Meet the WIDI Team: Anne Coulling, Co-Director - Southeast Region, WIDI BOD Secretary, WIDI Tournament Merchandise Coordinator
At Wisconsin Destination Imagination (WIDI), our success is powered by the incredible people who dedicate their time, talents, and creativity to supporting students across the state. From coordinating tournaments to training Team Managers and ensuring that every team has the resources they need, our affiliate-level staff and volunteers are here to make sure our program participants have what they need to succeed.
We’re excited to introduce you to the passionate individuals who make it all possible—each one committed to inspiring curiosity, collaboration, and innovation in Wisconsin’s next generation of problem solvers.
How I got started: My first experience was as a DI parent when my older child was in third grade. It took me a while to figure out what DI was all about, but I was intrigued by the creativity, the student-centered philosophy prohibiting outside interference, and the surprising twists and turns as a team journeys from reading a challenge for the very first time to proudly presenting their solution before a group of appraisers. After a couple of years, I accepted the invitation to be a co-manager for my son's team and then, the following year, a co-manager for my younger child's team.
What I have done: When my kids were in school, I managed or co-managed 14 teams and accompanied them to Global Finals 5 times. I was also a building coordinator at the 3 schools they attended (elementary, middle, and high school). In 2015, I helped to found a non-profit booster club for DI teams in my community, which provides support to teams and team managers throughout the season and helps to raise money for teams going to Global Finals, and I continue to serve as its president. I am currently the co-director of the Southeast Region, the secretary of the WIDI Board of Directors, and a merchandise coordinator for our tournaments. I have also had the wonderful experience of appraising at several WIDI tournaments and--for the first time in 2025--at Global Finals.
Why do I continue to support DI? I believe so strongly in this program: in the skills that young people acquire, the creative outlet it provides them, the self-confidence that they develop. I love that it teaches them not to give up and to keep trying their best, even when the backdrop falls down or the device doesn't work. I love the DI mindset that EVERYONE has something to contribute. I love that DI helps students learn to work through their differences and compromise; I truly think DI helps kids become better, kinder people. Plus, volunteering for DI is loads of fun, and I have made so many wonderful friends through this fantastic program.
Professional life: I am a freelance copy editor and proofreader for university presses.
Thank you, Anne, for your continued support of Destination Imagination!
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