About IMWI
Uniting for a Healthier, Safer, More Protected Wisconsin
Our Mission
creating a healthier and more equitable Wisconsin through our commitment to supporting and amplifying the work of vaccination organizations. We strive to address health inequities by providing grant opportunities to organizations that serve those who are most in need and hosting remote and in-person educational events that help inform and educate communities throughout the state.
Our Vision
to secure additional support to ensure the sustainability and longevity of Immunize Wisconsin, to maximize our impact and improve vaccination rates for children, adults, and families in our communities.
Our Work So Far
Supporting Vaccination Organizations Throughout Wisconsin
The Immunize Wisconsin Coalition was founded in 2022 through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Stewarded by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this initiative was developed to amplify the existing work being done by vaccination organizations and coalitions throughout our state.
Our mission is to foster a statewide communication and networking forum that connects organizations and individuals with shared interests in vaccination and public health. We believe that through collaboration and a focus on evidence-based practices, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Wisconsin’s residents.
As a coalition, we seek to support the work of vaccination advocates and providers in our most vulnerable communities, to encourage individuals and families in our state to adhere to the most up-to-date vaccination schedule as released by the CDC and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
In Our First Year We…
In Our First Year We…
Meet Our Advisory Board Co-Chairs
Margaret Hennessy, MD, FAAP
Ascension Health System
Margaret Hennessy is a member of the Wisconsin Council on Immunization Practices, Chapter Immunization Representative for the Wisconsin Chapter of AAP, Chair of the immunization committee for the Ascension Health System, a member of the Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Improvement Team for WCHQ, and a frequent speaker on immunization topics. She joins Greg Stadter, MPH as Co-Chair of IMWI.
Greg Stadter, MPH
Wisconsin Statewide Health Information Network (WISHIN)
Greg Stadter joined WISHIN in 2024 as the Director of Operations where he puts his passion for health information technology and interoperability to work in project management, strategy development, health information exchange maintenance and optimization, relationship management, strategy development, analytic support and more. Greg holds a master’s degree in public health from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Meet Our Team
Kia Kjensrud
Interim Director
Kia Kjensrud has served as the executive director of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2007. She has been a passionate, high-profile leader in state and national activities around public health, including immunization, early childhood, mental and behavioral health, and advocacy in primary and specialty pediatric care. Kia works closely with health care providers, health systems, nonprofits and other advocates, state and county government policy makers, legislators, and public and private payers to ensure equitable access to the highest quality care for all children, youth, and young adults in Wisconsin. She is a graduate of Ripon College and the Université de Paris-Sorbonne, and spends as much of her free time as possible with her “grown up” kids and husband, traveling, reading, writing poetry, and cooking.
Katherine Quinn, Ph.D
Grant Application Specialist
Katherine Quinn, PhD is a public health scientist who studies how social and structural factors contribute to racial disparities in health. She has over a decade of experience in public health grant writing and management, public health research and program evaluation, and building community partnerships to address challenging health and social issues. A Milwaukee native, Katherine is passionate about supporting community initiatives that improve the health of Wisconsin residents and advance health equity. Katherine has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago and a PhD in public and community health from the Medical College of Wisconsin. In addition to this work, Katherine enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with her four young daughters.
Meet Our Advisory Board
Aziz Abdullah
Inpower
Penny Funk, RN
Marshfield Health System
Leah Fuss, RN, BSN
Oneida Nation
Kate Hartkopf, Pharm.D
Pharmacist, Team-Based Care Collaborator
Paul Hunter, MD, FAAFP
Family Practice
Jeremy Levin, MHA
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Synovia Moss, MPA
Stephanie Schauer, PhD
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Ericka Sinclair, MS, MPH
Health Connections Milwaukee
Louise Wilson, MS, BSN, RN, LSN, NCSN
WI State Consultant Department of Public Instruction
Priorities & Positions
Immunize Wisconsin does not participate in vaccination advocacy or work to influence Federal or State policy. As a coalition, our purpose is to support the work being done by the legacy organizations already active in our communities. We trust in the work they are doing, respect the work they have done, and hope to aid in securing more positive outcomes for their missions.
We aim to be a trustworthy source for vaccination information and seek to foster a positive and respectful dialogue about the efficacy of vaccines so that every individual and family may make the most informed decisions possible about their health and wellbeing.
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with Immunize Wisconsin
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