WHO WE ARE

Women’s Fund Board of Advisors at the 2024 Luncheon

The largest charitable fund in Door County that focuses on the

NEEDS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

A group of local residents believed there were underserved women and girls in Door County. These committed volunteers interviewed and listened to nearly two dozen charities and not-for-profits to gather information and identify needs. After months of hard work and devotion, the Women’s Fund of Door County was founded.

OUR MISSION

The Women’s Fund of Door County builds, enriches, and nurtures the lives of women and girls through collective wisdom and philanthropy.

OUR MISSION IN ACTION

To put our mission into action, we've identified our top 5 strategic touchpoints. These touchpoints are at the foundation of everything we believe in and everything we do:

  • Encouraging Her Potential
  • Supporting Her Health and Wellness
  • Promoting Her Economic Opportunity
  • Fostering Her Appreciation for the Arts
  • Recognizing and Honoring Her

OUR HISTORY

Door County has always been a treasured destination for tourists and a retirement haven for many. It is also a place where women and girls are disproportionately impacted by unemployment, low incomes, limited educational opportunities, lack of affordable housing, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. In 2009, a group of visionary Door County residents asked the question: "How can the Door County community change the lives of women who struggle and offer hope for a better, more secure life?"

 

Thanks to Jane Stevenson, Sue Todey, Bret Bicoy and BJ Cassidy for the kernel of an idea which would grow into what we know as The Women's Fund of Door County.

 

When she thrives, we all prosper!

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$1.6 MILLION

ENDOWMENT FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE

BOARD OF ADVISORS

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Michelle Sternard

Chair

Michelle is a lifelong Door County resident and proud Sturgeon Bay native. After graduating from Sevastopol High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire before returning home ...

Michelle is a lifelong Door County resident and proud Sturgeon Bay native. After graduating from Sevastopol High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire before returning home to build her career and family in the community she loves. She and her husband live in the Town of Sturgeon Bay and are parents to two daughters—one living in Ohio, and the other here in Sturgeon Bay with her own growing family, including a two year old daughter and another child on the way. Michelle has been with Nicolet Bank for nearly 24 years and currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer supporting the Door County market. Her dedication to community extends far beyond her professional role. She serves as Chair of the Women’s Fund, contributes to the Donor Relations and Luncheon Committees, and serves on the boards of other nonprofit organizations throughout Door County. Guided by her belief that “When she thrives, we all prosper,” Michelle is passionate about empowering women and strengthening the community for future generations.
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Ann Glessner

Vice Chair

Originally from Iowa, Ann moved to Door County in 2018 after a career with Caterpillar, Inc.  Ann joined Caterpillar upon graduation from the University of Iowa with a degree in...

Originally from Iowa, Ann moved to Door County in 2018 after a career with Caterpillar, Inc. Ann joined Caterpillar upon graduation from the University of Iowa with a degree in Business Administration and she has her CPA. She held various leadership positions with the company with successive responsibilities in Accounting, Business Support and Project Management. She lived throughout Illinois with various job moves as well as Little Rock, AR and four years in Brussels, Belgium.

When not enjoying Door County Ann loves to travel. She currently serves as the Chair for the Women's Fund of Door County as well board and committee roles in 100 Women Who Care of Door County, The Peninsula Art School and Chapter EE of PEO.

Anne Barlas

Anne Barlas

Secretary

Anne Barlas grew up in Sturgeon Bay and moved back to Wisconsin after completing a master's degree in electrical engineering from from the University of Colorado Boulder. She works professionally in renewable ...

Anne Barlas grew up in Sturgeon Bay and moved back to Wisconsin after completing a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. She works professionally in renewable energy, with experience in both engineering and project management.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband, son and two dogs. She is thrilled with the opportunity to volunteer with the Women's Fund and uplift women and girls in Door County.

Katie Slaby

Katie Slaby

Treasurer

Katie grew up in Door County after moving to the area as a toddler. She received her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin Madison. After obtaining her...

Katie grew up in Door County after moving to the area as a toddler. She received her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin Madison. After obtaining her CPA license, she lived in Chicago and worked as an auditor for the public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Katie returned to Door County in 2017 and is currently the Controller for Sturgeon Bay Utilities. Katie married her husband, Aaron in 2020 and they welcomed their daughter, Blair in 2026. They enjoy their dog, Murphy, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Katie has been on the Women’s Fund Board since 2021 and currently serves as the Treasurer.
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Mary Barlas

Mary Barlas grew up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and has resided in different parts of the state for the last 5 years. She works as a Registered Nurse at Door County Medical Center. In her free time, Mary enjoys ...

Mary Barlas grew up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and has resided in different parts of the state for the last 5 years. She works as a Registered Nurse at Door County Medical Center.

In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and Border Collie. She is passionate about helping women and girls reach their full potential through education and empowerment starting in their own communities.

