From being downtown to leading downtown.
Our first conference was held in an untentanted wine bar on State Street in Madison. We moved locations year to year and event to event. We were downtown, but only visiting. Five years later we are leading downtown by settling in our location on the Square. We’re permanently in the mix and spearheading collaborative events that bring Black women and families downtown.
About Sabrina Madison
Sabrina “Heymiss Progress” Madison
Founder and Director of The Progress Center for Black Women
Meet Sabrina Madison, affectionately known as “Heymiss Progress” – a title bestowed upon her by her father, reflecting the embodiment of progress in his personal journey, inspired by the words of Frederick Douglas. Progress is more than a value for Sabrina; it’s the driving force behind all her endeavors.
An esteemed entrepreneur and the visionary CEO of The Progress Center for Black Women, Sabrina envisions a thriving Madison community where Black women rise as influential CEOs, proprietors of local businesses, and leaders in their own right. She is not just a leader; she’s an inspirational force and connector, orchestrating meaningful connections that bring about significant change.
Beyond her entrepreneurial prowess, Sabrina is a community organizer, poet, and master collaborator. Proudly raising SaVance, a brilliant young man, she defied the odds of a challenging upbringing in Milwaukee, becoming a teen mother at 15. Fueled by determination, she relocated to Madison, aspiring to create a brighter future for herself and her son.
Sabrina’s journey led her to Madison Area Technical College, where she honed her leadership, public speaking, and outreach skills over a decade. Immersed in the Madison community, her impact resonated nationally, taking her to speak at conferences including in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, GA, and Las Vegas, NV. However, she couldn’t ignore the stark racial disparities faced by Black people in Madison, particularly Black women.
In response, Sabrina, under the Heymiss Progress brand, initiated transformative events such as the Black Women’s Leadership Conference, the Conversation Mixtape, the Black Business Expo, and the Black Excellence Youth Conference. Her efforts earned her accolades, including recognition by Essence as one of 100 Woke Black Women, the Best of Madison Business | Brian Howell Excellence in Innovation Award, and acknowledgment as one of the most influential figures in Greater Madison by In Business Magazine.
Sabrina’s commitment to civic engagement led her to serve as Alder for District 17 on Madison’s Common Council, a testament to her dedication to effecting change. Among her many roles, the one she cherishes most is that of SaVance’s mother. Sabrina Madison is not just making progress; she’s inspiring it.
Our Team
Sabrina
CEO/Founder
Jazmynn
Manager of Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Keena
Mindful Movement Ambassador
Sakara
Program & Operations Assistant
Our Interns
Ashley
CEO’s of Tomorrow Summer 2021 Intern
Destiny
CEO’s of Tomorrow Summer 2021 Intern
“If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress”
(1857) Frederick Douglass
The Progress Center for Black Women is the legacy Founder Sabrina Madison wants to build for the greater Dane County area. It brings all her work under one roof, quite literally, and represents a long-term commitment toward the progress of Black women and families.
The Center opened its first home in Fitchburg in fall 2018 after meeting an ambitious fundraising goal. From annual photos with Santa to coaching Black women to accomplish their career and entrepreneurial goals, we were able to create unique programming for Black women and their families.
We moved the Center to the Capitol square in the summer of 2021. Our expanded space offers more room for coworking, kitchen amenities, children’s area, training room, lending library, and more!
Thanks to our funders for investing in Black women.
Awards & Honors
Partners
Under One Roof: $5000
Capacity Building: $10,000
“The City of Madison sees great value in collaborating with the Progress Center for Black Women to the benefit of both our employees and residents. The center’s offering of curated educational programs and space that fosters financial health and professional development aligns with the city’s goal to create a city where everyone has access to tools and resources to thrive.”
– Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
