Cream City Foundation: Maria Cadenas to receive Young Alumni Award from Beloit College

Contact: Chuck Grosz, 414.225.0244 or info@creamcityfoundation.org

Maria Cadenas, Executive Director of Cream City Foundation, is being honored by Beloit College with the Young Alumni Award. The sixth person to receive this award, Cadenas was chosen by Beloit College’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and will be presented the award during her 10th year Homecoming/Reunion weekend in late September.

The Young Alumni Award is given to young Beloit College alumni on the basis of overall achievements, personal growth in career, and outstanding civic, cultural, and professional / business service in such ways as to reflect credit on the College.

Maria Cadenas has worked for over nine years with social change legal, advocacy and community organizations to create respectful and fair communities in southeastern Wisconsin. A Progressive Women’s Voices alumna, she sits on the board of Funders for LGBTQ Issues, a national affinity group working on behalf of gay and transgender philanthropy and has also served as the Associate Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin.

“I ‘m humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Maria Cadenas. “Beloit College changed my life. My work with Cream City Foundation and other social change organizations is a reflection of the values and convictions I learned at Beloit.”

Part of Cadenas’ work has included creating a Cream City Scholar program to provide a space for college students to learn about organizational management and build their resumes before graduation.

“During my time at Beloit, I benefited from the Kemper Scholar Program, and I wanted to create an opportunity that provided similar experiences to young LGBT and allied students in the Milwaukee area,” said Cadenas.

“Cream City Foundation is proud to have Maria at the helm,” said Stacey Herzing, President of Cream City Foundation. “Maria’s commitment to a strong community for all helps set the stage for a stronger Wisconsin.”

About Cream City Foundation

Cream City Foundation is a community foundation that serves as the leader in mobilizing philanthropic resources, fostering strategic collaboration, effecting positive change and the advancement of the quality, dignity, and health of LGBT people in Southeastern Wisconsin. Founded in 1982, Cream City Foundation provides services, education, and funds to strengthen the LGBT community. To learn more about Cream City Foundation and find out how to apply to the Cream City Scholar program please visit creamcityfoundation.org

To interview Maria Cadenas, please call 414.225.0244