Please Support the Women In Focus 2025 “I Have a Dream” Ball

by Moore Vang, age 16

Madison’s 39th annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is scheduled for Monona Terrace on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This year’s theme is “Creating Hope for the Future Through Education,” which is exactly what Women In Focus, Inc. has done since its inception in 1983.

Their primary goal with this annual event is to grant scholarships to local students applying to college, trade school programs, or other post-secondary education programs. These scholarships are awarded to students of color and are funded by donations by ball attendees, along with money raised from a virtual silent auction.

As a junior at Memorial High School, attending the ball for the first time is very exciting to say the least. It is inspiring to know that the devoted volunteers of Women In Focus, Inc. use their platform to send a message to the community promoting educational excellence. Every year this local volunteer group reaffirms its commitment to helping younger generations of students attain higher education.

The mission of Women In Focus and the message of Dr. King shows out each year at the ‘I Have A Dream’ ball. And the resulting scholarships help local young people pursue their dreams and goals. In the past 39 years, Women in Focus, Inc. has raised and distributed $800,000 in scholarships.

This year, Brandon Taylor, news anchor at Channel 27, is the Emcee for the night. During the ball each year, a speech is made by a previous recipient of the Women in Focus scholarship, and they share their educational, personal, and career stories. Last year, it was Simpson Street’s very own Taylor Kilgore! This year’s keynote speaker is Alex Booker, a 2014 Women In Focus scholarship recipient.

Aside from inspiring speeches and recognizing important work being done in our community, there is always good food and even better company. And there is music and dancing into the night. The members of Women In Focus Inc. make sure guests enjoy a fun experience while supporting an excellent cause.

This ‘I Have A Dream’ Ball is one you won’t want to miss! As a first-time attendee myself, I am looking forward to the event. I’ve heard my colleagues recount stories from previous years and want to learn more about the event’s meaning and history.

The tradition continues this January 18th. The dedicated volunteers of Women in Focus deserve our thanks and our support. To purchase a ticket online and celebrate this important Madison event, go to womeninfocusmadison.org. You can help future leaders embark on their educational journey.

We look forward to seeing you there!