her signature warmth and courage, she’s turning everyday challenges into opportunities, proving that being a mujer fuerte means leading with corazón and community. Gina, as she is known to friends, is becoming a Latina Entrepreneur! At her recent Madison College Graduation for her HSED Latina Entrepreneurism is on the rise! Latina Entrepreneurs Rock! Discover how Georgina Guerrero has decided now is her time! Emprendedora latina y defensora de la comunidad. ¡Vengan al evento! El Chisme Food Cart va estar alli ¡Gracias a Centro por su ayuda para este evento! Y a La Movida Radio por su annuncio: https://www.lamovidaradio.com/event/midwest-mujeres-yo-quiero-dinero/

Stephany Penate is a first-generation Latina whose journey to financial empowerment began with a simple question — Why didn’t anyone teach us this sooner? Growing up in a family living in “survival mode,” she learned early that knowledge is power, especially around money. After college, and through her career in banking, Stephany discovered how understanding financial systems could open doors for herself and others. Now, she teaches women how to work smarter, decode financial language, and build the confidence to make their money work for them. Her approach is practical, heart-centered, and culturally grounded — helping mujeres move from scarcity to abundance. Through mentorship and workshops, Stephany is building a movement of financially savvy women who are no longer afraid to talk about wealth — or to claim it. Financial Literacy is for all! Connect with Stephany at Old National Bank in their downtown offices. Join her and the rest of the Voices and Dreams Academy Graduates on Nov. 8th at 4 PM at MyArts Theater.

Empresaria con propósito | Entrepreneur with purpose Entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit — it’s about creating spaces where everyone has a sweet time. Tennisha Loggins is the CEO of Loggins Family Business LLC in Beloit, Wisconsin — a venture rooted in love, legacy, and good food. Her entrepreneurial path began with a simple but powerful gift from her mother: a food truck. That spark became Snacks & Stuff Truck & Catering, a business known for its sabor and heart. Today, Tennisha has expanded into multiple ventures — from a snack shop to a cleaning service and retail gift store — all with one mission: to bring joy and community through service. Grounded in faith and family, Tennisha continues to grow her business with integrity, purpose, and connection. For her, entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit — it’s about creating spaces where everyone has a sweet time and where love for community is always on the menu. Catch this viral video showcasing her spot! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15qW42A1x2/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go take a visit to her empire: https://linktr.ee/tennishaloggins Come and witness Tennisha Loggins' story of passion and purpose on Saturday, Nov 8th at 4 PM at the MyArts Theater in Madison, WI. Hear powerful stories, connect with community, and experience the brilliance of our mujeres on stage. 👉 Get your tickets here

So many people dream of purchasing a home, a place where they can live among their prized possessions, invite friends and family over, and save enough money to retire, possibly in that very home. Latina Pay Day is for everyone! This future is being stolen from Latinas who are held back by the gender and racial wage gap. In the United States, Latinas make $0.54 for every $1.00 made by white men, leading to them making 26% less than white women and 46% less than white men. If we do not work to close today’s median wage gap, over their 40-year career Latinas joining the workforce now will lose $1.3 million, and those with a professional degree will lose $2.9 million. The gender pay gap by gender and race by Lean In The gender and racial wage gap is not only impacting families’ potential to pursue higher education, purchase property, or invest in savings. There are everyday necessities—groceries, rent, and school supplies—that Latina mothers, who earn 53% less than white fathers, have a more difficult time affording. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research has identified that policy action is needed regarding universal access to paid sick time and paid family and medical leave; immigration reform; investments in affordable, quality care; affordable access to higher education; stronger equal pay laws; and more successful enforcement of non-discrimination statutes. Policy change is not the only way forward, people in their everyday life need to act. Are you one of the 1 in 3 Americans who are not aware of the pay gap between Latinas and white men? If you are, now you know. If you were already aware, I can guarantee you have some people to inform. Latinas are fighting against the wage gap, becoming entrepreneurs, and impacting the economy. Part of this success is due to their effort creating networks, building community, and speaking their truth. Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort recently shared that Latinas are starting small businesses six times faster than any other group. So, by owning 104,000 employer businesses, Latinas create jobs in many industries and generate $125 billion in revenue. There is no evidence that the wage gap is closing for Latinas, so there is an immediate necessity for equity-focused policies and allyship. This allyship is incredibly powerful when it comes from white men. The wage gap concerns all of us, because when work is devalued everyone loses. This guide offers tips on how to show up for Latinas in your life, specifically in the workplace. Sponsor: Second a Latina’s voice, repost and share their work, and acknowledge their strengths to others. Promote: Be an advocate for Latinas to be in the room, part of the project, and promoted. Mentor: Network and build relationships with Latinas in your professional environment. Share your resources, connections, and knowledge. Do the work to understand the value your coworker can provide. Trends from 2002 to 2022 indicate it will take more than a hundred years for Latinas to reach pay equity with white men. For the health and prosperity of everyone in the United States, we do not have time to wait until 2207 for equal pay. The wage gap is not an inevitability, it is a choice. A choice made by institutions and individuals, and one that we cannot afford to keep making. Midwest Mujeres invites you to ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value on November 8th. This event is a time to celebrate entrepreneurship, feel the power of storytelling, and demand pay equity. Satya Williams is the volunteer newsletter and blog writer at Midwest Mujeres.

Part 2: Finding Healing and Belonging as a Latino Family in Wisconsin Even amid fear and uncertainty, healing is possible. Across Wisconsin, Latino families are building resilience, connection, and hope—even in counties where local law enforcement is partnering with ICE. According to a July 2025 ACLU of Wisconsin report, 13 of 72 county sheriff’s offices now have active 287(g) agreements with ICE, giving them the authority to detain and transfer individuals for immigration enforcement (Wisconsin Examiner). These counties include: Brown, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, and Wood. * Wisconsin Examiner, July 30, 2025 (DHS website) Meanwhile, Dane County and Milwaukee County do not participate in the 287(g) program. In this second part of our series, our bilingual Latina blogger, shares a public health perspective on how Latino families in Wisconsin can nurture healing and belonging—even in a climate shaped by fear, surveillance, and trauma. A Mental Health Guide for Latino Families in Wisconsin We made a bold move to create this Mental Health Guide for Latino Families in Wisconsin, for our followers who are allies and for other Latinas y Latinos. There is so much fear in our community right now. Immigration raids, hateful rhetoric, and hostility are not abstract—they come from neighbors, co-workers, sometimes even people in our own families. You have every right to be angry. You have every right to be hurt. Fear walks beside many of us every single day. It can be tempting to say, “I’ll just go back to my country… I’m out of here. Things are better there anyway,” especially in moments of frustration, exhaustion, or heartbreak. I’ve said it too—more than once. But do I truly mean it? About 20% of immigrants to the U.S. eventually return to their home countries. Of those, around 10% go back within the first year. and about 33% within five years. That means the vast majority—two out of every three immigrants—stay beyond five years, finding a way to settle, despite the challenges (NBER, Brookings, PMC). Why do some return? Reasons vary—lack of support systems, limited access to jobs or health care, language barriers, and, of course, homesickness. But for many, staying is an act of courage and hope. Here in Madison, you’re not alone. Over 25,000 Latinos call this city home—that’s 25,000 stories, 25,000 reasons to feel connected. We’re here. This comunidad is here. Midwest Mujeres is here—to support your goals, to connect with you, to offer an amiga, and to stand beside you. There is pain. Let’s name it. In my culture, we call it desahogarse—to un-drown yourself, to blow off steam, to distress. It’s the act of letting the pain out by speaking it, feeling it, and releasing it into the air. Because when we hold it in, we sink. Desahogarse isn’t about fixing things with the person, thing, or system that hurt you. It’s not for them. It’s for you. To breathe again. To make space. To heal. Your voice is healing. Your voice is a vibration from within. Some people record voice notes to desahogarse. I like to walk and talk to myself, or hum just loud enough to feel the sound in my throat. This practice is easy to do on your own and it’s grounding because it reminds me that I am real. That I am human. At Midwest Mujeres, we believe in your voice. And we believe in our voice—shared, collective, powerful. If you're at a point where you're seeking deeper connections and a sense of community, please know that we're here to support you. And if you're ready to explore your personal story, reclaim your narrative, or pursue a new goal, we offer programs throughout the year designed to empower you. We're eager to listen to your experiences and learn about what makes you, you. If you’re receiving mental health care, know that your privacy is protected by HIPAA, which keeps your health information confidential unless there’s an urgent safety concern for you or someone else. In Wisconsin, state laws like Wis. Stat. §§146.81–146.84 and §905.04 provide even stronger protections for your medical records and confidential conversations with your mental health providers. These laws are in place so you can seek care and support knowing your information is safe and your story is respected. If you're starting a new medication, give it time. Stay on top of it. The effects are gradual, not instant. If cost is a barrier, there are low-cost pharmacies here in Dane County (also listed below). Accessing mental health care as a Latino immigrant can be full of challenges—from language barriers