Sophistication, Scholarship & Service

The Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation’s signature Debutante Cotillion is held annually in the heart of Milwaukee. The Foundation acknowledges education as a means of improving the quality of life for African-American women and, therefore, selects young ladies of 12th-grade status as debutante prospects. Debutantes are engaged in community impact projects through volunteerism and also partake in leadership presentations, team-building exercises, collaborative workshops and fundraising. The eight-month relationship provides a well-rounded experience of service, culture, sisterhood, leadership and fund management.

The charitable (501c3), non-profit organization, has a rich history rooted in service with a focus on issues impacting women and girls. “We are so very proud of the impact we’ve made on young women in greater Milwaukee with our cotillion. Our goal every year is for each debutante to emerge as a poised, self-confident and socially conscious young lady ready to follow her dreams,” said Debra Brown Wallace, president of the Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation.

On Saturday, November 27, 2021 the 47th Annual Debutante Cotillion was held virtually. Eight young women were presented to society and well over 100 virtual guests were in attendance.

Each spring, Debutantes receive a monetary award based on their fundraising efforts and successful completion of the program. To date, more than 1000 young women have participated. This year, the Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation will award an additional eight scholarships.