Local Women Reveal their Stories During Nationally Celebrated Women's History Month

Saukville Village President Barb Dickmann said she stands strong on her own.

"I’m an independent thinker," she said, a sentiment echoed by many in the community as innovative women continue to challenge gender norms in Port Washington and Saukville.

And that's something worth recognizing this month as March celebrates National Women's History Month.

Since 1987, the United States has recognized women's history in March, honoring the achievements of American women during the celebration coordinated by the National Women’s History Project.

Village president 'blazes own trail'
Dickmann, who has served as village president since 2003, realizes that being a woman in politics is somewhat rare, a fact that her mother often warned her of.

Dickmann said when attending conferences, she’s often in the minority, however she’s more than comfortable "blazing my own trail."

In fact, prior to leading Saukville, Dickmann forged her own way working at Manpower in Milwaukee.  She began her career there as an administrative assistant and over the years her role expanded to office manager for the company’s founder.  

"He stressed social responsibility, and that’s something I care about," Dickmann said of her former boss.  "Being village president is really an extension of that."

With values like this instilled in her, and a husband who is also passionate about public service  (her husband is the utility superintendent for Saukville) it only made sense for Dickmann to serve as a village trustee when the position was offered to her in 1999, and then as village president when she was elected in 2003.  

Dickmann’s primary goal as village president stems from her deep sense of social responsibility and care for the community.

“It’s always been my belief that we should help the next generation,” she said.

An unconventional officer
In another role that sets out to help people in the community, Emily Neese works day in and out as Saukville’s sole female police officer.

Neese knows that seeing a woman is a bit out of the ordinary, however the position is the perfect fit.  

“I’ve always been slightly unconventional,” she said.  “I knew I didn’t want to be sitting in an office all day at a desk, and I wanted to have an effect on people’s lives in a positive way.”  

After graduating at the top of her college class in 2004, Neese began looking for a position as a police officer, expecting no issues finding a job.  However, after applying to 28 different departments, Neese began to realize that there were a few more hurdles than she anticipated.  

“It didn’t occur to me that it may be odd,” Neese said of taking the job as a new graduate and young woman.  

She recalled that when she started as an officer in Saukville almost seven years ago, some of the older men at the station seemed a little skeptical of the then 21-year-old. 

Even some members of the community were hesitant.  Neese said that when called to a bank after an alarm went off, the bank manager asked her if a male officer should have accompanied her.  

But now the tables have turned in Neese’s favor. 

Calls are often placed to the station requesting Neese specifically to respond to a scene, and she said that in almost every instance people are happy to see her when she responds to a call.

She couldn’t be happier about her position in the community.

“Saukville is a really great town,” she said.  “You really get to know people on a personal level.”

Considering Women’s History Month, Neese thought of her greatest female role model: Her mother.

“My mom never questioned my abilities,” she said.  

Girl powered!
Also thriving in the community is local restaurant owner Joanie Nigrelli, who owns in downtown Port Washington.

Nigrelli and her business partner and longtime friend Marcia Endicott purchased the restaurant 21 years ago.  

When approached by Endicott to take over the business, Nigrelli agreed to buy the restaurant together “despite warnings not to go into business with your best friend,” according to Nigrelli.

The two enlisted the help of some extra girl power in renovating the space, asking local female artists and decorators to redecorate and expand the restaurant.  The women that helped with the redesign suggested the vibrant colors that adorn the walls, and one artist is responsible both for the mosaic bar and the giant tree that shades it.      

Independent, unique women like Dickmann, Neese, and Nigrelli are the foundation for Women’s History Month, a time where women’s creativity, courage and accomplishments are honored.  Find out more at the National Women's History Project website.