In partnership with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Associated Bank Veterans Colleague Resource Group (CRG), Associated Bank is hosting the I Am Not Invisible (IANI) awareness exhibit at the Associated Bank River Center throughout June.
The exhibit, located at the River Center, 111 E. Kilbourn Ave. (rotunda, first floor) from June 1-30, 2023, features photos and inspirational stories from women who were military veterans, representing the diverse, experienced and important segment of the veteran community.
“Associated Bank has provided me access to resources that I struggled to find with other companies, which made it easier for me to pursue my VA benefits” said Alorah Mence, Veteran, Associated Bank. “Associated has really brought a sense of purpose and community back into my life.”
Associated Bank has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, current members of the military, and their families, along with advancing veteran hiring and actively supporting veterans across the communities it serves. The company, which was awarded the 2021 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its work supporting National Guard and Reserve colleagues, continues that legacy this year with the IANI exhibit.
“This exhibit means a lot to me because as the daughter of a woman veteran and a woman veteran myself, I know how easy it is for women to feel invisible and unrecognized for our time in service,” said Mence. “I hope other women veterans see this and know they are not alone.”
Now a nationwide program, the IANI program began in February 2017 and strives to increase awareness and generate dialogue about the role of women veterans, who are often invisible both as service members and veterans.
Today, there are roughly two million women veterans, making up ten percent of the veteran population and growing. Yet they continue to face significant barriers and challenges in accessing necessary health care and other services, while experiencing a lack of recognition. With support from the Center for Women Veterans (CWV) this project has crossed 50 states, 75 cities, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 28 Native American/Alaska Native Nations to capture more than 3,200 women veteran images.
The exhibit is open to the public during building hours.
View the media coverage here at TMJ and WISN ABC 12.
To learn more about Associated Bank’s commitment to the community, please visit https://www.associatedbank.com/about-associated-bank/in-the-community/community-development.