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Eleonor Cauthen

Eleanor moved to Door County in 2024 after living in Milwaukee for 5 years. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she now lives in Sister Bay with her fiancé. Professionally, Eleanor brings a background in Hospitality Management and ...

Eleanor moved to Door County in 2024 after living in Milwaukee for 5 years. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she now lives in Sister Bay with her fiancé. Professionally, Eleanor brings a background in Hospitality Management and Human Resources, with a passion for data analytics, leadership and community impact. She is honored to be part of the Women’s Fund and excited to continue building meaningful connections across Door County. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, knitting, baking, and traveling.
Nancy Felhofer

Nancy Felhofer

Nancy moved to Sturgeon Bay in her sophomore year of high school. She then went on to college at UW-Eau Claire to receive a BBA in Business with an emphasis in Marketing. She and her husband, Matt, ...

Nancy moved to Sturgeon Bay in her sophomore year of high school. She then went on to college at UW-Eau Claire to receive a BBA in Business with an emphasis in Marketing. She and her husband, Matt, lived in multiple states as their careers and family grew, but chose to come back to Door County in 2002 and raise their three children. When they became empty nesters, Nancy joined Bay Marine as they expanded their family business in the Chicago area. She and Matt have lived between Chicago and Door County for the last nine years. Nancy is now retired and back in Door County full-time. She is very excited to get re-engaged in the community. Since raising her daughter in Door County, she is passionate about giving back and helping ensure that women in our community thrive. Nancy loves to walk her dog Vinny, hike, work out at the YMCA, read, travel, and spend time with her grandbabies!
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Amy Frank

Amy Frank currently serves as the Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society, overseeing the operations of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and Heritage Village...

Amy Frank currently serves as the Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society, overseeing the operations of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and Heritage Village at Big Creek, as well as educational programming and heritage preservation efforts within Door County. Prior to her role at the Historical Society, Amy held the position of Managing Director at Third Avenue PlayWorks for four years and managed the Sun Prairie Performing Arts Center for seven years.

With a background in Arts Management from St. Norbert College and a Master's in Arts Administration from St. Mary'sUniversity, Amy is a seasoned professional in the nonprofit field.

She and her husband Paul are proud parents to three children: Makayla, Tommy, and Jonah.

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Hannah Fusfeld

Hannah Fusfeld was born and raised in De Pere, Wis., and spent her summers falling in love with Door County. When an opportunity knocked on her door to move for work...

Hannah Fusfeld was born and raised in De Pere, Wis., and spent her summers falling in love with Door County. When an opportunity knocked on her door to move for work, Hannah took it! She is currently the E-Commerce and Marketing Director and Operations Manager for Plum Bottom Gallery, which features 200 nationally recognized artists at four brick-and-mortar locations and online.

Hannah received her BA in International Studies and Communications from St. Norbert College in 2019. During college, she coached figure skating for the Greater Green Bay Figure Skating Club and was heavily involved with Greek Life. In her free time, Hannah enjoys cooking, reading, running, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Millie!

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Abby Grommet

Abby was raised in a small town in southern Illinois. After receiving her chemical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, she moved to Door County to work at...

Abby was raised in a small town in southern Illinois. After receiving her chemical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, she moved to Door County to work at Therma-Tron-X (TTX) in Sturgeon Bay. At TTX, Abby puts together concepts and solutions for clients with the goal of developing wastewater technologies to improve industry with an emphasis on environmental factors. In her free time, Abby enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband, and exploring Door County.

Ann-Harty

Ann Harty

Ann has always cherished her childhood visits and summer work experiences in Door County, which gave her a deep connection to the area. She now lives in Egg Harbor with Christa and their three rescue pups. They are devoted to giving back ...

Ann has always cherished her childhood visits and summer work experiences in Door County, which gave her a deep connection to the area. She now lives in Egg Harbor with Christa and their three rescue pups. They are devoted to giving back and enriching the local community. Ann is passionate about encouraging and mentoring women and girls to pursue opportunities in STEM fields. Drawing on her experience supporting companies in developing and commercializing medical products, she hopes to inspire the next generation. Ann is now in her fifth year of supporting the Women’s Fund of Door County, continuing her commitment to empowering women and fostering positive change in the community.
Lisa Harper

Lisa Harper

After 30 years of vacationing in Door County, Lisa is an enthusiastic full-time resident of Gills Rock. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Peninsula Music Festival ...

After 30 years of vacationing in Door County, Lisa is an enthusiastic full-time resident of Gills Rock. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Peninsula Music Festival in Ephraim. For 25 years, she and her husband Michael owned a global Talent Management business specializing in leadership development and organizational effectiveness, where she served as Executive Coach, Facilitator and content writer. Her clients included for profit and not for profit, education and government organizations. Lisa has served on numerous boards and committees in Milwaukee and Door County. She and Michael have five grown children, and an ever-changing roster of foster animals including two dogs, Tanner and Alice.
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Kristen Jeanquart

Kristen Jeanquart owns On Point Marketing, a freelance marketing company that assists small businesses in Door County. She has a bachelor's degree from St. Norbert College and a master's degree from ...

