Since the inaugural issue of Wisconsin Woman Magazine nearly six years ago, we've celebrated the accomplishments of hundreds of Southeastern Wisconsin women. The spotlight has been on those practicing law, those in the field of entertainment, corporate executives, educators and outstanding leaders in the community. Wisconsin Woman features women in medical practices, in religious service, many writers, artists and politicians as well as women who have made noteworthy achievements in specialized fields.

This year we continue our mission to honor women, in particular those who remain steadfast in the belief that their work does make a difference in the community. We salute them knowing that, because of their dedication, the world becomes a better place in which to live. Each one demonstrates that there are bountiful fruits to be had because of their efforts to reach out beyond their immediate boundaries. Look for future profiles, quarterly, in Today's Wisconsin Woman.

Carol McChesney Johnson
If Frank Lloyd Wright was alive today, he would be appalled, but not surprised at what time and the elements have done to his beloved Taliesin, but be would be pleased to meet preservationist, Carol McChesney Johnson, who is determined to return the six buildings sitting on an 800-acre plot to the master's vision – a work of art encompassing nature which he called organic architecture.

When completed at an estimated cost of $60 million, the Spring Green house and surrounding buildings will serve as a gathering place for architects and designers. In 2011, the 25,000 square foot Wright house which he occupied for 50 years, and the surrounding estate will celebrate its 100 th anniversary. It is Johnson's hope to raise the necessary funds for the property's restoration. She says, "Every contribution is matched by the Save America's Treasure Grant Program, a public-private partnership between the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Taliesin is a record of Frank Lloyd Wright's personal life, his creative process and his experimentation with new forms and ideas. We want to educate the world of his legacy."

Victoria Wellens
Each year about 7,000 animals are adopted at the Wisconsin Humane Society, a job overseen by its executive director, Victoria Wellens. In addition to pet adoptions, the society also conducts pet care clinics for low-income citizens and sterilization services to pet owners who cannot afford the procedure. "We also assist pet owners who need to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to their companions who are too old or are seriously ill and need to be put to sleep," says Wellens. The Humane Society also places stray animals up for adoption and operates a wildlife rehabilitation program. Assisting with the volume of work are 775 volunteers annually.

The Humane Society is also involved in community work, says Wellens. "We have developed a program aimed at preventing geese from breeding and invading city parks. We have also painted their eggs to prevent them from hatching. To help Milwaukeeans deal with the increased deer populations, we have introduced techniques to help people feel safe around deer, coyote and other urban wildlife."

Wellens has been the Humane Society's director for 10 years. During her tenure, the shelter has moved to a new and larger location. The expansive facility has allowed the organization to house and find homes for an increased number of animals.

Patty Loew, Ph.D.
Dr. Patty Loew, assistant profession in the University of Wisconsin-Madison life sciences communications department, conducts classes highlighting Native Americans' environmental issues. A Native American herself, she is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She is the author of two books, "Indian Nations: Histories of Endurance and Renewal" and "Native People of Wisconsin" a text used in elementary classes. She is working on a two-hour documentary on Native American veterans, expected to air on PBS in 2006.

A Milwaukee native, Loew moved west after graduate school. She returned to the Midwest at the time Indian treaty rights were being argued. "My academic and personal life was converging. My tribal members were being shot at, and I was covering the story as a journalist. I was appalled at the reporting of the conflict, and this has been a concern which I bring to the classes I teach." The experience served to underscore her personal stake in the impasse, and she now uses that body of knowledge in her lectures. Native Americans are not just another minority, Loew says. "We are a sovereign, legal government with a political and legal identity."