Madison, the lively heart of the 608 area code, boasts a diverse array of influential women who have significantly contributed to the community. Let’s celebrate these women and their remarkable achievements.

Lisa Peyton

Lisa Peyton stands as a beacon of hope in Madison. In 2012, she established the Foundation For Black Women’s Wellness, a local nonprofit dedicated to eliminating obstacles, such as health disparities, faced by Black women. Her annual summit, Black Women’s Wellness Day, gathers hundreds of women to support one another in prioritizing their health.

Tammy Baldwin

A Madison native, Tammy Baldwin made history as the first openly gay woman elected to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman in either of Wisconsin’s chambers. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights earned her a place on Queerty’s 2020 Pride50 list, recognizing leaders working towards equality, acceptance, and dignity for all.

Angela Fitzgerald

Originally from the D.C. area, Angela Fitzgerald made Madison her home in 2014, establishing strong personal, professional, and educational roots. As the associate dean for the School of Academic Advancement at Madison College, Angela also hosts “Wisconsin Life” and “Why Race Matters” on PBS Wisconsin. Recently, she was acknowledged on Madison365’s Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders list.

Ada Deer

The first Menominee tribe member to graduate from UW Madison, Ada Deer played a crucial role in the Menominee Restoration Act of 1972, providing federal recognition to the Menominee Reservation. This political activist, educator, and social worker, after earning an M.S.W. from Columbia, returned to UW Madison to teach, served as the director of the American Indian Studies Program from 2000-2001, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

These women, among others, have molded Madison into the thriving community it is today. Their contributions serve as inspiration for future generations to continue making the 608 great.

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