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As a county attorney, mother, and committed community member, Sharon McIlquham knows the importance of giving back to those around her. A lifelong member of the Chippewa Falls community, McIlquham’s involvement and dedication–both professionally and personally–are a testament to her values of working hard, caring for others, and believing in the power of following your dreams.
Chippewa County Attorney
Sharon McIlquham’s ties to the area run deep, (having spent most of her life near Chippewa Falls) and many will recognize her name from her work as a Chippewa County attorney. While she didn’t always know she would be an attorney, McIlquham has long had an interest in working for the justice system.
After graduating high school, McIlquham went on to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to study criminal justice. While in college, she worked as a park ranger for Lake Wissota State Park, and upon graduation became an officer with the UW-Stout police. Later, she went on to work for UW-Eau Claire, and it was then that she began to think of continuing her education and pursuing law. McIlquham applied and was accepted to Hamline University School of Law, beginning a journey that would eventually lead her to becoming an attorney.
“It was a big commitment to return to school after six years in the workforce,” said McIlquham. “To go back to being a full-time student was a drastic change, but one that was definitely worth it.”
Indeed, the leap of faith to return to school was worth it. McIlquham has been a licensed attorney since 1991, and now has 23 years of experience working as an attorney in the Chippewa Valley.
Specifically, her focus for the last decade has been working with child neglect and abuse cases in Chippewa County. Her job is to represent the best interests of children, and while working with child neglect and abuse can be difficult, it is an incredibly important job to have in the community.
“I know my work with the County is making a difference,” McIlquham said. “It can be very challenging, but if I can help a child have a better life, then it’s all worth it.”
Serving Family and the Community
Underpinning all of Sharon McIlquham’s work is a deep commitment to community and family. Her own ties to Chippewa Falls date back to childhood and parents who were involved in the local community. “I was raised to give back to the community and to help whenever I see a problem,” McIlquham said.
Her father, the late Howard Gibbs, was involved in the local community and served on the Lafayette Town Board. When he passed away in 2005, Sharon was appointed to the position. In 2018 she was also elected to the Chippewa Falls School Board, where she serves on the Alternate Pathways to Graduation Board and the Communications Committee. McIlquham said she enjoys the opportunities that being involved in local government provides, including getting to learn about what’s going on in the local community and issues that matter to people.
In addition to her work with the public, Sharon McIlquham has worked to instill the values that she was raised with in her own family. She raised her two daughters, Rachael and Emma, in the Chippewa Falls area with a similar emphasis on kindness, responsibility, and getting involved.
“For many years, it’s been me and the girls; we’re like the Three Musketeers,” McIlquham said. “When raising kids, it’s important to be consistent, strong, and to get involved in their activities and things that are important to them.”
One cause that McIlquham and her daughters have worked for is Type 1 diabetes research. When her oldest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, McIlquham organized the first Walk to Cure Diabetes in the Chippewa Valley and served on the Western Wisconsin Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). She also mentored other families in the area who had children who were recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
“I tend to be energized by being busy and believing I’m making a difference,” McIlquham said when asked how she has balanced work, family, and community involvement. “I work for things that are all worthwhile pursuits, and have met so many other wonderful people who are energized by the same things.”
Dreaming Big
From deciding to go to law school to organizing walks to cure diabetes, Sharon McIlquham has done a lot to achieve the goals and dreams that mean the most to her. And she’s not done yet. This past November, McIlquham announced her candidacy for the Chippewa County Circuit Court Judge’s seat. Serving as a judge would give McIlquham another way to further serve the people of Chippewa County with the skills and experience she has.
When asked whether she had any advice for other women reaching for their biggest goals, McIlquham stressed the importance of giving your dreams a chance.
“If your dream doesn’t scare you, you aren’t dreaming big enough,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith, and know that wherever you are in life or wherever you’re coming from, it’s never too late to make a drastic change.”
