In the fall 1978, Professional Dimensions was formed by three Milwaukee businesswomen: Barbara Stansberry, Northwestern Mutual Life; Susan Scott, a Realtor; and Penny Scheuerman, Junior Achievement. The founding members formed the group to create a communications network among Milwaukee area businesses and professional women. The focus of Professional Dimensions was to help women reach career goals by establishing an organized link in the community in which they lived and worked.

During the summer of 1978, the women tested the concept of this networking organization with friends and business acquaintances. At a time when women were often marginalized in the workforce, the concept was enthusiastically embraced. Twenty-six charter members attended the first formal meeting on October 11, 1978 with featured speaker Ruth Fossedal, Ph.D., Director of the Women’s Development Center at Waukesha County Technical College.

In 1982, the members created the Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund to raise charitable donations for economic sustainability programs and services for women and girls.  

Since that time, Professional Dimensions has grown to more than 450 members, throughout southeastern Wisconsin. These women represent a variety of professions – including executives, scientists, entrepreneurs, creators, artists, educators, accountants, and attorneys – from different ethnic, generational, and cultural backgrounds.