MEET MORE OF OUR 2026 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Boldness is woven into the history of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin. Before women could vote, its founders dared to create a place where women could gather, learn, lead and shape their community. As the Club celebrates its 150th anniversary, President Carrie Matteson is carrying that same spirit forward.
As a former business owner, she balanced the demands of leadership with motherhood. That experience shaped a leader who is resourceful, determined and unafraid to take on challenges. Those qualities are especially important now, as the Woman’s Club competes for attention in a crowded world, sharing the extraordinary programs taking place within its historic walls.
“Boldness is not about knowing what comes next. It is about believing something matters enough to step forward, bring people together and help shape its future.”
Q&A
What do you find most rewarding about working with the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin?
I truly think I’m making a difference in Milwaukee. What I love about Milwaukee is that you don’t have to be a person of wealth to make a difference. You can contribute time, effort, and energy, and make a difference. I want Milwaukee to be a great city, and I want to participate in the city that I live in.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome throughout your career?
I became a business owner shortly out of college, and that had its own difficulties because earning the respect of people was difficult. It was a business that was related to the interior design field, and these people had been in business for many years. For them to trust me in my 20s was a difficult path.
