Meet our Members
Executive Board
Abigail Ferguson, Chair
Abigail was hired at the City of Madison in 2018 and joined WIC in 2020. She is a Customer Service Coordinator in the Information Technology Department.
Why WIC?: "I joined to WIC to help amplify the voices of the traditionally underrepresented members of our organization. I strongly believe that all voices have purpose and value and deserve to be included at every table!"
Passions: connecting people to information and resources through digital storytelling
Education and/or Experience background: Media Studies degree with an emphasis in Photography and Web Development, double minor in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Past WIC Leadership Positions Held: Vice Chair
Sarah Russell, (she/her), Vice Chair
srussell@cityofmadison.com
Hannah Mohelnitzky (she/her), Communications Chair
hmohelnitzky@cityofmadison.com
Hannah was hired at the City of Madison in March 2019 and joined WIC in 2019. She is the Public Information Officer for the Engineering Division.
Why WIC?: "It's a group that makes progress, and more importantly, improves the City experience for a lot of people. I'm a strong believer in lifting others with us as we climb, and WIC is a network of strong leaders and safe environment to accomplish that in so many ways."
Passions: Sharing information on all mediums: social media, broadcast, print, video, in-person dialogue, podcast recordings and more, especially about change makers in the community or workplace.
Education and/or Experience Background: Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn. in communications and journalism with a minor in business. Prior to working at the City of Madison, Hannah was an award-winning journalist for nearly 10 years. In addition to working with journalists in the Twin Cities at WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, KDWB-FM, Hannah worked with the World Press Institute and Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Hannah anchored mornings and evenings in Wausau, Wis. at WSAW-TV and anchored mornings and midday and led investigative reporting in Madison, Wis. at WMTV-TV. Hannah is from Roseau, Minn., where she played hockey growing up.
Rachel Darken (she/her/hers), Treasurer
Rachel was hired at the City of Madison in 2019 and joined WIC in 2019. She is an Administrative Assistant at Fleet Services.
Why WIC?: "Because we all do better when we ALL do better."
Passions: Supporting the people around me, spending time with my family, and traveling whenever I get the chance.
Education and/or Experience background: Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from the University of Rochester. Seven years of experience in the nonprofit world working in economic development and youth employment.
Past WIC Leadership Positions Held: Chair
Active Members
Mary Richards (she/her/hers), member
Mary was hired at the City of Madison in 2017 and joined WIC in 2017. She is the Procurement Supervisor in the Finance Department.
Why WIC?: "I wanted to get involved with a group that was affecting positive change for folks in the City of Madison – employees and citizens alike."
Passions: breastfeeding parents’ rights, gender equity, racial equity, social justice
Education and/or Experience background: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, worked in the Accounting field since 1999
Past WIC Executive Positions Held: Treasurer
Victoria Larson (she/her/hers), member
Victoria was hired at the City of Madison in 2012 and joined WIC in 2017. She is a Human Resource Analyst for the Human Resources Department. Why WIC?: "To advocate for a more inclusive work culture and polices for women and other marginalized genders."
Passions: Creating concrete policy change in relation to gender equity, as well as creating spaces of support and growth for women and other marginalized genders. "I am very passionate about my involvement in WIC and love the safe community I find within our meetings."
Past WIC Executive Positions Held: Chair
Brittany Garcia (she/her), Member
Brittany was hired at the City of Madison in 2015 and joined WIC in 2018. She is a Buyer 2 in the Finance Department. Why WIC?: "I was looking for ways to further get involved and create change, while also connecting, and establishing relationships that build women up within the workplace and beyond."
Passions: Dogs, volunteering with local rescue groups, reading, snowmobiling, and cooking
Education and/or Experience background: Brittany was raised in Cross Plains, Wis. and earned a business administration degree from UW-Platteville. She moved back to the greater Madison area after college to work for other private sector jobs, before eventually, taking her position at the City.
Past WIC Leadership Positions Held: Vice Chair
Erin Hillson (she/her), Member
Erin was hired at the City of Madison in 1998 and joined WIC in 2016. She is the Organizational Development Manager in Human Resources.
Why WIC?: "I joined WIC to work with passionate people on things that create a healthier workplace for folks of all genders."
Passions: Human connection, the power of our potential, and the Avett Brothers. Also, the Head and the Heart. Always the Head and the Heart.
Education and/or Experience background: Master's degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from UW-Milwaukee, Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from UW-Madison. Thirteen years of progressive experience in Human Resources after starting with the City typing police reports and writing parking citations.
Bill Wick (he/him/his), Member
Bill was hired at the City of Madison in 2008 and joined WIC in 2018. He is a Human Resources Analyst 2 in Human Resources.
Why WIC?: "I initially started attending WIC meetings during the planning phase of developing the City’s Paid Parental Leave Policy. The committee provided valuable feedback and I thought it was worthwhile to maintain a collaborative relationship moving forward. I eventually became a full member and served as the Committee Secretary for a year."
