Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation awards sessions to fuel nonprofit growth

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fifteen nonprofits across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois will amplify their missions through Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab. The program is designed to spark creative solutions and lasting impact.

The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:

• Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
• Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Des Moines, IA
• CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City, IA
• Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, Dubuque, IA
• DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Iowa City
• Embolden WI, Madison, WI
• Families Forward, Des Moines
• Galena Art & Recreation Center, Galena, IL
• Moms Connect Dubuque, Dubuque
• New Hope Village, Inc., Carroll, IA
• Opening Doors, Dubuque
• Red Basket Project, Dubuque
• Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids
• Willkie House, Des Moines

This is the second year of this transformative program that fuels nonprofit growth through innovation support. Rather than a traditional monetary award, the grant provides innovation sessions to help nonprofits overcome resource constraints that may limit their potential. Sessions can help organizations work through challenges such as strategic planning, process development, financial sustainability, business model improvements and more.

This year’s program represents $67,000 in innovation support, delivered through tailored sessions that span one day, two days or 1 year. Sessions are conducted by Eric Dregne, Director of The Innovation Lab.

“It’s been exciting to work with the 2025 recipients of the Gift of Innovation program, to work through challenges that were holding them back,” said Eric Dregne, Innovation Lab director. “We cannot wait to get to work with the 2026 recipients to further impact the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve.”

“At Dupaco, we believe innovation is a catalyst for positive change. By equipping nonprofits with tools and strategies to think differently, we’re helping them unlock new ways to serve their communities,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “And when nonprofits thrive, the ripple effect strengthens families, neighborhoods and entire regions.”

The next Gift of Innovation grant cycle will open in fall 2026. Organizations that are interested in applying can watch www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give for updates.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

More Than 115 MMSD Students to Be Honored at Annual MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast

MADISON, Wis.—One hundred eighteen Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students will be recognized for their academic achievements, leadership and service during the 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast, hosted by the Urban League of Greater Madison.

The event will take place Sunday, Jan. 18, at Edgewood High School and will honor nearly 300 middle and high school students from 42 Dane County schools with Outstanding Young Person Awards. MMSD’s honorees include 72 middle school students and 46 high school students.

Award recipients are nominated by their schools based on a combination of strong academic performance, leadership and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. Notably, two Robert M. La Follette High School seniors will be among the scholarship recipients: Kira Smith will be awarded a Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship, and Rebecca Oruruo will receive a George Anglin Memorial Scholarship. The event will also recognize the newest cohort of MMSD Mann Scholars.

“Our students continue to embody Dr. King’s vision through their dedication to excellence, community engagement and personal integrity,,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “Their recognition at this event is not only a celebration of their accomplishments, but also a reminder of the responsibility and opportunity they have to shape a more just and inclusive future.”

Now in its 42nd year, the MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast is one of the longest-running youth recognition events in the region. Nearly 1,000 students, family members, educators and community members are expected to attend.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our students and the educators and families who support them every day,” Gothard said. “We are proud to stand alongside the Urban League of Greater Madison in uplifting young people who lead with purpose and serve their communities.”

MMSD full list of Outstanding Young Person Award recipients is as follows:

