Tuesday, October 15, 2024
MARINETTE COUNTY – In communities across Wisconsin, women have been stepping into transformative leadership roles to better aid their communities. The small towns of the northwoods are no different, with women like Kelly Robinson, Angel Wink and Katie Berman using their unique perspectives in municipal and educational services to empower the next generation of female leaders.
Superintendent of Crivitz School District Kelly Robinson
Education has always been important to Superintendent Kelly Robinson. Her desire to go into education began while she was in high school. Robinson furthered her own education with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and, most recently, her Superintendent licensure.
“Being a superintendent was not on my radar until about 2021,” Robinson said, sharing that her love for being the elementary and middle school principal encouraged her interest. She took over the position following the retirement of Pat Mans, who encouraged her to step up to the role.
Robinson shared that not only has her family been a crucial support system through the obstacles she encountered, but so has her community. “The Crivitz community has been wonderful to me throughout my life. I don’t think I could do this job anywhere but here in Crivitz.”
Having once been the only woman in school administration, Robinson noted that it is important for everyone to have a chance to share their experiences and perspectives. “Each gender brings a different perspective that moves the organization forward.” She added that, “women have a voice and should have a seat at the table.”
Robinson encourages young women, much like the students she has worked with, to seek unique experiences for themselves. “Go for it. Set yourself up with the experience and qualifications necessary and go for what you are interested in.”
City of Peshtigo District 1 Alderperson Angel Wink
Alderperson Angel Wink has held a wide variety of jobs and work positions. From working in food service as a restaurant manager to going back to college to study Mechanical Design and Engineering, Wink’s experiences have helped her to serve her city. Wink explained that she “wanted to be a person that made positive differences in the community,” and has done so as the president of the Peshtigo Woman’s Club, liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, member of National Night Out and working as a mechanical engineer at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
While all of Wink’s different positions gave her a unique perspective as an alderperson, the journey was not simple. She shared that she faced obstacles including her health, being a single mother and attending college during COVID-19.
This journey gave Wink the ability to offer different perspectives and bring forward diversity of thoughts. “In any place of leadership, having several perspectives gives more and better opportunities to leaders,” she said.
Wink added some important pieces of advice for young women, urging girls to believe in themselves, surround themselves with supportive people and to make sure they are “taking the lead to make a difference instead of taking the lead for power” so that they will “find the most success and happiness.”
Mayor of Peshtigo Katie Berman
Mayor Katie Berman shared that her interest in municipal government started off as “simple curiosity,” but grew from there. “I really wanted to be able to see the ‘why and how’ things were done.” As her interest grew, so did her desire to make a positive impact and difference within her community.
She began her journey of bettering her community by volunteering with local organizations like the Peshtigo Food Pantry, which gave her an insight into the needs of the local community. As time passed, the scope of her work also extended to include the Peshtigo Area Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Women’s Club and her children’s school. Berman said that the experiences she had within the various groups prompted her to run for an Alderperson position and her current role as mayor.
While Berman has been working to bring positive changes to Peshtigo, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. She encountered obstacles balancing her personal life with her professional goals all while learning the complexities of local government. However, she stated “these challenges also provided valuable learning experiences that helped me grow as a person.”
While looking back on her personal journey of service, Berman also expressed excitement for the next generation of female leaders. “Watching the leadership roles of some of the young women in our school and community is just breathtaking,” she said, and imparted some impactful advice for girls, “Believe in yourself and your abilities.” Berman encourages young women to seek out mentors, step out of their comfort zone, learn from making mistakes and to “remember that your voice and perspective are valuable and you have the power to make a difference.”