and mistrust to limited resources and trauma. But there is hope. Your privacy and safety are protected by law, and support is available to guide you. There’s a myth that your therapist has to fully “get” you before healing can happen. That’s not true. Healing starts the moment you reach out and talk to a skilled professional—even if it doesn’t feel perfect right away. Taking that first step opens the door to growth and connection. Remember, we are a force of nature. We are complex—and complete. We are not half of one thing and half of another. We are full. Whole. Even roses have thorns. Mental health is for everyone, and you, amiga, are certainly deserving of it. * Just Start: Mental health doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to start. * Start Small: Even small steps can make a big difference. * Be Patient: Healing takes time, so don't get discouraged. * Find Your Comunidad: Connect with a supportive network. Desahógate. With lots of love and admiration, Fernanda 📌 Notable Notes: • An American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) report, dated July 30, 2025, confirmed that these six counties joined the federal 287(g) program between March and June 2025. Under the program, local law enforcement agencies can enter agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate federal immigration enforcement powers to trained officers. The agreements allow local staff to question inmates about their immigration status and detain them for ICE. Disclaimer: Our blog posts are protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as expressions of free speech. They are shared as ethnographic reflections rooted in lived experience and community knowledge. These writings are not intended as political statements and do not represent the views or positions of our sponsors, employees, partners, or supporters. We are a community run organization and if you are interested in blogging for us, feel free to email a sample to editor@midwestmujeres.com

Across the United States, Latino communities are living under a form of psychological warfare. Every day, we are inundated with images and stories of Brown people being stopped, questioned, and detained by ICE—often without regard to their citizenship or immigration status. We have witnessed U.S. citizens harassed, wrongfully detained, and placed under surveillance simply for being Latino. To explore the deep emotional and mental health impacts of this reality, we invited Fernanda, our resident Latina bilingual/bicultural blogger, to share her perspective. Through the lens of public health awareness, Fernanda reflects on how these daily threats and acts of injustice affect our collective well-being and our sense of belonging. Latino Mental Health is important for the future of our entire community because it impacts our tourism workforce, dairy production, restaurant and bar industry, and schools. Today, more people than ever live in a country other than the one where they were born. And I think that’s beautiful. I think that’s complex—and complete. We are not half of one thing and half of another. We are full. Whole. I’m not only Peruvian—I’m also a Midwesterner. I’m a lover of Mexican telenovelas, the kind I grew up watching with my mom and still re-watch when I need comfort. I’m a registered nurse trained in the American healthcare system, and I’ve witnessed both its strengths and its many shortcomings—especially when it comes to serving our Latino communities. We know this story: Latinos face longstanding barriers to accessing healthcare. It’s a tale as old as time. And when it comes to mental health, the barriers multiply. Here’s how it usually works: to start medication for anxiety or depression, most people need a formal diagnosis, which typically requires a visit to a psychiatrist—a specialist you can only see after getting a referral from your primary care doctor. That’s already two appointments, two sets of paperwork, and probably weeks of waiting. Sometimes mental health counseling is more accessible through primary care clinics. These services focus on practical tools—coping skills, stress management, and building emotional awareness. That’s great, but it may not be enough for some. There’s also mistrust—deep, cultural mistrust. Many of us don’t recognize the names of the medications being prescribed. We don’t understand how they work because no one explained it to us. And let’s be honest: we’re skeptical for a reason. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are long-acting. They take 4 to 6 weeks to build up in your system before you feel a shift. Sometimes the first medication doesn’t work, but insurance companies require you to “fail” with older, cheaper meds before approving newer, more effective ones—unless you have excellent insurance, which many immigrants do not. In addition, immigrants also carry something else—trauma. It is painful to leave home, and it is painful to remain here, especially in a country where we are constantly reminded we don’t belong. There’s a Spanish saying that goes, “Al mal tiempo, buena cara.” In hard times, put on a brave face. But sometimes that brave face becomes a mask we can’t take off. We need to speak. We need to express. We need to desahogarnos. *** Disclaimer: Our blog posts are protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as expressions of free speech. They are shared as ethnographic reflections rooted in lived experience and community knowledge. These writings are not intended as political statements and do not represent the views or positions of our sponsors, employees, board members, partners, or supporters.

