Hometown
Madison, WI
Undergraduate education
B.A. in political science with a minor in economics from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Expected graduation date
May 2028
Policy interests
Education Policy
Why La Follette?
As a Madison native, the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree at the La Follette School while staying close to home was especially meaningful to me. I knew balancing full-time work with part-time study would be challenging, but having the support of my family and friends close by has made all the difference.
Why MPA?
When exploring graduate programs, I found that the MPA offered the ideal balance between my professional background and my future career goals. As an undergraduate, I interned with the Wisconsin State Legislature. After graduation, I spent some time working at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Currently, I serve in student affairs at Madison College, where I have developed a strong passion for higher education. This role has highlighted the many parallels between government and educational institutions. Together, these experiences shaped my decision to pursue an MPA as the next step to advancing my impact within higher education.
Career Goals
I plan to continue building my career in higher education, with a focus on advancing student success and institutional effectiveness. My long-term goal is to pursue leadership roles that allow me to shape policies and initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote equitable access to higher education.
If any La Follette alumni, faculty members, or friends have helped you with your career path, who was it and how did he or she assist?
I’ve been fortunate to work with several outstanding La Follette alumni who have played important roles in my personal and professional development. Through my active membership in the Madison-area Kappa Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Frances Huntley-Cooper and Stephanie Bradley-Wilson. Both women have been incredible mentors, offering guidance and encouragement that have deeply influenced my growth and leadership journey.
In my professional role at Madison College, I also work under the leadership of Tim Casper, executive vice president of student affairs and a proud La Follette alum. His example of thoughtful, student-centered leadership and his continued support of my graduate school goals have reinforced my confidence in choosing the La Follette School.
Job previous to enrollment at La Follette
Before enrolling at the La Follette School, I worked full-time as a Registrar Process Specialist on the Records team at Madison College. In this role, I serve as a lead on the WolfPack Rising Project, which oversees the college’s transition to Workday Student, a new cloud-based student information system (SIS) set to launch in Fall 2027. This large-scale initiative aims to enhance the student experience, improve operational efficiency, and support Madison College’s broader digital transformation goals. As a project lead, I help guide system configuration decisions, participate in system testing, and coordinate staff training in preparation for the system’s implementation.
What are some of your goals and priorities this year as the first-year DEI Coordinator for the La Follette School Student Association?
I was recently elected to serve on the La Follette School Student Association board as the first-year DEI coordinator! I’m excited to collaborate with both the LSSA board and the ABCD Committee to advance the school’s inclusive excellence goals. In this role, I hope to amplify student voices, foster meaningful dialogue around diversity and equity, and help create a stronger sense of belonging within the La Follette community.
Higher Education Eat & Greet
To highlight the La Follette School’s Fall 2025 Eat & Greet networking series, we are featuring students with impressive careers in their respective fields. For our November event, Winter Petry showcases a La Follette student who is passionately seeking to impact the policies behind higher education. The Higher Education Eat & Greet will take place on November 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Mendota Room of the Fluno Center. These events are supported by the Ascendium Education Group.