Tell us about yourself.
My name is Mikaela Powers and I have been on the Canopy Center Board of Directors for over five years. Being on the Canopy Board allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community, and I hope to inspire others to do the same! I have a background in fundraising, volunteer management and currently work in human resources for a school district in Dane County.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Allie, our three pets (one dog and two cats), and my family. I enjoy photography, managing our Etsy business and my guilty pleasure, reality TV.
How did you learn about Canopy Center and what inspired you to join the board?
I found Canopy Center, shortly after I moved to Madison. I was looking for a way to get involved with my new community, saw a post on the United Way of Dane County’s VolunteerYourTime.org Site, and thought “why not?”
Canopy Center provides essential support to our community, but child abuse and neglect is an uncomfortable subject - one that requires us to acknowledge it is happening and one that many shy away from discussing. I’m not afraid to have these conversations and to help raise awareness about topics that may be considered taboo. That passion is what first drew me in what continues to motivate me, today. It’s important that there be open dialogue and that people know that resources like Canopy Center exist! Not every community has this privilege, and it’s important to me that ours knows we are here!
I was quite young when I joined the Board. However, I was eager to learn and contribute in any way that I could. I encourage nonprofit boards to prioritize diverse voices and perspectives (including Canopy’s) - young board members can bring valuable insights and fresh ideas that can help others see things in different ways and make a real impact!
* LAST CALL! Purchase a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kit ($25)! Wear your button during the month of April - give the rest to your friends, family or co-workers - and be part of the conversation. One of the first steps in practicing abuse prevention is talking about it. *
There have been a lot of really significant events in the past 10 years: the Family First Prevention Services Act, which aims to keep children safely with their families and avoid foster care; a global pandemic that kept children out of school and outside the purview of mandated reporters (teachers) - both of which contributed to an increase in the complexity and intensity of the cases we are still seeing today; changes to federal funding for victim services; and more. What has been the biggest challenge?
Years ago, prior to the cuts we faced last year (2024), we lost federal funding altogether. It was an extremely scary time. But our people showed up - Joe Parisi, who was the Dane County Executive at the time, called everyday; and Governor Evers and Representative Pocan also advocated for us to help get it restored.
I am so thankful for our donors, the Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services, Dane County Department of Human Services, Dane County Clerk of Courts and the Portage United Way who recognize the value we provide and who have helped keep our doors open for children and families that need support.
What is your dream collaboration for Canopy Center?
I have two! I would love for Canopy Center to collaborate with an organization that would bring therapy dogs into the courtroom to support CASA Youth and sexual abuse victims, who have to appear in court, offering them comfort in a diffcult time. I also think that a collaboration with the Overture Center would be powerful - to showcase art made in group therapy, with clients’ permission, and giving voice to their experiences.
* Stay tuned - Canopy Center will soon be introducing group art therapy for teens! Check this page for updates.
Time for some fun questions! Rapid fire!
You arrive at Canopy Center and are hungry - do you: grab a Crumbl Cookie (shoutout to Crumbl who donates cookies each week for our clients), some popcorn or make a pb&j?
Crumbl!
You’re headed to Canopy Center around noon - where do you stop for lunch?
Jet Room
You’re volunteering in childcare for the day and the child says they want to play a game. Which game (make believe, cards, board game, etc.) would you pick?
Make believe - fairies and superheroes
__________
Thank you, Mikaela! We appreciate your energy, your passion, your dedication and your tenure.
If you are interested in joining the board, reach out to development@canopycenter.org to schedule a tour and learn more.
