“Women Who Inspire,” a program of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment, will highlight Dr. Berdie Cowser, director of the Bureau of Housing at the Center for Veterans Issues Ltd., First Lady Kathy Evers announced on Thursday, July 2, 2020.
“As we celebrate women’s right to vote, from enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Voting Rights Act to the 2020 Centennial and all the progress women have made in the last 100 years, we recognize there is work still to be done,” said First Lady Evers, who chairs the Committee, in a statement. “That’s why the Committee chose to recognize women who are working today for social change and increasing parity for women and girls in Wisconsin.”
Dr. Cowser was nominated by State Representative LaKeisha Myers for her outstanding work with veterans. “A United States Army veteran, she lives by the motto ‘committed to serve’,” said Rep. Myers. “This motto applies not only to her work, military service and family life, but also to her involvement in the community.”
For nearly two decades, Dr. Cowser has worked with homeless female veterans in the Milwaukee-area.
“I saw the impact that I was making as women worked extremely hard to improve their life situation,” said Dr. Cowser in a statement. “My goal is to share vital and essential information to empower and uplift women, ensuring each woman and girl is equipped to live her best life.”
Dr. Cowser earned both an MBA and Ph.D. from Cardinal Stritch University. Among her accomplishments and awards, she serves as Board Member, Milwaukee County War Memorial; Chapter Commander, National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS); Advisory Council Member, Cardinal Stritch University; member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; 40 Under 40 Award Winner, Milwaukee Business Journal; and Milwaukee Times Newspaper 2015 Black Excellence Award Special Honoree – African American Women in the Military.