State Rep. Shelia Stubbs was honored with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County 2023 Champion for Children Award at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday, Dec. 15.
“I am so honored to accept the designation of Champion for Children; as a legislator dedicated to making our community and state a safe and healthy place for all children to grow and thrive, I am committed to supporting all initiatives that advance that vision,” Stubbs said in a statement. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to President and CEO Michael Johnson of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County for this award and for his hard work and dedication to inspiring and empowering our youth.”
Rep. Stubbs, who represents Madison’s South and West Sides, was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2018 when she became the first African American to represent Dane County in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Before her election to the State Assembly, Rep. Stubbs served on the Dane County board for 16 years.
“A community is only as successful as its children and families. As policymakers and community leaders, we must not forget the key elements necessary to our children’s development,” Stubbs said. “Our children need stable housing, nutritious food, and well-funded public schools where they can learn and grow to their full potential. They need green space to play in, clean air to breathe, and clean water to drink. Our families need affordable childcare options, fair-paying jobs, and neighborhoods free from violence. Our children and families must be at the heart of our legislation if we are to build a stronger, more successful Wisconsin.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America also awarded U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan with the 2023 Congressional Champion of Youth Award on Dec. 13 after he nearly tripled funds for clubs nationwide. This award is the highest honor given to a government official and given to leaders for their strong commitment to service for the clubs.
Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s Chief Development Officer Laura Ford Harris presented Rep. Stubbs with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County 2023 Champion for Children Award at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Dec. 15. Stubbs is also currently the chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus and lives in Madison with her husband, Godfrey, and their family.
“Community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County are part of the solution in creating a safe and equitable future for our children, but they need our help,” Stubbs said. “We as legislators have to use our voices and positions of power to advocate for the needs of our families and children. I am grateful for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s recognition of my efforts in the Capitol.”
