Elected

Deputy Mayor King is a graduate of the 2007 Emerge Wisconsin class, and was elected to the Oshkosh Common Council in April, 2007 and Deputy Mayor in 2010. Jessica is a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She received her high school diploma in 1993 from St. Mary Springs, Fond du Lac. Jessica received her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) in 1998, with majors in International Studies, History and Political Science.

Katie Simenson is a third term Burlington City Council Alderperson representing the 4th District. Katie ran unopposed in her first election and has since been known as a pragmatic, thoughtful leader on the Burlington City Council. Katie has also worked to help other women who are interested in running for local office.

Penny Bernard Schaber is the State Representative for the 57^th Assembly District.  She was elected in 2008.  Penny is also an Emerge Alumnae (Class of 2007).  She is a retired physical therapist, with the last 10 years as a school physical therapist in the Oshkosh Schools. Penny was also a Peace corps volunteer at Campino Grande Brazil.  She is a former chair of both the Fox Valley Sierra Group and John Muir Chapter, Sierra Club.

In 2006, Penny ran for her current seat and earned 46.7% of the vote.  She ran again in 2008 and won the seat the second time around! Originally from Illinois, Penny has lived in Appleton for 25 years. 

Dianne Hesselbein serves as District 9 supervisor for the county of Dane in Wisconsin and was just re-elected in 2010.Dianne is currently running for the State Assembly District 77.

Carousel was first elected to the county board in 2006.

Carousel is a civil rights attorney, and she has litigated employment discrimination cases in Madison, New York, and Washington DC. Carousel formerly served as the Prisoner Litigation Staff Attorney for Dane County Circuit Court, and she taught Legal Writing at the UW Law School for two years. She graduated from Boston University with dual bachelors degrees in Journalism and Political Science, and from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Since moving to Green Bay in 2000, Celestine Jeffreys, Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2007, has become part of the fabric of the community.  She is committed to grassroots organizations, and to the advancement of all community members.  She was the president and co-founder of the Ft. Howard Neighborhood Association, which is a volunteer group that works to maintain low crime rates while also building a sense of  belonging.

In April of 2006, Celestine became Green Bay’s first African-American Alderman. This year, she has chosen to run for school board for Green Bay Area Public Schools.  She looks forward to using her knowledge of local government and leadership skills in this new endeavor.

Analiese Eicherwas recently elected to the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Analiese has dedicated her time at UW Madison to motivating and organizing students to participate in politics and government.

Ellen is an RN by occupation and training, and is a member of AFSCME.  Since 1993, she has served as a School Board Member for Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District.  Ellen is also involved in other organizations such as Friends of the Middleton Public Library, Friends of Pheasant Branch and Soujourners.  Her political campaign experience includes President Obama, Senator Feingold and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin to name a few. 

Tara is currently serving in her fifth term on the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors where she serves as First Vice Chair.  In 2008, Tara was the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate race.  Prior to entering the local politics, Tara enjoyed a fifteen year career in the United Way movement.  She also maintains her ongoing community activism by serving in various roles with organizations such as Western Wisconsin Cares, La Crosse Public Education Foundation and the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission.  Tara and her husband, Tim are the parents of a 13 year old son and an 11 year old daughter.

Carol works as Deans Assistant at UW Platteville and is an active AFSCME member.  She is also a current County Board Supervisor and Chair of the Grant County Democratic Party.  Carol has also been involved in multiple campaigns, in addition to hers, including Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, US Senator Russ Feingold, US Representative Ron Kind and State Representative Phil Garthwaite to name a few.  Carol also serves as Chair and volunteer member of the Board of Directors for Wisconsin Badger Camp, a camp for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Her involvement includes fund raising activities and promoting the work of the camp throughout the state.