We’re deeply saddened to hear of Anne’s passing. Anne Arnesen served as Kids Forward’s Executive Director for more than 20 years, from 1981-2004 (formerly the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families/WCCF).
Anne was a pioneer in racial disparity analysis, acknowledging that our liberation is bound together.
In addition to establishing the Wisconsin Kids Count Data Center and related publications, Anne envisioned a world where state budgets served the people’s priorities. Anne provided a home to not only the Wisconsin Budget Project but set the stage for the Race to Equity Initiative decades later.
She was a fierce advocate for families furthest from opportunity across Wisconsin, fighting for policies that lifted up the working poor, ensured health care for all, and provided quality care and education for every child.
“Anne Arnesen is the modern-day founder of the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families/Kids Forward having brought it to prominence as a policy center in solidarity with the most marginalized people of Wisconsin. Her mentorship and legacy lives on in the many policy leaders she inspired across Wisconsin.”
– Michele Mackey
After her tenure as Executive Director, Anne continued to serve on the Foundation Board and as a mentor to the new team.
“Anne led with kindness, curiosity, and courage. We are all better people for knowing her. All of us at Kids Forward have benefited from the legacy she left at our organization and most especially for Wisconsin’s children. Having her support and encouragement for growth and change at Kids Forward through these years was a north star and always a stamp of approval that confirmed we were doing the right thing.”
– Nicole Hoffmann
Wisconsin’s children and families are better off today because of Anne’s passion, hard work, and dedication. Please join us in honoring and celebrating Anne’s life and legacy.
