Tonette M. Walker

Tonette M. Walker is a nonprofit leader, advocate, and former First Lady of Wisconsin whose life’s work has focused on strengthening children, families, and communities through trauma-informed care initiatives. She is married to Scott Walker, former Governor of Wisconsin and current president of Young America’s Foundation, and is the proud mother of two sons, Matt and Alex.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tonette spent more than two decades working in the insurance industry before transitioning into nonprofit leadership with organizations including the American Diabetes Association and the American Lung Association.

Following Scott Walker’s election as Wisconsin’s 45th Governor in 2010, Tonette served as First Lady of Wisconsin from 2011 through 2018. During her time in the Governor’s Residence, she championed numerous statewide initiatives, with her signature and most passionate work centered on Fostering Futures. This public-private partnership sought to recognize, understand, and address the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress on children and families across Wisconsin.

Under Tonette’s leadership, Fostering Futures of Wisconsin became a nationally recognized effort in the Trauma-Informed Care movement. The initiative worked to integrate trauma-informed principles into the culture, policies, and practices of schools, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and community agencies throughout the state, helping position Wisconsin as a national leader in trauma-informed care.