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Wisconsin Experience Stories

Abagail Catani poses for a portrait in UW–Madison’s Red Gym and Multicultural Student Center.
Abagail Catania

As an undergraduate, Abagail didn't see many students of color in her agricultural classes. So she set out to change that.

Alexandra Pleasant poses for a photo at Memorial Union, writing paper and pen in hand.
Alexandra Pleasant

First-generation student Alexandra Pleasant has as much courage, grace and gumption as any literary protagonist.

Brett Nachman poses in the Education Building.
Brett Nachman

By sharing his story, Brett Nachman is helping change the conversation about autism.

Carmen Nightfall walking her dog on a sunny summer day.
Carmen Nightfall

Read how an unfortunate incident sparked a positive change for Carmen, who is currently working on a degree in CALS.

Student Colin Bass stands at the base of State Street, the capitol behind him in the distance, his backpack strap wrapped with a green bandana.
Conlin Bass

Conlin began The Bandana Project his freshman year to increase mental health and suicide prevention awareness.

Deshawn McKinney

Milwaukee native Deshawn McKinney talks about opportunity, hardship, and winning the esteemed Marshall Scholarship.

Elena Haasl is pictured in front of the City-County Building in downtown Madison, WI.
Elena Haasl

Combining her interests in environmental and social activism, Elena Haasl became a voice for students and the marginalized.

Hannah DePorter
Hannah DePorter

It took an undergraduate to look at things differently and inspire change.

Jada Kline, undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is pictured on Nov. 15, 2017.
Jada Kline

With a message of determination, Jada honors the past and embraces the future.

Jamie Dawson

A background in spoken word and music has served as a powerful launchpad for Jamie.

Katelyn Zutter smiling outdoors
Katie Zutter

This computer sciences and Spanish double-major is working to make the tech industry more inclusive.

Kit Chow stands on State Street the Wisconsin capitol building visible in the distance.
Kit Chow

A passion for problem-solving — and caffeine — led Kit down the unexpected path of entrepreneurship.

Leah Johnson poses for a portrait near the rooftop solar panels on Leopold Residence Hall at UW-Madison.
Leah Johnson

Leah seeks to infuse sustainability into the everyday fabric of campus, making green living an easy choice.

Luke Valmadrid playing the violin
Luke Valmadrid

Luke has forged a rigorous path pursuing a triple major — and the dedicated senior wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lusayo Mwakatika, pictured sitting in a dark lounge area at Comedy on State in Madison.
Lusayo Mwakatika

With many passions come many achievements for an enthusiastic scholar from Malawi.

Michael Williams
Michael Williams

The first UW–Madison graduate of a precollege program for Native students gets ready to take his advocacy to the next level.

Surrounded by carrots, onions and garlic, Naomi Moua helps a customer at her family’s booth at a farmers’ market.
Naomi Moua

Read how Naomi Moua’s family values and Hmong culture inspired her to pursue a master’s in clinical nutrition.

Yanci Almonte Vargas standing in front of Lake Mendota.
Yanci Almonte Vargas

After growing up in the Dominican Republic and the U.S., Yanci has arrived at the UW with a wealth of experience to share.