2021 Circle of Friends Honorees
EMILY "SIS" HUTSON VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jane Benzschawel | Vice President YWCA La Crosse Board of Directors
Jane Benzschawel is the Vice President of YWCA La Crosse Board of Directors where she serves passionately, and she is currently enrolled for a master’s degree in of Social Work. She is relentless in her pursuit of justice for those who face gender-based violence and racism.
In Jane’s own words “My paid and unpaid work has been dedicated to social justice since graduating with a Women's Studies BA in 2005. Most of my work has been dedicated to serving those most impacted by gender-based violence in rural Wisconsin and working to change the conditions that create, tolerate, and maintain gender-based violence. Formal and informal opportunities to grow and learn have created pathways for me to interrogate my own whiteness and the impact of white supremacy in places I live and work. Through the YWCA La Crosse, I have had the opportunity to serve mission-aligned efforts to eliminate racism and empower womxn.”
Jane lives with her partner Kaz. They are proud parents of Teddy, Iggy and a Bouhuahua (Boston Terrier Chihuahua), Fergus. Jane and Kaz both enjoy being active, outside, and creating home spaces in which to enjoy downtime. They look forward to hosting friends and family again and in the meantime, they will be plotting if and where they can plant another fruit tree that will survive their growing zone.
OLGA SCHLEITER MEMORIAL PHILANTHROPIC AWARD
Heidi Eglash | Founder & Managing Attorney, Eglash Law Office, LLC
Heidi Eglash is an Attorney and has practiced at Eglash Law Office, LLC in La Crosse, Wisconsin for 25 years. In this role, she promotes the sound stewardship of human and financial resources and helps individuals and small businesses to succeed. She has served as a Board Member of extraordinary value as well as on committees at YWCA for 10 years. She currently serves as a Governance Committee community member, as well as an ad hoc advisor.
In Heidi’s words, “Some of my most cherished opportunities have been the establishment and growth of my estate planning and settlement practice and my service to non-profit organizations promoting equality, justice, empowerment and growth, and the arts. These experiences have cultivated rich relationships, my own growth, as well as that of those served, and have given me the privilege of supporting others on their own journeys of growth and fulfillment.”
Heidi is married to her husband, Howard, and is the proud stepmom to Hayley and Zach. Reading and learning adds rich color and joy to her life, and she enjoys hiking, walking and yoga whenever she can. Heidi also loves to travel with Howie and entertain.
Both Heidi and Jane are regarded as exceptional by the YWCA. The following quotes highlight this nicely:
"As Interim ED, I've recently worked with both of these womxn closely,” Their work and dedication to the YWCA stands out in a group of outstanding partners of our agency. It is because of people like Jane and Heidi that the YWCA is successful and that our staff feels strongly that they should both be honored this year." Karen Knox, YWCA La Crosse Interim Executive Director.
"I have looked up to Heidi as a leader not only in this organization, but in our community for a long time. She is a long-standing, dedicated supporter of all that is YWCA La Crosse." "I am in awe of Jane; she is so talented in so many ways. There is no way I could have charted the waters of Board President this year without Jane’s time, experience, and support. If I could give her this award twice, I would - she has definitely earned it." Lynsee Thompson, YWCA La Crosse President Board of Directors.
Hearty congratulations to phenomenal women! It is such an honor to serve the community of La Crosse with you.