| Agnes Cammer: Advocate for women of color by Anna Maria Manalo |
| policy is right and fair." Born in San Carlos, Pangasinan, Philippines, she earned her academic degrees from the Far Eastern University, Manila. Her 'claim to fame' as a valedictorian scholar was a file clerkship for General Douglas MacArthur (the Philippine liberator). She recalled: " He was very pleasant ... he had rules for the female workers; he didn't like long hair undone, sleeveless dress, and stockingless feet." She was then stationed as a civilian employee in Clark Field, where she met her husband, Kenneth Cammer. The couple came to the USA in 1952. Agnes spent a decade raising her four small children; Kenny (born in Maine), Rose (born in Tokyo), Lester (born in San Francisco), and George (born here in Madison). Her family then left for the Philippines to stay there for two years because it was important to her that her children know half of their heritage. On her return to Madison, she studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and began her career in public policy. She held several high profile positions in human resources administration but her most memorable job was as executive director of Community Action Commission of Madison and Dane County, an anti-poverty agency. Agnes said that was how she learned about her community -- working with all kinds of people, understanding their problems, and helping find solutions. It brought her awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the disadvantaged community. Specifically to new immigrants, she advised: "... leave behind dated customs in the airport and have a clear assessment of goals; make conscious decisions in this path toward success -- be |
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| I am very excited to spotlight Agnes Gutierrez Cammer this month! "Tita" (aunt) Agnes was always an exceptional role model for me (and for many - so read on!). Hearing her story is like experiencing an epic -- live. I am so moved, as I was when we met for our interview.//Agnes has dedicated her life to helping others. An award-winning community leader, she has sat on countless boards: "I just want to help as many people as possible, and make sure the |
| Anna Maria Manalo |
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| Agnes Cammer |
| ready to take responsibility to reach out to the community, and there will be a response." In her mission to help as many as possible, Agnes feels that her greatest achievement as a community leader is being an advocate for female minorities. An important change she would like to see happen for the future of this demographic is improved attitudes and treatment by employers. True to principle, she co-founded the Wisconsin Women of Color Network, a statewide organization of women of color who believe in helping each other to achieve their fullest potential. It established the Cammer-Hill Grant, a Women's Fund which awards scholarships for youths of color to attend vocational or technical college. For the female minority, she advises: "focus on working on the dignity of the profession rather than the individual, especially earning the respect as a colleague. Always look at both sides of a situation, you can always rectify the negatives." Agnes is also co-founder of the Philippine-American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas and the Wisconsin Organization for Asian Americans; a member of the Rizal-MacArthur Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees; the United States Committee on Scientific Research for Vietnam and Laos and several community boards and associations. Former Dane County Executive Richard Phelps and Mayor Paul Soglin designated June 23, 1992 as Agnes Gutierrez Cammer Day in the City of Madison and Dane County. |
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