Our Board

Cate serves on the Madison Birthday Boost board after eight years co-leading the Madison chapter of Box of Balloons. After volunteering with some Christmas-focused organization, she was looking for a way to support families beyond the holiday season. Growing up, birthdays were always special in her home. Once she became a parent, she saw how much time, energy, and love goes into creating that kind of celebration. At the same time, she knew many families in Madison were stretched thin and working hard just to meet basic needs.

Cate believes every child deserves to feel seen and celebrated, and every parent should have the chance to experience the joy of honoring their kid, even during difficult times. That belief is what keeps her going, along with the steady support of her husband and daughter, who help in countless ways behind the scenes. For Cate, this work is about showing up for families in our community and making sure they know they are not alone.

Jennifer Javornik is thrilled to bring her party spirit to Madison Birthday Boost as a Board Member. For three years, she and her children co-led Box of Balloons Madison, empowering parents and caretakers to throw unforgettable celebrations for their kids. She believes a birthday isn’t just about one special day. It’s about building confidence, self-worth, and joy that lasts all year long. Jennifer is excited to keep the celebration going and give back to the Madison community, where it’s always a party and every child deserves to feel seen and celebrated. 

Jenny has always loved the magic of birthdays, which is why she’s proud to serve on the Board of Directors for Madison Birthday Boost and bring big smiles to birthday kids in the community. She works as the Deputy General Counsel at Ascendium Education Group, Inc. In her free time, you’ll find her crocheting, crafting, teaching water aerobics classes and spending time with her husband and two teenagers. 

Hello, I am Liz Herman. I am a Social Worker in the Madison Community. I am excited to be joining Madison Birthday Boost as a board member. I have witnessed firsthand how important this service is to the community. Parents and children are so excited to receive boxes and it brings so much joy. 

Currently, I am serving as a Case Manager for The Road Home Dane County. In this role, I work diligently to support families who are at risk of becoming homeless or are actively experiencing homelessness. It is a rewarding position that allows me to directly impact the lives of those in need within our community.

Before assuming this role, I gained extensive experience in the healthcare field as a First Assist in General and Trauma Surgery, where I had the privilege of working at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This experience not only honed my medical skills but also deepened my understanding of patient care and the challenges faced by individuals in vulnerable situations.

Motivated by my passion for community advocacy, I decided to run for a seat on the Wisconsin StateWide Action Planning Committee. After undergoing a rigorous interview process, I was honored to be voted into a two-year term representing Madison, WI. This opportunity has allowed me to contribute to important initiatives aimed at promoting social equity and addressing systemic issues within our state.