Tell me a fun fact about you
I really like Latin dancing and learning Latin languages.
Madison has a vibrant Latin dance scene. There are many Latin dance socials at the Cardinal Bar, which is the historic place for Latin dance in Madison, and monthly socials at Grace Episcopal Church and Cafe Coda. We’re kind of spoiled for choice. You could dance five nights a week here if you wanted to.
What is your position and why do you enjoy it here?
I work in the Administrative Affairs Department, specifically in facilities. We’re responsible for building maintenance, working with the campus at large, and with facilities planning. We get work and repairs done within the building.
We also support learning and events through event management software. We do a lot of administrative tasks related to onboarding and offboarding, providing key access and room assignments. We also handle mail services.
Facilities work keeps us very busy.
What is your favorite insider tip?
Lakeview Place on the third floor is my favorite spot. It has a beautiful view of the lake, a lot of natural light, and it’s connected to the roof garden. You can step outside and get some sunshine and fresh air. I’ll take my laptop there and work in the mornings.
My tip is to take advantage of the UW gyms. From Lakeview Place and the School of Nursing, you can see the Bakke, which is a beautiful new gym. You can walk there after work or during your lunch. They offer a lot of group fitness classes that I enjoy. You can get a very affordable membership as faculty and staff. My fitness routine makes my job more enjoyable.
Tell me about the community at the School of Nursing.
The School fosters a strong sense of community. I’ve done a lot of continuing education and wellness classes, which are offered in the building. I always end up taking those with other people within the building.
They also do a mentorship program as part of onboarding. When I was hired here, Jordan Langer was my mentor. We got coffee together and checked in occasionally. That’s been wonderful.
Everyone here is friendly and welcoming. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in different roles within the building.
How have you been able to grow in your career?
One of the best parts of working here is growth opportunities. The School of Nursing and UW–Madison are investing in your development, not only career development, but also your development as a person. A lot of the classes I’ve taken help with personal development and life skills.
This past spring, HR notified the staff about a continuing education scholarship, and I applied for and got it. I took a project management course last summer, and the UW paid for it. And all because HR sent out an email making sure staff was aware this opportunity exists and should take advantage of it.
Taking advantage of these opportunities makes me happy and shows there’s room for growth.
Tell me about your career path and what led you to work at UW–Madison.
I’ve had a very winding career, but I’d say that two things got me in this position. I have a degree in architecture and worked in that field for a while, and then I made a connection with Lisa Reese, the facilities director here. She’s a licensed interior designer and having that design background connected us and helped me get the job.
I worked in facilities management for the Willy Street Co-op for eight years, so I had the background in facilities management to prepare me for this role.
For someone who might be interested in working here or wanting to start a career here, what advice or insights would you share?
I strongly encourage anyone interested to apply. It’s a great place to work. The School of Nursing is an excellent, well-organized environment, that encourages you to make sure everything you do is done well from the smallest sign to a bigger project.
There are a lot of people who are motivated and working hard. It’s an inspiring place to work and motivates you to do your best.
Every position in our School makes an impact on our community and beyond. How does your role contribute to the Wisconsin Idea?
I help maintain and keep the building running smoothly. I also lend support to a myriad of events; some go beyond nursing education.
This fall, we hosted the Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit. Then in the spring, we host the Science Expeditions event here where kids will come and learn about science. These events truly reflect the Wisconsin Idea of community engagement.