• Badger Rock Middle School: Itiel Gonzalez Espinoza, Adam Ocotl Perez, Ejaaz Ra-El, Liam Sandoval, Kylie Schmitt, Rudy Wilson
• Black Hawk Middle School: Ashaad Anderson, Gary Howard III, Sema-J Ivy-Gore, Matthew King, Monaire Lemon, Akilah Williams
• Capital High School: Airam Aleman-Hernandez, Larissa Dobbins, Knox Fettig, Tasha Noel, Avayah Turner
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: Kaddijatou Bah, Tamia English, Phoenixx Jenkins McMurray. Elijah Kennedy Jr., Zyaire Mickelson, Qamille Taylor
• East High School: Kadiatou Diabate, Wilma Hobenu, Ibrahim Danioko, Ramatulah Njie, Zahra Njie, Khadi Sylla, Titus Vang, Isaiah Vielmas, Daree Xiong
• Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School: Enijsia Johnson, Elias-Hanyire Kahite, Liliana Quevedo, Ayanna Smith, Ni’Esha Smith-Whitmore, Jhiana Wisdom
• Velma Hamilton Middle School: Kassandra Ayetey, Isaiah Bonk, Otto Borman, Khalil Jackson, Corielle McClinton, Cadence Yelder
• Robert M. La Follette High School: Zacaria Conklin, Ameillia Grace Cook, Janet Flores Benites, James Harris III, Miesha Henley, E’Yonna Jones, Lillyanne Medenwaldt, Rebecca Oruruo, Miyah Perkins, Kira Smith
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School: Awah Ambahe, Aliyaha Cofer, Kennedi Harden, William Harden, Lavonte Johnson Jr., Talayaja Johnson, Alric Koffison, Heaven McCann, Ronald Smith, London Tafor, Destiny Wallace, Kelvin Washington
• Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School: Imari Dorrough, Marshawn Fizer, Ky’Aire Larrue, John Mack Jr., Nyomee Triggs, Aubrey Turnier
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: Cecilia Bull, Paisley Cook, Stoni Hawkins, Iliyan Hoskins, Aiden Martin, Nia Nguyuza
• Sherman Middle School: Reinella Foueppe, Aryanna Freeman, Ari’Yahna Handy, Torrance (TJ) Holmes Jr., Alaya McClain-McMillen, Tyjanic Walker
• Spring Harbor Middle School: Vivian Bartlett, Jesus Chacin, Elias Ketchum, Sanjay Remesh, Kazuki Sone, Gopika Vijayaraghavan
• Akira R. Toki Middle School: Destiny Daniel, Lylah Ferris, Fatoumatta Jaiteh, Michael Meier, Aaliyah Mitchell, Ciara Pettaway
• West High School: Randa Amer, Keymontae Brown, Gelen Castellanos Galvis, Sangrielle Harris, Jayla Jones, David Okpara, Adrian Ramirez Cornejo, Melchi Tepepa-Pasaribu, Hezekiah Ward, Ashley Zongo
• Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School: Boubacar Diallo, Michael Hongmanivanh, Ne’Ayla Huffman, Parys Martin, Iyanna Ross, Zenay Ross
• James C. Wright Middle School: Jayce Gray, Jah’Kie Hodges, Kevin Jones Jr., Dmya Long, Peter Mensah, Zeniya Smith

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

MMSD Human Resources Team Strengthens Staffing Stability, Recruitment and Talent Development

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) continues to strengthen its workforce through strategic recruitment, improved staffing stability and targeted talent development, according to a recent update from the district’s Human Resources team. Together, these efforts support consistent learning environments for students and help schools operate more effectively day to day.

So far in the 2025–26 school year, MMSD has filled more than 700 positions across elementary, middle and high schools, including teachers, educational assistants, custodial staff, food service workers and coaches. Having key roles filled allows for uninterrupted instruction, ensures students have access to essential services and reduces disruptions that can affect teaching and learning. These efforts reflect sustained progress in attracting and retaining staff to support students across the district.

“Our Human Resources team is focused on both meeting immediate staffing needs and building a strong, diverse pipeline for the future,” said Jennifer Trendel, MMSD senior executive director of human resources. “Every hire represents an investment in students, schools and long-term operational health across our system.”

In addition to filling vacancies, the district has made steady gains in workforce retention. Over the past several years, MMSD has seen gradual improvement in employee longevity, reversing trends that intensified during and immediately following the pandemic. When staff remain in their roles, schools are better able to maintain strong instructional teams throughout the year.

An area of significant progress has been the expansion of building-based substitute teachers at 10 MMSD schools. Principals report that consistent, on-site substitute coverage has improved both student routines and staff morale by limiting the need to reassign educators from their primary roles.

The district has also seen strong engagement across multiple recruitment channels, with employee referrals emerging as the leading source of successful hires this year. MMSD continues to recruit through colleges and universities, community job fairs and partnerships with local organizations, while also preparing for additional districtwide recruitment events in 2026.

“Recruitment and retention are strongest when people feel supported, valued and connected to the work,” Trendel said. “We are seeing the impact of intentional outreach, internal referrals and grow-your-own strategies that center our current staff and community.”

Long-term workforce development remains a central priority. MMSD’s Grow Your Own to Associate Degree program and Accelerated Licensure in Special Education initiative continue to create pathways for current employees to become licensed educators, while also helping diversify the district’s workforce. Together, these programs support academic achievement, equity and access, and college and career readiness for students.