Passions: Equity, inclusion, learning and growth, creative problem solving
Education and/or Experience background: Associate of Applied Science degree in Finance, Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Master’s level coursework in Business Administration. Domains of study included psychology, political science, business law and ethics, leadership concepts, economics, marketing and communications, etc. Progressive work experience within the City of Madison includes Library Page, Police Records Service Clerk, HR Administrative Clerk, and HR Analyst (Benefits Specialist). Bill coordinates the City’s employee benefits package, acting as a liaison between the City and the Department of Employee Trust Funds and other third party benefits administrators, and assist employees with better understanding their benefits, including the retirement process. "I have a lifetime of experience in being helpful and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects and, despite my occasionally gruff exterior, am friendly and approachable."
Laurel Franklin (she, her, hers), Member
Laurel was hired at the City of Madison in 2017 and joined WIC in 2019. She is a Land Stewardship Technician in the Parks Division.
Why WIC?: "I am passionate about equity and social justice."
Passions: Natural world, equal rights for all people. "I feel so lucky to be in a position where I can help protect and integrate natural ecosystems within the City parks. I believe the more natural elements we have in our park spaces, the larger the bridge between humans, health, and sustainability becomes."
Education and/or Experience background: UW-Madison, bachelor's degree in Gender and Women’s Studies, with a focus of Environmental Studies. Travels include: all around the USA, as well as to Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, and Canada. Laurel worked in Kenya, Uganda, Spain, and northern California. After graduating, she became a youth counselor in a group home for disadvantaged teen girls, a women’s health specialist, a yoga teacher, an organic farmer, an Interpreter for CA state parks, and then started working for the City of Madison Parks Division in the Conservation Department. Soon after, Laurel was promoted to a permanent part-time Park Worker position, then went full time as Parks Maintenance Worker for general Parks, and last April started as a Land Stewardship Technician. Laurel was also a member of the City of Madison RESJI Core Equity team and is a City of Madison Peer Support Advisor.
Rachel Kelly (she/her), Member
Rachel was hired at the City of Madison in 2004 and joined WIC in 2019. She is a Public Works General Foreperson in the Streets Division.
Passions: "I strongly believe that women should have a voice in all decision making. I am passionate about women empowering their selves through training, education, and breaking barriers."
Education and/or Experience background: Graduate of Madison East high school. Rachel started with the Streets Division in 2003 as a drop-off site attendant, then was offered a seasonal position and became a permanent Operator 1 employee in 2004. Rachel used the career ladder the Streets Division offered, and successfully became an Operator 2, then 3. Rachel was the second female in Streets to become an Operator 3 and the only one at the time. Rachel also served as the only female Local 236 executive board member before accepting a position as a Public Works General Foreperson.
Tamara Dinkel, Member
Sarah Grimalkin (she/her/hers), Member
Sarah was hired at the City of Madison in March 2018 and joined WIC in 2021. She is a Park Planner 2 in the Parks Division.
Why WIC?: "Because every argument on the topics of feminism or equality are arguments for feminism and equality."
Passions: "Volunteering with a local cat rescue organization, baking, gardening, working on her old Chevy truck, and melodic death metal music."
Education and/or Experience background: Sarah holds bachelor’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been employed or has volunteered in the parks and recreation field for over a decade. She is a registered landscape architect, Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
Sarah Russell, Member
LaQuella Etchin, Member
Kim Alan (she/her), Member
Kimberly Alan was hired by the City of Madison in 2011 and joined WIC in 2022. Kim is a Lieutenant at the City of Madison Police Department.
Why WIC?: "I chose to join WIC because I would like to see more women supported in their work at the City of Madison.
Education and/or Experience background: Kim is a passionate outdoorswoman and holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Korrie Rondorf, Member
Jessica Jones (she/her/hers), Member
Jessica was hired at the City of Madison in 2021 and joined WIC in 2022. She is a Data Analyst 1 in the Finance Department.
Why WIC?: "After getting familiar with WIC’s involvement in the 2020 Workplace Climate Survey, I saw the committee as an excellent opportunity to help ensure workplace equity for women. I have experienced and witnessed many aspects of sexism impacting the workplace throughout my education and career, and most of the time, I felt helpless. So I am really grateful and excited to have the opportunity to change the narrative."
Passions: "A lot of my passions involve cultural aspects of my hometown (Recife-Brazil), including music, dance, and culinary. More broadly, I enjoy watching movies and TV Shows (preferably horror, suspense, and fantasy), playing video and board games, and cross-stitching."
Education and/or Experience background: "I am completing my associate degree in Business Management and certificate in data analytics at Madison College. Soon, I will transfer to UW-Madison to pursue my Bachelor’s degree. I am also a Certified Associate in Project Management by the Project Management Institute (PMI). In addition, I was an Architecture and Urban Planning student at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Brazil before moving to Madison."
Rebecca LeBeau, Associate Member
Kristine Omen-Kaul, Associate Member
Are you interested in becoming a part of our committee? We'd love to hear from you. Email us!