WHO WE ARE
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!
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Ann Glessner
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...
Annika Paulsen
Annika Paulsen was born and raised in Sturgeon Bay. She attended Knox College for undergraduate work and Illinois College of Optometry for her Doctor of Optometry degree....
Katie Slaby
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...
Ann
Having grown up visiting and working summers in beautiful Door County, Ann knew this is where she would “settle down”. Ann and Christa live in Egg Harbor with 3 rescue...
Michelle Sternard
Michelle Sternard is a native of Sturgeon Bay, graduating from Sevastopol, heading to college at UW-Eau Claire, then returning to her roots here in Door County. She lives in the Town of...
Markie
Growing up in Sturgeon Bay Markie Bscherer has always felt the sense of community that goes along with residing in Door County. After moving away for a few years Markie moved...
Laura Murray
Laura hails from Sturgeon Bay and works as a Financial Advisor at Baird. She serves on the Donor Relations, Tales of Our Lives and IDA committees for the Women's Fund of Door County ...
Karen Peterson
Karen is a lifelong resident of Door County; a proud graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School and UW- Stout. In 1994 she and her husband, Shawn founded Maxwell’s House in Egg Harbor...
Lisa
I am a Door County native that has lived throughout the Midwest. After retiring from UW LaCrosse I felt the call to come home and moved here permanently in 2019. My husband and I love...
Cameryn Ehlers
Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski is the Executive Director of Destination Sturgeon Bay. The organization assists visitors, promotes the area, supports 250+ local businesses, and fosters the...
Gail
Gail joined the board in January of last year. She welcomes the chance to volunteer in various organizations and believes in the Women's Fund of Door County that so effectively benefits...
Kristen
Kristen grew up in Illinois and received her bachelor's degree from St. Norbert College and her master’s degree from Marquette University. She previously worked as a Communications...
Barbara
Barbara is from Iowa City, where she earned her Undergraduate Degree from the University of Iowa and went on to complete her Master’s Degree from UW-Stout. In 2005 she...
Ashley Schanock
For nearly two decades, Ashley Schanock has been recognized as a leading expert in the matchmaking industry. Her portfolio of Client successes has led her to become a Senior Director...
Megan
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...