HPGM Awarded $350K Grant from Bader Philanthropies to Support the Advancement of Latinos and Hispanics in the Region Grant funds will support the building and execution of HPGM’s strategic plan over the next two years

MILWAUKEE-  HPGM has been awarded a two-year, $350,000 grant from Bader Philanthropies, Inc. to assist with rebuilding capacity and the rollout of the organization’s new strategic plan.

As the non-profit emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, the grant funds will enable HPGM to hire critical staff, grow current and launch new programming, develop a formal outcome measurement system, as well as invest in technology to enhance services. By the end of the two-year grant period, HPGM plans to establish a new leadership program to help catapult Latinos and Hispanics into senior and executive positions, across sectors.

Historically receiving low amounts of philanthropic contributions, with less than .6% of overall giving dollars directly invested in the Latino population, this grant is transformative for HPGM and the local Latino community.

“This funding is the largest philanthropic investment we have received to date. We take the responsibility of increasing economic opportunities and representation for Latinos and Hispanics very seriously and are humbled by the confidence and trust Bader Philanthropies has placed in HPGM,” said Francesca Mayca Wegner, executive director for HPGM. “Latinos will account for 78% of new workers from 2020-2030 and already comprise a large majority of the higher-education pipeline. Therefore, these funds bring us one step closer to our vision for a Wisconsin where Latinos can reach their fullest potential for ourselves, our families, and our communities by helping nuestra gente build power, drive change, and generate wealth.”

Latinos and Hispanics were some of the most deeply impacted by the pandemic. According to Fortune, Latinas left work at the highest rate of any other demographic between 2020 to 2021, with 465,000 fewer Latinas in the labor force post-pandemic. As the leading resource for professional and academic achievement in Wisconsin, HPGM remains committed to connecting Latin@s with the network, insights and resources needed to advance to positions of power and influence.

“HPGM is emerging into a new chapter that will create opportunities for Latinos and Hispanics in Wisconsin,” said Brandon Wigley, program officer at Bader Philanthropies, Inc. “HPGM’s programs will help Latinos and Hispanics thrive and succeed as professionals, civic leaders and role models for the next generation.”

WisDOT requests public comment on Wisconsin State Freight Plan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public comment on its draft State Freight Plan, which, when finalized, will provide guidance for the next eight years.

Wisconsin’s multimodal freight transportation system includes roadways, railways, ports and waterways, airports, pipelines, and intermodal facilities. The draft plan is available for review and comment at: https://www.wisdotplans.gov/plan/state-freight-plan.

“Wisconsin’s multimodal freight transportation system provides efficient and resilient transportation of goods and supports our economy,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “We invite you to review the draft freight plan and share your thoughts as we plan a critical part of Wisconsin’s transportation future.”

An update of the 2018 State Freight Plan is required by federal law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The plan update is scheduled for completion in early 2023. Public and stakeholder participation is encouraged throughout the development of the plan.

The purpose of the State Freight Plan is to guide improvement and investment decisions impacting all modes of freight transportation throughout Wisconsin. The update is a WisDOT effort that was done in partnership with public and private sector freight stakeholders throughout the state.

Comments on the plan will be accepted through Jan. 6, 2023.

In addition to reviewing and commenting on the plan online, other requests to participate can be made by writing, calling, or emailing:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Transportation Investment Management

4822 Madison Yards Way, 6th Floor South

P.O. Box 7913

Madison, WI 53707-7913

Phone: (608) 266-3581

Email: freight@dot.wi.gov###