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In the mid-1970s, Milwaukee's professional world was a challenging terrain for women. Despite their talents and capabilities, women were systematically excluded from power structures and leadership roles. On February 6, 1975, four remarkable women—Patricia Gerczak Lunde, Donna Dollase, Mary Frymark, and Suzanne Sheedy—decided to challenge this systemic barrier by establishing the TEMPO as a Professional Women's Club.
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The decade spanning 1985 to 1995 marked a period of significant growth and evolution for TEMPO. Beginning with the celebration of its 10th anniversary in 1985, the organization embarked on several initiatives that would shape its future and expand its influence in the professional community.
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Building on its strong foundation, TEMPO entered an unprecedented era of growth and innovation from 2015 to 2025. This decade was characterized by membership expansion, financial milestones, and forward-thinking initiatives that positioned the organization as a leading force for women's professional advancement.
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TAKE A LOOK BACK.
Over the past five decades, TEMPO women have mirrored the broader journey of women in the workplace—breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping professional landscapes. Like their counterparts across industries, TEMPO women navigated the evolution from limited opportunities in the 1970s to increasing representation in leadership today.
The headlines we've captured from each decade tell a powerful story: from the first women entering previously male-dominated fields in the 1970s, to fighting for equality in pay and promotions in the 1980s, expanding their presence in corporate boardrooms during the 1990s, achieving unprecedented leadership roles in the 2000s, and leading movements for systemic change in the 2010s and beyond.
These headlines chronicle not just TEMPO's history, but reflect the persistent challenges and remarkable achievements that have defined women's professional advancement in America.
"I give to the TEMPO Foundation because it promotes learning, growth, and advancement for its scholarship recipients. At this stage in my career, it's time to pay it forward and support others to achieve their goals and live their dreams. Knowing I helped to make it happen provides great personal satisfaction and fulfilment."
LINDA HOGAN, TEMPO BOARD MEMBER
"I support the TEMPO foundation becuase I am a dedicated champion of women that believes we all have a responsibility as leaders to lift as we climb. To quote Sheryl Sandberg, "We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."
CHAUNTEL MCKENZIE, TEMPO FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
"My investment in the TEMPO Foundation is rooted in a fundamental belief that women leaders are the drivers of meaningful, transformative change. Supporting TEMPO means a commitment to seeing women reach their fullest potential. "To whom much is given, much is required.'"
TAMMY BELTON-DAVIS, TEMPO BOARD MEMBER
"Giving to the TEMPO Foundation is a way that I can make a positive impact on women right in our community. It gives me the opportunity to support an initiative that aligns with my values. Knowing that a small act of generosity can improve lives and foster hope, inspires me to give back and be a part of something larger."
JOANNE SZYMASZEK, TEMPO FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
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