What does Jamie Perez hope for her keynote speech? “That my story is inspiring enough to people to go for anything that they want to, because if I can get through what I went through, y'all can do it too.” A year ago, Jamie left Madison abruptly, “I left everything. I left my house. I left my business, my friends, the whole entire life that I built there. And I never spoke about it.” Now, at a new phase in her healing journey, Jamie is ready to share her story to inspire and motivate. She is excited to be on the Midwest Mujeres stage and to “come back to the community that made me this way and share the resilience that I built because of this.” The beginning of Jamie’s career in storytelling was as a TV news reporter for ABC and CBS affiliates. After six years, she decided to start her own business, Beyond Words Productions. As a videographer and storyteller, she aids organizations in crafting and sharing their stories. Jamie has discovered that her purpose is to inspire with authenticity and authority. ¡Yo Quiero Dinero 2025 Keynote Speaker! Jamie knows the significance of storytelling because she understands the danger of silence. “I think talking about it gives you power over the story,” she explained, “instead of your story having power over you and keeping you in silence.” She sees ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value as an opportunity to inspire resilience by illustrating that attendees are not alone, can take control of their life, and move forward with intention. Reflecting on being full of excitement and nerves when starting her business alone, Jamie said with a laugh, “I was just winging it and hoping I can pay my taxes at the end of the year.” After years of reporting alone to a camera and building a business by herself, Jamie now works with a network of mentors that provide guidance and support to help develop her business. She shared a striking metaphor about how a mentor can get in the car with you and provide a guided path. However, Jamie expressed, “Ultimately it is still up to me, I’m still the driver of the vehicle and I still have to be the one to execute.” For the night, Jamie will be inviting all in the audience at ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value into the passenger seat and will share both her story and a path forward. When asked about the message Jamie wants to send, she stated, “We all have unique qualities about us that put us where we need to be.” At ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value, Jamie Perez will remind us to “Speak up even when your voice shakes.” Please join us on November 8th at Madison Youth Arts Theater to hear Jamie Perez tell her story. Satya Williams is the volunteer newsletter and blog writer at Midwest Mujeres. After graduating with a degree in English and Women and Gender Studies, she moved from Maine to Madison and is working as a copy editor.

