JusticeWorks Names Lindsay Bernhagen as President of the Board
Stevens Point, Wis. (May 10, 2021) – JusticeWorks, the nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster forms of justice that strengthen and heal the communities of central Wisconsin, has named Lindsay Bernhagen as president to the board of directors. Her term begins this month.
A central Wisconsin native, Bernhagen returned home from work in Ohio, to develop and launch the Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) in 2017. She remains the Center’s Director today.
Bernhagen received her Bachelor of Arts in music with a minor in women’s studies, graduating magna cum laude from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She then moved to Columbus, Ohio where she graduated from The Ohio State University with two Master of Arts in ethnomusicology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, as well as a Ph.D. in comparative studies. A university instructor, published author, community consultant and a regular presenter on national stages, Bernhagen also currently serves UWSP’s Office of the Provost as the Diversity Officer for Academic Affairs. Her areas of expertise include women’s and gender studies, inclusive leadership, educational development and dismantling racism.
“JusticeWorks believes in the power of second chances and compassion to change and even save lives and so do I,” Bernhagen shares when reflecting on her new role. “I particularly enjoy finding a way to see those values lived out in specific community-focused programs.”
Founded in 2004, JusticeWorks is rooted in restorative justice which personalizes the process of justice by focusing on holding offenders accountable through reconciliation with victims and the community-at-large. Today, JusticeWorks offers four foundational programs administered by a team of professionals committed to the mission and hopeful for the many contributions program participants will make to the community’s future. These programs include Family Law Information Center, Community Residential Program, Volunteers in Probation and Shifting Gears Bike & Community Service Program.
At JusticeWorks’ annual meeting, outgoing president, Erin Olson, was recognized for her longstanding leadership. She continues as a member of the Board and as the organization’s treasurer. Additional officers elected in the April meeting include Jessica Lazare as vice president and Jan Way as secretary. Retired judge and founding member, the honorable Fred Fleishauer, continues as an adviser to the board. Rounding out the slate of JusticeWorks directors are Dan Barth, John Blakeman, Jerry Gargulak, Suzanne Rathe, Shannon Semmerling and Travis Slattery.
Like the entire JusticeWorks board of directors, Bernhagen is an active volunteer with several community organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Sentry Credit Union and Monteverdi Chorale.
Bernhagen resides in Junction City with her husband Peter, five rescue dogs and four chickens. In any season, especially summer, she can be found recreating on, in and near Wisconsin waters.
To learn more, visit justiceworksltd.org and connect through Facebook for learning, inspiration and engagement opportunities.
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ABOUT JUSTICEWORKS
JusticeWorks is a nonprofit community justice organization that was founded in Portage County, Wisconsin on the principles of restorative justice, an approach that emphasizes healing relationships. JusticeWorks’ mission is to foster forms of justice that strengthen and heal the communities of central Wisconsin. Established in 2004, JusticeWorks serves individuals seeking to make profound changes in their lives to overcome the negative impacts of addiction, unhealthy relationships, anti-social behavior and other decisions. Today, JusticeWorks programs include Family Law Information Center, Community Residential Program, Volunteers in Probation and Shifting Gears Bike & Community Service Program. Governed by a board of directors, JusticeWorks is administered by a team of professionals, who believe in the credo to ‘not let what you have done define who you are, rather, be defined by what you do next.’ To learn more, visit justiceworksltd.org and connect through Facebook for learning, inspiration and engagement opportunities.