Kristen Jeanquart owns On Point Marketing, a freelance marketing company that assists small businesses in Door County. She has a bachelor's degree from St. Norbert College and a master's degree from Marquette University. Kristen is active in the Door County community, volunteering for a number of organizations and also serving on the board of directors for the Door County Community Foundation and Door CANcer. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, cook, and spend time with her husband, three kids, and mini goldendoodle.
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Lisa Mattke

Lisa was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay. She received her bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW- Eau Claire and a Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from Oregon Health Sciences University ...

Lisa was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay. She received her bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW- Eau Claire and a Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland OR. She has practiced as a nurse midwife providing comprehensive women’s health care in Homer Alaska, St Paul Minnesota and most recently for 13 years in Albuquerque New Mexico. Her roots are deep in Door county with her mother’s family settling in Baileys Harbor in 1871. Growing up in Door County instilled in her the importance of community. She is happy to be once again living in Sturgeon Bay and enjoying the beauty of Door County. She is excited to work with the board to help in supporting and empowering the women of Door County.
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Megan Shine

Megan was born and raised in Wisconsin and spent her summers in Door County. She attended Tulane University and has worked for KPMG as an International Tax Accountant for...

Megan was born and raised in Wisconsin and spent her summers in Door County. She attended Tulane University and has worked for KPMG as an International Tax Accountant for...
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Julia Stoneman

Julia was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a double major in Supply Chain & Operations Management and Marketing...

Julia was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a double major in Supply Chain & Operations Management and Marketing. After graduation, she moved to Minnesota and worked for Amazon and Target as an Operations Manager.

After 4 years in Minnesota, Julia decided to move back to Sturgeon Bay to be closer to family. She joined the family business as a third-generation insurance agent, at Stoneman-Schopf Agency, Inc. During her free time, Julia enjoys going for walks with her dog, working in her garden, and spending time with family and friends

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Aisha Umar

Aisha Umar brings a global perspective and deep commitment to community to her work and service. Born in Madison and raised in Malaysia with Nigerian roots, her curiosity about people and culture has shaped her path. She earned her degree ...

Aisha Umar brings a global perspective and deep commitment to community to her work and service. Born in Madison and raised in Malaysia with Nigerian roots, her curiosity about people and culture has shaped her path. She earned her degree in Human Biology, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the Chancellor’s Medallion from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Aisha’s introduction to Door County came through her work in the food service industry, where she built meaningful connections and a deep appreciation for the community. After college, she traveled to 45 countries, experiences that strengthened her love for connection and shared traditions. That passion now lives in her work as a co-owner of The Black Orchid Catering with her sister Fatima, where food brings people together and celebrates community. When not working, Aisha enjoys traveling and discovering local restaurants with her best friend Fatima. She also loves being a mama to her beautiful daughter, Luna, and spending time with family and friends. She has volunteered with Compassus Hospice for over 11 years and enjoys finding ways to give back to her community.
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Cheryl Wederquist

Born and raised in a small town close to Dayton, Ohio, Cheryl was awarded a full academic scholarship to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. But after her first year she dropped out to move to Florida and work at Disney ...

Born and raised in a small town close to Dayton, Ohio, Cheryl was awarded a full academic scholarship to Miami University, Oxford Ohio. But after her first year she dropped out to move to Florida and work at Disney World. She met and married an Air Force officer and was stationed to Crete, Greece; Wiesbaden, Germany; and Bedford, England. During this time, Cheryl completed her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of MD, European Division. After returning to the United States, Cheryl was commissioned into the Air Force in San Antonio, TX. In 1997, she transferred to the California Air National Guard and remained on active duty until retiring in 2009. Most of her career was split between Space Command in California and the Pentagon, where she worked as a public affairs officer and program manager for space programs. Her last 10 years she traveled extensively working policy for unmanned vehicles (drones). She also completed two Masters programs from Georgetown University in Business and National Resourcing. After retiring from active duty, she worked for the Navy at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Southern MD where she worked as the Air Force/Navy liaison and project manager for several drone operations contracts. In 2015 she met her husband to be, Scot, and moved to beautiful Door County in 2016. She joined the DCMC Auxiliary and worked with local radio and newspaper entities as the Public Relations Coordinator, and was the Media Coordinator for 100+ Women Who Care. Cheryl is currently the Secretary for the YMCA Board of Directors and sits on their Governance and Executive Committees. Cheryl and her husband Scot share a passion for supporting our community, travel, and for their 4-legged menagerie of three dogs and four grand pups.
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