Kate Battiato (MPA ’07) joined LeadingAge Wisconsin as the vice president of media and community impact. In this role, she will amplify the work of LeadingAge Wisconsin, a nonprofit that advocates for senior care issues and supports initiatives that improve the quality of life for seniors. Previously, Battiato worked as vice president of workforce development for the Wisconsin Health Care Association/Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living.
Joel Lashmore (MIPA ’15) was promoted to the position of delivery solutions architect at Databricks, a global data, analytics, and artificial intelligence company that provides a cloud-based platform. Before working at Databricks, Lashmore worked as a senior data scientist at the global technology services provider Capgemini.
Amanda Hejna (MPA ’19) is starting a new position as vice president of strategy and performance at Management Science & Innovation. Previously, she worked as a managing consultant and as a director at the business consulting firm.
Anna Barry (MPA ’21) was selected as a mentor with Wisconsin Women’s Network, an organization that promotes the advancement of women and girls. Barry is the assistant director of social media at UW–Madison.
Joseph Bachar (certificate in public policy ’22) started a new position as a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, he worked as a director of operations for the House of Representatives.
Amelia Wagner (MPA ’23) testified at the New York State 2025 Joint Budget Hearing on Health and Medicaid. On behalf of Health Care for All New York, Wagner urged the Legislature to prioritize affordable health care for all New Yorkers. Wagner works as a senior health policy analyst for the Community Service Society of New York. You can read the testimony here.
Kao Lee Yang (MPA ’24) will be honored as one of the recipients of the annual Outstanding Women of Color Awards, which are awarded by the Universities of Wisconsin, at a reception at Union South on February 25. Yang is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience through the Neuroscience and Public Policy combined degree program. Her research focuses on innovative fluid and imaging biomarker approaches to address Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to her research, Yang is deeply committed to advocacy and community engagement.