Undergraduate Scholarships

Each year, Wisconsin Women in Government awards $2,500 scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate work in government. Bios of the 2006-07 scholars follow.

Elizabeth Corey of Beaver Dam (Attending Lawrence University in Appleton)

One of Elizabeth’s goals in life is to do everything she can to fight poverty and hunger. Since kindergarten, she has participated in the CROP walk to fight hunger. In high school, she organized several fundraisers to benefit non-profits that fight hunger and poverty as President of the National Honors Society. She has continued her efforts at Lawrence University in Appleton, where she co-founded Students’ War Against Hunger and Poverty, helping to raise donations for the Salvation Army and non-perishable items for local food banks and shelters. She plans to attend graduate school and is considering becoming a physician.

Amber Hodgson of Gratiot (Attending UW-Madison)

Amber aspires to one day attend Law School and become an attorney. Her ultimate goal is to become a criminal defense attorney and to work with low-income women in need of legal counsel. Amber is majoring in political science, legal studies, and women’s studies at UW-Madison. She has interned for the Wisconsin State Legislature and the Public Defender’s Office. She has also served as Vice Chief Justice of the Associated Students of Madison Student Judiciary. She is most proud of being accepted into the UW, where she has been able to pursue her passion for politics, government, and the law.

Deborah Pincon of Crivitz (Attending UW-Milwaukee)

Deborah is returning to college after delaying her higher education plans to take care of her younger siblings after her mother’s death. She is majoring in Communications and minoring in Economics at UW-Milwaukee, and plans to pursue her master’s degree. She has been active in state government, regularly contacting her local representatives on issues she is passionate about. She is also involved in her community, helping to provide computers, household goods, and business clothing to needy families. She wrote a successful grant that provided 50 students at her local elementary school with school supplies from Home Depot.

Barbara Pinkowsky of Cedarburg (Attending Milwaukee Area Technical College)

Barbara is a single mother who is going back to college to earn a degree in the Supervisory Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She works in the Office of Student Life, which allows her to work with the Student Government. She has also been actively involved in coordinating New Student Orientations, The Grand Ball, Honors and Club recognition luncheons, and community events like “Breakfast with Santa.” She also volunteers for many organizations, including the local Rotary Club and Historic Society.

Natalia Sidon of Green Bay (Attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College)

As a young girl growing up in a village in Mexico, Natalia dreamed of having a successful career. When she was 12, her parents sent her to the U.S. to learn English and complete her secondary education. After graduating, she moved to Green Bay to further her education. She is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, while also working full-time as the Hispanic Cultural Liaison for the Green Bay Police Department. She has been involved in several professional and civic organizations, including the Salvation Army and the city’s Affirmative Action Committee. After earning a degree at NWTC, Natalia plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Juliee Wendland of Viola (Attending Viterbo University in La Crosse)

A single mother of four, Juliee decided to enter college in order to better support her family. She is pursuing a degree in the natural sciences at Viterbo University in La Crosse, while also managing a working farm and caring for her children. Prior to attending college, Juliee worked as a certified nursing assistant and ran a natural landscaping business. She has been active in her community, volunteering for political campaigns and environmental organizations and performing charitable work for children and the elderly. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend Law School and run for elected office.