Supporter Stories

You can bank on Kristine Ashe’s support of AFFW
By: Kathi Koegle

We had never met before, but the minute I walked into this Willy Street coffee shop, Kristine Ashe and I recognized each other. Women just seem to connect with each other, and my conversation with Kristine only confirmed this in a warm and welcoming way.

A banker for more than 30 years, Kristine Ashe currently serves as Vice President-Branch Manager at Park Bank, High Crossing.

How did you first connect with AFFW?
I knew Jan from our membership in the Business Forum. When she became Executive Director of AFFW, I became more attuned to its good work in the community. I was, and I continue to be, so impressed with AFFW's mission, and I embrace its cause.

Why did you give your first gift to AFFW?
I read articles about giving a gift in honor of someone special in our life. I wanted to remember my Aunt Frannie. She was a woman of great strength who empowered me and fed me in so many ways. Frannie was so unconditionally kind, loving and supportive. She helped me through some difficult times in my personal life. I wanted my gift to help other women and girls who are dealing with a hardship, and I wanted them to know that like my Aunt Frannie, there are others who will support you.

In addition to AFFW's work, what else do you value about this organization?
I love the Annual Banquet! I give the experience as a gift to my female clients. They learn about AFFW's mission and accomplishments, and they enjoy great networking opportunities at the event. My guests enjoy the evening as much as I do.

I really like the AFFW newsletter and web site. I appreciate Jan's timely and informative e-mails. She has a wonderful way of connecting, engaging and supporting other women. I admire the way she values and draws upon the insights and experiences of women of all ages. She makes AFFW so real and so inclusive!

The February Giving Circle event was fun and informative. It connected great people and great ideas to an important cause. I've never attended an AFFW event without taking home a special "nugget" of learning and a good feeling about the strong and positive impact of this organization's work.

How do you describe AFFW to others?
I say it's a group of people dedicated to empowering women and girls to be the best they can be. It's an organization that wants to connect and collaborate with others who want to strengthen mother/daughter connections and focus on the health and well-being of girls and women. I tell others that AFFW is making a difference in the lives of others, and that it is planting seeds of hope. I explain the importance of partnerships with schools and other organizations to help AFFW achieve its mission.

Have you personally worked with any of the organizations that have received a grant from AFFW?
Yes. During one of the United Way "Days of Caring" events, I went to the Rainbow Project office to help apply tiles in the reception area. This organization provides services to children and families who are experiencing stress-related issues. Some of the kids who are clients created the tiles.

I’ve also helped with the "Girl Power" program at the East Madison Community Center, another AFFW grant recipient.

Who have been leaders and mentors along your life journey?
Career-wise, Mary Hamre, marketing director at Anchor Bank where I once worked, was a wonderful role model. She expected excellence, and she made sure I had the tools to achieve it. She encouraged me to read constantly and diversely. At a time in my life when my self-esteem was faltering, she provided incredible support and affirmation.

I'm grateful to Roberta Gassman who plugged me into many good professional organizations.

In my personal life, my beloved Aunt Frannie and my grandmother served as memorable mentors. My grandmother raised six children. So, I've had a lot of strong women in my life, and I want that for my daughter and my two granddaughters so they can succeed and be happy in life.

What other causes do you care about and support?
The YWCA, because they also support and empower women. I contribute to the Business Forum, too. Members raise money to provide scholarships for young women and women returning to work. When you've had a setback, you don’t always have the financial resources you need. I also serve on the Women's Initiative Council and support their Schools of Hope.

What gives YOU hope?
When I’m helping out at Luke House or the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, I see the basic goodness and caring nature of so many people. When you sit down and share a meal with guests at Luke House, you realize that we are more alike than different, and you see that we can always learn from others. I love to see how God works through people, and that gives me great hope.

What changes do you believe would make the world a better place?
I think we need to look more at what we have in common with each other rather than at how we are different. We are all connected.

If more people lived their lives out of love rather than fear, the world would be better, safer and happier place.

If you had a personal mission statement, what would it say?
My mission is to encourage others to be their best, and to treat all with kindness, respect and courtesy.

What's the best advice you ever received?
To be gentle with myself, and that life is all about how I choose to interpret what happens to me. It's my choice to live either out of love or out of fear. In each experience that comes my way, I should ask myself what lesson it wants to teach me. And finally, to trust that God will lead me on the right path.

How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a kind and loving person who supported her family, friends and community.