STAFF

Emily Hyde Cawley, Executive Director

As Executive Director, Emily (she/her) leads the Wisconsin Women’s Network’s mission to champion gender equity and advance the status of women and girls across Wisconsin.

Emily first joined WWN in 2022. As Program Manager, she provided integral support in restarting the Policy Institute after the pandemic and expanding the Mentorship Program to Milwaukee. In March 2025, Emily transitioned to the role of Executive Director, where she now oversees WWN’s signature programs and initiatives, fosters community partnerships, and provides strategic leadership for WWN’s fundraising efforts. Emily’s leadership also centers on advancing gender inclusivity, equity, and civic engagement across Wisconsin.

Emily’s background is rooted in a deep commitment to equity and justice. As an assistant state public defender, she represented youth and adults in complex cases involving juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health, and parental rights. Emily has also worked with organizations including the Wisconsin Innocence Project and the Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences, contributing to efforts to strengthen fairness and reliability in the criminal justice system.

Emily is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and holds a double major in philosophy and social welfare, with a certificate in gender and women’s studies, from UW–Madison.