[ad_1]
CLICK HERE TO MEET MORE WOMEN THIS YEAR
Tracy Milkowski was the first member of her family to attend college, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business management from Mount Mary University and a master’s in Business Administration from Concordia University. After 13 years managing the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Division of Surgical Education, he decided it was time for a career change. “No one ever says, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a fundraiser.’ Most of us come across this profession by accident, as I did,” said Milkowski. “But once you witness all the kindness that comes from those who donate, you begin to realize the opportunities it will bring to so many people and the life-changing results it will have, such as being the first in the family to graduate from college.” Milkowski worked in several executive-level fundraising roles at colleges around southeastern Wisconsin before taking up his current position as vice president for institutional advancement at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2021. The college launched a $10 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, which has so far raised $8.5 million under his leadership. “I am fortunate to have met so many good people whose goal is to make a difference in the lives of others by giving back, and I am able to sit in the front row of the impact their giving has on many of our people. students – educational gifts,” said Milkowski. Last year the college was able to provide $18 million in student scholarships.
“Treat people with kindness, lead with passion, and you will find your purpose.”
-Tracy Milkowski
You say, “Most of us come across this profession by accident.” Can you explain more about how you ended up in the fundraiser?
Starting back in high school, I knew I wanted to go to college, even though no one in my family had ever. I majored in business at Mount Mary University, and later received an MBA from Concordia University, with an emphasis on healthcare administration. After graduation, I worked at the Medical College of Wisconsin for 13 years in the surgical education department. I know I’m ready for a career change, but not sure what will happen. I attended network breakfasts at Mount Mary, and a few months later I became director of the Women’s Leadership Institute. At the time, my boss told me I had a fundraising personality — he said I was a “natural fundraiser.” He wanted me to switch to a fundraising position at Mount Mary, but I told him I wasn’t interested. After six months of saying no, I decided to dive into the world of fundraising and never look back. It’s now over a decade and in February 2021, I’ll be the Vice President for Institutional Progress at MIAD. I remember during my first interview with the President, Jeff Morin, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to work there. I can see the passion he has for the college and the students we serve. I am grateful that I have a job I love and the opportunity to witness all the good work the MIAD community does every day to ensure our students are prepared for success.
Outside of your job, you also pretty much volunteer. What inspired that?
It’s inspiring to see so many people giving up their personal time to volunteer for other organizations, with the primary goal of helping individuals live better lives. Volunteering provides opportunities to serve and learn from others. It breaks down the barrier to understanding that we are all very similar no matter our background. I am currently the Chair of the Board for PWSAC – Gallery 224 in Port Washington. Volunteering provides an opportunity to make an impact in the communities where we work, live and play. My hope is to encourage others to volunteer, because I know in the end, I am content with the thought that I may have made a small difference in someone’s life for good.
This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s November issue.
Find it at a newsstand or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop
Be the first to get every new issue. Customer.
Comment
[ad_2]
Source link