[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ min_height=”1027px” custom_margin=”-1px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”7px||4px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_margin=”||20px|||” custom_padding=”||11px|||”]<\/p>\n
Join us in welcoming the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\u2019s new\u00a0Executive Assistant, Michaela! Michaela will be providing administrative support <\/em>to the Executive Director, Director of Philanthropy, and Board of Directors. She will arrange meetings and events, organize board communications, and assist with office management.<\/em><\/p>\n We sat down with Michaela so you could learn more about her love of nature and her passion for <\/em>helping organizations run smoothly<\/em>.\u00a0Welcome to the Foundation!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-86.png” alt=”New Executive Assistant, Michaela on a hike in Badlands National Park.” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 (86)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”10px|||||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||”]<\/p>\n Michaela on a hike in Badlands National Park. Photo by Avenash Pernankil.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”6px|||||”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_margin=”-11px|||||” custom_padding=”||21px|||”]<\/p>\n The Midwest will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up in northcentral Illinois in a rural community with plenty of open space and cornfields. Small town living for the first 18 years of my life taught me a lot \u2013 the importance of sustainable agriculture practices, how to tend a garden, and the beauty of eating locally and seasonally. And although my family had strong roots, my parents instilled in me the importance of travel, with road trips to National Parks, yearly treks to the Wisconsin Northwoods, and flights to warmer climates for a week in the winter. When I wasn\u2019t adventuring outdoors, I was often curled up with a book somewhere.<\/p>\n For college, I moved to the Chicago suburbs where I studied English writing and journalism at North Central College. I continued to find joy in being outdoors (even if I had to study there) and travelling any chance I got. From the Maine coast to the Gap of Dunloe to the glaciers of Iceland, my husband and I hiked, biked, and ate our way across countries and states. The more I travelled and read, the more passionate I became about conserving the environment. But I was on track to work in libraries, where I could spread my love for reading to my community. And so there I began my public service career.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-87.png” alt=”New Executive Assistant, Michaela and her husband standing in a cave in Iceland. ” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 (87)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.2″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||”]<\/p>\n Michaela and her husband standing in a cave in Iceland. Photo by Akhilesh Pernenkil.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||”]<\/p>\n As the world shifted in 2020, so did I. My husband and I relocated to Madison to pursue new work and education opportunities. With my desire to work in the environmental field growing, I found a job working for the City of Madison Parks as a park ranger. I learned a lot but found myself more interested in the larger-scale conservation efforts happening around me. So, I began looking for ways to transfer my skills in writing, service, and organization to a conservation nonprofit. When a coworker mentioned NRF, I knew it was the place for me.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-88.png” alt=”New Executive Assistant, Michaela and her husband in Ireland wearing life jackets.” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 (88)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||9px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Michaela and her husband in Ireland wearing life jackets. Photo courtesy of Michaela Daly.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||”]<\/p>\n Having worked in public service jobs for more than 8 years, I was excited to transition into a different type of service: assistant work. I have always been someone who loves to help and organize things, so becoming the executive assistant at NRF felt like the perfect way to do that while advancing a conservation mission I truly care about. I\u2019m ecstatic to be working with NRF to support executives, the board of directors, and staff in order to advance our mission in protecting Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-89.png” alt=”Soumi hiking at Devil\u2019s Lake State Park with friends. ” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 (89)” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Michaela and her husband in front of a rock while on a hike at Devil\u2019s Lake State Park. Photo by Michaela Daly.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||”]<\/p>\n Outside of work, I love to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Beyond reading and writing, I am often out birding, walking, hiking, or biking around Madison with loved ones. Although Madison is home to us now, we still make the drive to Chicago for concerts, festivals, and friends. And I love to eat \u2013 on any given day I can be found baking or cooking a new recipe at home or trying out a new restaurant. I can\u2019t wait to learn even more skills and hobbies from staff, Field Trip leaders, and members of NRF.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-90.png” alt=”Soumi in a canoe at Kemp Natural Resources Station during a weekend retreat for the NRF Diversity in Conservation internship.” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 (90)” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\nMidwest heart, wanderer\u2019s soul<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sweet home Wisconsin<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Here to help<\/h3>\n
Hobbying around<\/h3>\n