CLIENTS & SPONSORS

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Illuminating Women Fox Cities
Illuminating Whiskers
Illuminating Women Fond du Lac

TESTIMONIALS

"We wanted to work with the Illuminating Project at Johnsonville to shine a light on the many women who are thriving forces in our company. The project was a great way to say, 'thank you', in a meaningful way to these unsung heroes who are making an impact not only in our family-owned company but also in the meat industry and in their communities. This project was a great way to truly celebrate their accomplishments.”

- Shelly Stayer, Owner, Chairman of the Board, Johnsonville

"It was an honor to participate in the Illuminating Women project. Learning more about our colleagues inspired us and sharing our stories encouraged us to shine. The entire experience was perfect. I enjoyed the interview which gave me a chance to reflect and share my experiences. It was such a pleasure gathering with my colleagues and leadership, taking in the beautiful photos and inspiring biographies. It was a wonderful event to celebrate the featured women. Thank you for all you have done for Johnsonville."

- Li Kudra, Ph.D., Johnsonville

" The Illuminating Project made me feel proud, thankful and humble. It felt good to self-reflect. Being nominated by one of our top leaders, whom I respect tremendously, had a huge impact on me professionally at Johnsonville. I feel like I matter and am appreciated. My hard work and contributions are noticed! I am thankful to Johnsonville for doing this project. Personally, it was a phenomenal experience with my family. They really celebrated with me and made it into an even bigger deal than I recognized about myself. Great write-up and awesome pictures that I can use professionally into the future. Wonderful event – very tastefully done. I’ve got nothing for suggested improvements. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this experience!"

- Christy Eick, Johnsonville

"It will be great collaborating with the women after the Illuminating Project. Now we know so much more about them and see their achievements. We will feel more connected and work together in a more meaningful way."

- Tim Schneider, Executive VP, J.F Ahern

"What drew us to the Illuminating Project was the opportunity to shine a light on women at our company. We could recognize our employees as individuals and as valued members of our organization. The events created through the Illuminating Project helped us build community and strengthened our culture. The Illuminating Project provided value to our company in employee appreciation, retention, and engagement, and we would definitely recommend the experience.”

- Krista Ebbens– General Counsel and Corporate Secretary,

Executive Vice President, Human Resources, J.F. Ahern

"Participating in Illuminating Women Ahern was very meaningful and impacted me beyond the surface level. The interview allowed me to reflect on my own career and accomplishments on a deeper level. It helped me love myself more and pushed me to rediscover old passions and to try new things. I enjoyed the Illuminating Women events. I felt valued and appreciated by my colleagues and company leadership. You and your team were a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend the experience."

-Meera Patel, Senior Sales Representative, J.F. Ahern

"Participating in the Illuminating Project was a wonderful experience. It opened my eyes to how others view me in the best way. I felt good, cherished and appreciated by my peers and leadership. The project also inspired me to continue to teach and share my knowledge with others."

- Chris Bodendorfer, Johnsonville

"Bringing the Illuminating Project to our company was a great decision. Our featured employees felt seen and appreciated, all while the rest of the company felt connected and learned about them on a deeper level. Utilizing this type of employee recognition is not only good for business (retention and building culture), but it’s good for the soul. Seeing other women’s stories was both inspiring and humbling. The Illuminating Project team was fantastic to work with; clear communicators who injected passion into everything they do. It’s clear that they don’t just view the women they work with as stories – but as people who they treat with great compassion.”

- Sierra Trojan, Internal Communication Specialist, J.F.Ahern

“I felt so honored to be included with such an amazing group of women. Shining a light on my life as a woman in leadership in law enforcement had a great impact on me personally and professionally. I wanted to share my story with the goal of inspiring other women to join law enforcement. I felt very comfortable participating and enjoyed working with the Illuminating Women team. The Illuminating Women opening night far exceeded my expectations. You are truly making a difference with this project.”

- Chief Polly Olson, Appleton Police Department

"I had a great experience participating in Illuminating Women. I feel more appreciated, and it was wonderful being recognized for my life's work. After being featured by the Illuminating Project I also feel more respected in my work of running my non-profit organization."

- Bonnie Klemmer Manske, The Children’s Giving Tree

"Thank you for everything! Being featured as one of the Illuminating Women means so much to me! I could show my children that being caring and compassionate is important and valuable. The project made me feel seen in an occupation that normally doesn't feel that way. I wouldn't change anything about the experience."

- Ashley Freimuth, Greenville Elementary & Freimuth Fitness LLC

"The Illuminating Women event brought light and inspiration to our community. You and your team inspired us to do more to have an impact on the world. Learning about the other women gave me hope for the future. I was humbled to be included and it impacted me deeply. I felt so encouraged and valued in my work and seen as a person. I feel energized knowing that my efforts make a difference. I will never forget this experience and hope that the Illuminating Project will continue to recognize individuals for the good they do in this world. We all need encouragement, and you did it so well with Illuminating Women."

- Danielle Rybicki, ThedaCare

"My experience with the Illuminating Project was very positive and heart-warming. I was amazed at the insight that Juliane gained about me from what was a casual and friendly conversation. She managed to take bits and pieces of my life and put them together to give a very accurate and complimentary picture. The whole process helped me recognize what I had accomplished and my hope is that it made others realize that if I could do it—they could, too. To me the project is two-fold: it makes the person being featured feel very special, but by illuminating their accomplishments, it will hopefully encourage others to follow their dreams also."

- Mary Ann W

“When Juliane approached me on wanting to illuminate my story I was truly humbled. I never thought I would be recognized for my character and past accomplishments. My mentoring women and volunteer work came naturally to me but I never thought it would be worthy of public acknowledgment. To share my life story with Juliane was an encouragement as she asked just the right questions and listened intently as I shared my passions. She fully understood the accomplishments and she managed to capture my passions and incorporated it into a meaningful recognition. After this recognition I was energized and felt more joy in the areas I have been serving. I was honored to be included with other Illuminating Women who have left their mark on our community.”

- Karla P