AVANT is an organization of professional women in leadership positions in the La Crosse area. The organization was founded in August 1981 by a group of women who felt there was a need for mutual support among females in management positions and to serve as mentors for those aspiring to be so.
In 1984, AVANT established a scholarship fund. The recipient is a non-traditional woman student over twenty-five years of age. This scholarship is awarded each semester to a qualifying applicant. AVANT occasionally publishes an Executive and Professional Women's Network Directory.
Twice a month the members meet for program and luncheon meetings. Various speakers talk about topics of general interest to the group. Some examples include effective public speaking techniques for women, business travel, retirement planning, health and fitness, and stress management.
