Partnering for Progress
2025 Annual Meeting & Celebration
This year’s celebration highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation across our region. Under the theme Partnering for Progress, we honored the dedication of community partners, employers, board members, and participants who are driving meaningful change.
Together, we celebrated:
-
Five 2025 Aspire Award recipients whose inspiring journeys showcase resilience, growth, and achievement.
-
Our 2025 Champion in Action recipient, recognized for outstanding commitment to advancing opportunities and strengthening our workforce.
2025 Annual Meeting & Celebration Photo Gallery
2025 Aspire Awards
Watch the stories of this year’s honorees and learn how they are shaping the future:
Zoe Mathias
Zoe’s story shines with passion and perseverance. From WIOA to a welding youth apprenticeship to college studies, she’s forging a future in metal artistry while building her career at Custom Metals.
Emily Smith
Emily’s journey shows the power of resilience and determination. Despite personal challenges, she stayed focused on her dream of becoming a nurse and built a brighter future for her family.
Zackary Vance
Zack’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. By turning challenges into opportunities, he built stability, found faith while securing meaningful work, and set his sights on a brighter future.
Cassaundra Saeger
Cassaundra’s journey shows the power of patience and perseverance. After years of waiting and working to support her family, she stayed focused on her dream of becoming a dental hygienist and turned challenges into success.
Preston Boggs
Preston’s story highlights perseverance and determination. With new certifications and a clear vision, he overcame setbacks to secure a competitive technical role and build a stable career.
2025 Champions in Action
Celebrate the achievements of our Champion in Action recipients, whose leadership and collaboration have made a lasting impact.
Kirk & Sandi Brown, Bridges of Hope
For more than 30 years, the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin has recognized organizations and leaders who go the extra mile to help people land quality jobs and build strong workforce solutions. This year’s Champion in Action Award celebrates those driving innovation, creating new strategies, and leading with fresh initiatives.
Annual Report
Explore the full scope of our work in the 2025 Annual Report, featuring:
-
Key data and outcomes from the past year
-
Customer success stories highlighting real impact
-
Grant initiatives and new partnerships
-
Future priorities as we continue to build progress together
Download our 2025 Annual Report