For a complete listing of the district’s open positions, please visit MMSD’s careers portal.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Supporting workforce well-being: Dupaco leads the way in financial education

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Employers have traditionally offered their workforce benefits like healthcare insurance, retirement saving plans and paid time off.  With consumers continuing to feel budget pinch points, a recent study by PNC (What Today’s Workers Value Most, Across Generations) found 68% of workers are financially stressed and spending four hours per week at work worrying about money. Partnering with a local credit union, employers are supporting their teams and adding a new, no-cost benefit their teams are requesting: financial wellness programs. 

Dupaco Credit Union’s Community Outreach and Education team now partners with over 1,000 employers in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois to provide financial wellness programs with 1-on-1 coaching, on-site financial education classes and on-demand webinars—all at no cost to businesses or employees. 

These programs are designed to help employees manage their personal finances more effectively— reducing financial stress and distractions while improving overall well-being and productivity. 

“When money worries follow people to work, it impacts everything—from focus and safety to retention,” says Erin Engler, VP Community Outreach and Education at Dupaco Credit Union. “That’s why we bring financial education and coaching directly to the job site and back it up with Dupaco’s digital tools they can use anytime. We meet workers where they are and help them build habits that reduce stress and improve outcomes—for the employee and the employer.” 

Engler leads Dupaco’s Community Outreach and Education department—a team of employees who travel to businesses across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois providing no-cost on-site, online and on-demand support for companies and their employees.  

In 2025, this team served select employer groups by providing 1,124 on-site visits and delivered 253 presentations on financial topics like budgeting, debt reduction strategies and credit improvement.  

“We’re essentially a mobile version of Dupaco’s branches and Learning Labs. We’re bringing Dupaco to members and non-members at a place where it’s convenient to them: their employer,” said Engler. 

According to PNC, only 29% of employers surveyed said they offer financial education; this is down from 36% in 2024 and 30% in 2023. The same study also found 81% of U.S. workers are more likely to stay with an employer that offers more financial wellness benefits and 61% of workers without access to financial education say they would use these benefits if offered.  

Dupaco has been supporting area businesses and their employees with no-cost financial wellness programs for decades.  

“Providing financial wellness programs is part of our DNA. Dupaco was formed in 1948 by employees of the Dubuque Packing Company to serve the financial needs of their co-workers and families. Dupaco employees would travel to the various meat packing plants to provide financial education and resources. We continue that same service today, traveling to employers and supporting their employees,” said Engler. 

Regardless of company size or hours of operation, Dupaco’s Community Outreach and Education team offers no-cost financial wellness programs for employers. For more information, please visit https://www.dupaco.com/business/employee-benefit-program/.  

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About Dupaco Community Credit Union 

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

MMSD Details Phase 1 Referendum Progress and Upcoming Phase 2 Input Sessions

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) continues to make steady progress on its Phase 1 facilities referendum projects, advancing planning, design and early construction work while preparing for formal groundbreakings on March 20, 2026.

Phase 1 projects include replacement of the buildings that house Sherman Middle School and Malcolm Shabazz City High School, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School and Black Hawk Middle School. Work at each site is focused on modernizing learning environments, improving safety and accessibility, and supporting long-term sustainability.

“As we move closer to construction, our focus remains on delivering high-quality facilities that reflect the needs of students, staff and the broader community,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD senior executive director of building services. “This work represents years of planning and community input, and we are excited to see these projects begin to take shape.”

The projects remain on time and on budget. So far, MMSD has invested more than $6.7 million in referendum-related work across the district. Spending by site includes:

• Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School: $2,510,790.19
• Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School: $2,029,780.33
• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School: $492,039.29
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: $403,697.05
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: $358,104.89

These investments support early planning, site preparation, design development and project management as work advances across both phases of the referendum.

“Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is central to this work,” Chehak said. “We are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and making sure each project delivers lasting value for students and neighborhoods.”

As planning continues for Phase 2 projects, MMSD will host a series of public input sessions later this month to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed improvements. Families, staff and members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more directly from the project team.

Upcoming public input sessions:

• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School
  5602 Russett Rd., Madison, WI 53711
  Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria
• Cherokee Heights Middle School
  4301 Cherokee Dr., Madison, WI 53711
  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Library
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School
  502 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716
  Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria

Additional information about MMSD’s facilities referendum projects, including timelines and design updates, is available on the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.