We are proud to spotlight Janet Slater, owner of The Door at Cave Point and a longtime Professional Dimensions member, including serving as Board President from 1997 to 1999.
Over more than three decades, Janet has embraced countless opportunities to contribute to PD, serving as a committee member, committee chair and co-chair, board member, event volunteer and coordinator, mentor and mentee, Charitable Fund contributor and campaign participant, and a regular attendee who continues to show up for her fellow members.
For Janet, her PD journey is about much more than the roles she has held. It is about courage, mentorship, and the power of women working together to create change.
"My most meaningful contribution to PD has been helping women discover they can be a catalyst for the change they wish to see in our community. A number of PD members taught me this and then mentored me so I could do the same for others."
One of Janet's most influential mentors was the late Betty Quadracci, who encouraged her to be courageous and willing to take risks. Together, they helped shape the Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund around a bold question: What are critical needs in our community that other people and organizations might not be funding adequately?
That philosophy encouraged PD members to take on issues that could feel overwhelming or risky, including domestic violence, human trafficking, racism, and poverty. Through her work with the PD Charitable Fund, Janet has experienced firsthand what women can accomplish when they come together around a shared purpose.
"We've joined together to champion causes such as prevention of domestic violence, racism and poverty. Issues that seem insurmountable but by working together, we've been given the gift of having a positive impact on women and girls in our community."
Janet has also been passionate about making philanthropy accessible and sustainable for future generations of PD members. She believes that giving might mean a monthly contribution, participating in a campaign, or including Professional Dimensions in an estate plan. The important thing, she believes, is recognizing that collectively, every member has something to contribute.
After beginning her career in finance and banking, Janet transitioned into nonprofit work, first with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and later with the Blood Center of Wisconsin, now known as Versiti, where she focused on expansion strategies. Today, she applies those experiences to help nonprofit organizations expand their reach and grow sustainably.
"We can get stuck in a rut and think we can't make a bigger change from for-profit to nonprofit. You can bring innovation and growth from your different experiences."
Since retiring from executive roles, Janet has continued this impact-driven work through the League of Women Voters, where she develops strategies to help the organization reach more people with voting information and resources.
But perhaps what Janet values most about Professional Dimensions is the camaraderie she has found along the way.
"PD represents a true sisterhood to me. Many of my lifelong friends started within PD. That's family and that's sisterhood. That's support that you often don't get in life."
After more than 30 years as a PD member, Janet is excited about the organization's future. She believes longtime members have an important role to play, not by looking backward, but by sharing what they've learned, remaining open to new ideas, and helping the next generation of women build on what came before.
"It takes strength not to just be bold but also to be vulnerable. I learned the power of being courageous and how to get up when I've been knocked down."
