'Blazing trails': Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee discusses impact of VP Harris

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — With the first female Vice President now in office, it’s an inspiration to girls across the nation.

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee spoke with CBS 58 about what impact it may have on girls and women across the nation.

“We celebrate women whose shoulders we stand on and are blazing trails,” Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Board Chair Marilka Velez said.

The fund works to advance equity for women. Leaders said Wednesday, January 20 marked an important milestone.

“Women, especially young women and young women of color need to see it to be it,” Velez said. “That’s probably our most exciting celebration today that we recognize seeing a woman in this position regardless of your background or affiliations and it’s just exciting to see women make this milestone. It’s such an inspiration for young women all over the world.”

The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee believes women must have economic equity, be able to control their own destiny and hold positions of power in the public and private sectors.

“These milestones are important for today’s women, for tomorrow’s women, for today’s girls, it’s such an important milestone,” Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Executive Director Lisa Attonito said. “It’s difficult to really quantify what this is going to do for women, nationally or internationally for that matter, because it’s a ripple effect, it’s inspiration, a true demonstration of what women can do.”

Attonito said progress is being made, but she would like to see more women holding powerful positions across the world.