Associated Banc-Corp announced a $15,000 corporate donation to TEMPO Milwaukee, an organization dedicated to empowering professional women to achieve and sustain leadership roles within the political, educational and corporate arenas.

TEMPO Milwaukee is comprised of about 275 members from more than 100 companies in Milwaukee. The members serve the community through educational programming, networking opportunities, professional development, and resource development for corporate women's initiatives, building, and mentoring.

Executive Director Tracy Johnson said the donation will allow TEMPO Milwaukee to give a scholarship to a female student in her sophomore or junior year at a Wisconsin college or university. Additionally, the donation will allow TEMPO to host programs that advance the impact of women leaders in the community.

One example is TEMPO's Women's Affinity Alliance. The first initiative of its kind, the alliance provides networking, education and research opportunities to organizations that advance, retain and strengthen professional women in their employment.

“Associated Bank is TEMPO's longest running corporate partner,” said Johnson, who explained that the two groups came together as a result of mission alignment and visibility. “TEMPO's mission is possible only with the support and involvement of enlightened companies like Associated Bank. By recognizing and highlighting women and their leadership, individuals are elevated and collective visibility becomes part of the corporate conversation. Associated Bank serves as a model to other smaller and larger organizations seeking to recognize the advancement of women in leadership.”

Since 2007, Associated Bank has donated more than $53,000 to TEMPO in support of member dues, partnership designations and the TEMPO Mentor Award Sponsorship. The Mentor Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment in helping other women achieve their personal and professional potential. Each Mentor Award honoree selects a college or university to receive a scholarship for a female student in her junior or senior year; this year TEMPO Milwaukee will award three $5,000 scholarships, bringing its scholarship total to more than $160,000 since 1990.

“Associated is dedicated to strengthening our communities through focused corporate giving and employee volunteerism efforts that help our friends, our colleagues and our neighbors,” said Andrew Ruehl, Associated Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. “This is achieved through the combined efforts of individuals and organizations working together to reach their full potential, and our relationship with TEMPO Milwaukee is an excellent example of this sort of synergism.”

Autumn Latimore (center), Senior Vice President, Director of Public Relations, and fellow TEMPOW Milwaukee member, presents a $15,000 check to TEMPO Milwaukee.