Contact KatieHometown
Wauwatosa, WI, and Vail, CO
Undergraduate education
BA public relations, minor political science, Marquette University, 1992
Professional/research interests
Education Policy
Expected graduation date
May 2026
Why a Master of Public Affairs?
I intended to attend law school post-undergrad, but moved to Vail, CO, instead. I pursued a career in marketing and PR for mostly the hospitality industry, with a little nonprofit fundraising thrown in. When we moved back to Wisconsin in 2022 with our two teenage children, it was time for a change. After taking classes in sociology and philosophy at the University of Colorado-Boulder and UW-Madison, I landed on public policy as the direction of the third chapter in my career.
Why the La Follette School?
I looked at other schools, but Wisconsin’s program was well-regarded and close enough to Milwaukee that I could plan classes around a commute.
Career goals
I have always had an interest in education since all of my immediate family members are teachers in one way, shape, or form. I served as a Board member at my children’s preschool and K-12 school, and I find education policy fascinating. I would like to work for a state Department of Education or local school district as liaison to higher offices, such as a Mayor’s office, a county, or a state. I would also enjoy teaching at a small college.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
The opportunity to pursue a certificate in education civil rights and law allows me to pursue education policy without getting a second master’s degree, although that is not out of the question. The knowledge from the core classes here at La Follette has enhanced my skill set and instilled a new perspective on politics, policy, and how the world works.
Assistantship
I am currently the grader/reader for Governor Doyle’s class, Public Affairs 974: Politics of State Policy Issues. I loved the class last fall, and Governor Doyle is one of my favorite instructors and people in general. I want to work more on the state or local level, so this position fit my goals.
Mentors
Professor Lindsay Jacobs has been a great advisor, and Governor Doyle has been a great mentor. Both have objectivity and deep knowledge of the program and the industry.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Don’t worry so much about whether you get an A, but rather focus on whether you like what you’re doing. If you love it (or even like it), you’ll do fine. Learn from mistakes and always strive to be a good community member.
Most challenging La Follette School experience
The death of my dad and sister-in-law in my first year were incredibly challenging, as well as having two teenagers at home at a new school in a new state. We had a lot going on! But everyone at La Follette has been incredibly generous and compassionate.
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
Achieving academic success here has been very rewarding. Knowing that I can do it and am good at it has given me the confidence to start a new career.
Wisconsin Idea
Even though I am a Wisconsin native, the Wisconsin Idea is new to me, but then again, it is not new. University education and learning should always be used for public good. It is something I learned growing up here in Wisconsin from my family.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
Realizing the policy process, at the federal level, is always behind the 8-ball has given me a new appreciation for how long it takes to instill change. The philosophies we learned in Public Affairs 874: Policy Making Process cannot now be unseen. To be ahead of the curve, one must participate in the process on the local level.
Before the La Follette School
I started my career in law at a large firm in Milwaukee and at small firms in Colorado. After deciding not to attend law school, I worked several marketing and PR jobs in tech, resort, music, and sports marketing. I owned a marketing and PR firm for the last 14 years in the mountains of Colorado.
Anything else?
I am an avid outdoor skier, cyclist, and runner. I have hiked 9 of the 58 Colorado 14ers. Our family loves to travel the world; our last trip was to Japan. We have a 14-year-old lab named Zuma who sometimes still acts like she’s 2.