League of Women Voters honors two area women

APPLETON, WI- (WISS)  — An Ogdensburg woman and a senior at Lawrence University were honored with Making Democracy Work Awards from the League of Women Voters of Appleton-Fox Cities at its Holiday Brunch on Saturday. 

Hélène Pohl, of Ogdensburg, was honored for her extensive research on DEI issues affecting healthcare access in the Fox Valley. She also contributed to the League’s DEI-related work assisting Afghan and Haitian immigrants in the Appleton, Waupaca, and New London areas through World Relief. There is no League of Women Voters chapter in the Waupaca area, so Pohl joined the Appleton-Fox Cities League.

Lawrence senior Eliza Peetz was cited for exemplary leadership in launching events, engaging students in the democratic process, and helping students register to vote before the November 2024 election.

Peetz conducted these activities over three years in her role with the university’s Civics and Society focus area, which encourages students to engage in the larger Appleton-Fox Cities community.

In the three days leading up to the election, Peetz helped 13 students register to vote. She organized campus shuttles to polling places for students and instructed students on how to find voting information. As a senior, she mentors a freshman to take over her role when she graduates.

The League event also engaged attendees in activities as part of the presentation “Childcare Dilemma — Strengthening Families, Building Community, Expanding a Workforce.” 

The Holiday Brunch was held Saturday at Bubolz Nature Preserve.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots political organization that helps people become active, informed voters. It does not support nor oppose any political party or candidate. The League strives to engage all people by infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion into its work.

Additional information about the League can be found on its website, lwvappletonfoxcities.org and on its Facebook page.