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It Starts with our Youth

11.10.23 Impact Stories

Meet Andrea Welsch.

Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac.

An avid member of the Fond du Lac and Sophia community, Andrea Welsch devotes her time to developing the next generation of youth through the power of servant leadership.

Learn more through this exclusive interview:

Q: As a nonprofit, why is Sophia’s work important?

From a nonprofit perspective, we exist to serve the needs of the community and especially the needs of children.

Sophia supports our work by providing leadership coaching that positions us to help others in ways that are effective and healthy.

Q: Why should someone invest in Sophia?  

It’s important to invest in Sophia by providing financial support for what they do for our community.

They are clearly developing not only our current generation of leaders, through their wide variety of adult programs, but also our next generation of leaders through their Youth Leadership Fond du Lac program.

Q: Why is the work that Sophia does important to you?

Sophia has taught me that there’s more to being a leader than just understanding the technical aspects of the business like financial statements, products, services, and programs that the industry provides. A business is not likely to grow if its people are not growing. People aren’t going to grow if they are not supported. 

Sophia has also taught me how to support my personal growth and the growth of others so we become a better and stronger version of ourselves and that’s important to me because it allows us to provide more joyful and enriching experiences for kids. 

In summary, Sophia’s work is important to me because it helps us serve kids better!

https://www.sophiapartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Impact-Video-Andrea-short.mp4

The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac is proud to support and partner with Sophia for local events and workshops.

Thank you to Andrea, staff & volunteers at the Children’s Museum!

Written by Christa Williams in Impact Stories
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Board Bios: Meet Karen Wilhelms

Meet Karen Wilhelms, a dedicated leader whose personal and professional life reflects the values of servant leadership.

This year, Karen is celebrating 26 years at Silica For Your Home, where she serves as the Director of Operations and Human Resources. Her leadership extends beyond her workplace, as she actively serves on several boards, including:

  • Silica For Your Home – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Frontage Investments Inc. – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Fond du Lac Area Businesses on Health (FABOH) – President

In addition, she participates in the Fondy 100 Gives program, a local initiative through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation that fuels community impact through collective giving.

…

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Board Bios: Meet Jeff Stueber

For Jeff Stueber, service isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way of life. A longtime resident of Fond du Lac, he and his wife Brenda share a lively home with their five wonderful kids and two furry friends: Luna (dog) and Pistachio (cat). 

Professionally, Jeff has been shaping future leaders since 2011 as a professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at Moraine Park Technical College. With a Master’s degree in Education and Technology from Marian University, he brings both expertise and heart to the classroom, helping students turn their ideas into real-world impact.

…

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Board Bios: Meet Paula Thalacker

A lifetime resident of Fond du Lac County, Paula Thalacker has spent her life growing deep roots in the community she calls home. Now, she continues to invest her time and talents into the place that has given her so much.

After a successful career as a mortgage lender, Paula retired from Bank First at the end of 2023, but retirement hasn’t slowed her down—instead, it’s opened new doors for community engagement. She serves on the City of Fond du Lac Board of Review and is an active member of Fondy 100 Gives.

Paula began her role on the Sophia Board of Directors in September 2022, and was elected president as of January 2025.

…

Read more

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