The organization Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment (WISE) – Central IL is preparing further events and initiatives to support local women and women-owned businesses.  A block party in September is their newest plan and accompanies their scholarships, business loans, and other events.  This comes on the back end of their successful fashion show which brought in crucial funding for their causes.

The block party is set for Saturday, September 12 and follows their Women Supporting Women campaign.  WISE Vice President Kayla MaGraw, who also manages the escape room house Behind Locked Doors, says vendors will be set up just off the Taylorville square.

As for the Women Supporting Women campaign, WISE members and other attendees visit women-owned businesses to learn more about them. 

WISE offers loans for local women-owned businesses along with college scholarships.  MaGraw and WISE President Tyler Frump say they gave out 23 scholarships this year, up from just four the first year WISE did so. 

WISE raises the funds used for these endeavors through such events as their annual fashion show.  The 2026 edition took place in April and brought in five figures for their programs. 

More information on WISE is available on the organization’s Facebook page.

Tyler Frump and Kayla MaGraw appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.