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OPEN Pathways for LGBTQIA+ Talent & Affirming Employers.

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Where do you find Professional Belonging, Empowerment, and Purpose?

OPEN Foundation of Madison, WI, a collective of LGBTQIA+ professionals who empower each other while helping jobseekers in our community:

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  • Gain the workforce readiness they need 

  • Land the careers they deserve 

  • Connect with safe, affirming employers

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Curious?

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Networking & Support

Connect with LGBTQIA+ professionals who understand your experiences. Build relationships and find support in an affirming community.

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Exclusive Workshops

Take part in member-only workshops focused on personal growth, leadership, and practical skills you can use right away.

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Career Coaching

Get guidance from experienced coaches who support your career goals with practical advice, encouragement, and next-step clarity.

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Success Stories

Be inspired by real stories from community members. Learn how others have grown, led, and succeeded while being true to themselves.

Upcoming Events

  • Queer Empowerment Hour
    Queer Empowerment Hour
    6 days to the event
    Wed, Feb 18
    Zoom Webinar
    Feb 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
    Zoom Webinar
    Growth happens when we feel safe to be ourselves. Queer Empowerment Hour is a free, virtual gathering created for LGBTQIA+ folks who want thoughtful conversation, real connection, and practical tools they can actually use in their careers and beyond.
  • 2026 Spring Affirming Career Fair
    2026 Spring Affirming Career Fair
    71 days to the event
    Fri, Apr 24
    TBA
    Apr 24, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    TBA
    Cost: FREE for all job seekers of all career paths and allies Registration: Join the waitlist now to receive location details and important updates! Location: Revealed 48 hours prior to registered attendees for safety and accessibility
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OPEN Impact

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OPEN Collective

We connect queer, trans, neuro-spicy, and marginalized talent with affirming employers—helping you move from isolated to employed as your authentic self.

OPEN Experience

Our Spring Career Fair and Fall Summit connect diverse talent with vetted, affirming employers in spaces where being queer or trans is the norm.

OPEN Transformation

Our TRANSFORM program supports trans femme talent ages 18–25 with mentors, coaching, and workshops to launch careers with affirming employers.

Why DEI in Wisconsin Matters

These numbers reflect real people and real inequalities. OPEN Foundation is actively creating opportunities to reduce these numbers.

1 in 7

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LGBT adults in Wisconsin lived in Poverty in 2021

1 in 4

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LGBT people of color in Wisconsin lived in poverty in 2021

OPEN Foundation

Open to Connect

Open to Collaborate

Open to Transform Opportunities 

Open Doors With Us

  • Facebook
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  • LinkedIn
Want OPEN Communication in your inbox? 

Keep Up with Events, Wins, and Opportunities for both Members and Community Partners.

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OPEN Foundation is fiscally sponsored by Center for Community Stewardship (C4CS) allowing it to accept tax-deductible donations through C4CS’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Our Generous Sponsors:

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