Yo Quiero Dinero 2025: Who’s Our Mystery Keynote? This November, the stage at Yo Quiero Dinero 2025: Our Stories Have Value will shine even brighter — because we’re bringing a very special keynote speaker to Madison. But here’s the twist… we’re keeping their identity a secret (for now!). Guess who is our mystery keynote speaker? Over the next few weeks, we’ll be dropping clues about who this inspiring storyteller is. We want you — our community — to join the guessing game. Think of it as a countdown to the big reveal, and a chance to learn a little more about the powerful voice we’ve invited to lead us this year. Here’s your first hint: Our keynote has turned obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones. With a career that spans live TV storytelling and now helping organizations share heartfelt stories through her own business, she’s no stranger to the art of resilience. Her journey is living proof that no matter where you start, you can always rewrite your story. Can you guess who she is? 👀 📅 Save the Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025📍 MyArts Theater, Madison, WI Schedule of the Day 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ✨ Networking in the Starlight Lounge 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🎤 The Main Stage Show: Our Stories Have Value Major Event Sponsors include: American Family Insurance · Widen Foundation · Madison Community Foundation – Ecumenical Fund for Seniors · A Fund For Women Grant · Willy Street Co-op · Old National Bank · Summit Credit Union · Dane Arts · Centro · AE Consulting · Leflore Accounting · City of Madison Arts Commission · Centro Hispano of Dane County · Ascendium · Madison Gas & Electric · TruStage · Alvarado Realty · UnityHealthPoint · Evjue Foundation · Madison College Entrepreneurship Center ✨ Don’t wait — tickets are limited! BUY NOW!

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. 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 306 E Wilson St, Second floor, Madison, WI 53703 And Karina Sucasaire's story from last year will take your breath away! 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 Guest Speaker: Gregg Potter, Owning your presence. Working the Canvas Business Model. Wednesday Sep 3 Guest Speaker Katie Myers. She is a TikTok influencer who will discuss how to promote yourself on social media. Wednesday Sep 10 Meditation review Canvas business model. Writing your biographical statement as a speaker, human, or business owner, with Araceli Esparza 101 ChaptGPT –– Break (Sep 14–20) –– Storytelling Section: You must join by this date and attend 100% moving forward to get on stage Zoom Voice Coaching Session! With Prenicia Clifton !!!***Thursday, Sept. 18th Storytelling Sep 24 Qiana Holmes - Embody your voice Wednesday Oct 1 Paquita Purnell – speaker & entrepreneur Wednesday Oct 8 Veronica Figueroa – storyteller coach & nonprofit leader Wednesday Oct 15 Miriam Hall – Overcoming stage fright, Mindfulness coach. Spanish Storytellers will be recording this day. Stage-Ready Oct 22 Final prep class with Araceli, Free Your Voice, What is it? And the History of Liberation and Storytelling. MyArts Theater Wed, Oct 29 Theater run-through #1: With Johnathan Delgado, pick your stage partner, and walk-up song. MyArts Theater Wed, Nov 5 Theater run-through #2 Showtime! Saturday, Nov 8th ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! live performances 📚 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. Emiliano Vera – Membership Manager Emiliano supports onboarding for new participants, helping them access tech tools and connect to free digital assets and resources. As a Membership Manager, he ensures women feel confident navigating the tools that will support their business and storytelling journey. Marta Carrion – Program Manager & Madrina Marta acts as both Program Manager 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. 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. Katie Myers - Social Media and Your Business, Insurance Agent and Business Coach Katie is a small-town entrepreneur turned content creator whose business and leadership content has reached over 30 million views. Katie will share how small business owners and dreamers alike can grow their business, amplify their impact, and create the life they truly want. 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. Veronica Figueroa – Guest Speaker & Facilitator Veronica has over ten years of experience facilitating support groups and is the Director of DAMA (Developing Artists, Murals & Alliances). She is also an artist, graphic designer, and nationally sought-after speaker who brings a deep understanding of healing through creative expression. 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. 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. Olivia Buenrostro-Soto – Guest Speaker: Financial Investing Olivia is a financial educator from Wisconsin Financial who teaches about investing through a culturally grounded lens. She helps women build confidence around investing by making financial education relatable and community-centered. Stephany Peñate – Guest Speaker: Financial Wellness & Budgeting Stephany represents Old National Bank and brings expertise in financial wellness and budgeting, with a special focus on women’s financial needs and realities. Her interactive sessions help demystify money management and promote financial empowerment. Paquita Purnell – 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. 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 Fill out our quick interest email! Complete the online application with our member manager(first 25 spots go fast!). Look for a welcome email confirming acceptance. Our mentor or Membership Manager will email you to schedule a 1:1 session to map your goals. Attend the kickoff on July 16. 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!