Magnet Alumni Testimonials

Don’t believe us about how great Magnet is? Hear it from them! Scroll down to read how Magnet has has a positive impact on members of the Madison community.

Stefan Fletcher

Current Job:
Secretary & Chief of staff to the Board of Trustees, Michigan State University

How has Magnet impacted your professional or personal journey?
Magnet was important to me when I first moved to Madison in establishing my own connections and roots within the Greater Madison area community. It allowed me to gain perspective outside of my field (higher education) and learn from/work with individuals with diverse skillsets, backgrounds, and experiences. Magnet helped reinforce my ability to work with others towards shared goals, something I am cognizant of when working with others in my job or other volunteer engagements to this day.

What does Magnet mean to you?
Magnet means a lot to me. It was great to work with fellow young professionals to organize events and opportunities for our peers across the city and region. Magnet was also a good symbol of a well-structured young professionals' organization that is an asset to the area. Not every community has something like Magnet to bring young professionals together.

Can you share a specific memory or takeaway you got from your time in Magnet?
I think the best memory I have is of the team we were able to recruit to the board during my tenure as President. Excellent at turning ideas into execution and they continued to build Magnet's foundation in an excellent way that is still visible today. that is probably better than my other takeaway which is my former roommate and I somehow rowing our kayak into the underside of a bridge at an event out on the lakes :).

What advice would you give current or prospective Magnet members?
Choose your entry point into Magnet (Networking, Professional Development, Community service, etc.) but don't be afraid to branch out and try something outside that initial interest area at least once.

Alex Vitanye

Current Job:
Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Big Top Sports & Entertainment

How has Magnet impacted your professional or personal journey?
Magnet brought me many wonderful relationships, both professionally and personally. I moved to Madison without a network and now count many friends made through Magnet.

What does Magnet mean to you?
Magnet represents an opportunity for emerging leaders to try that hand at organizational leadership. It's inspiring to see many former members in leadership roles knowing they cut their teeth, made mistakes and grew through being involved with Magnet.

Can you share a specific memory or takeaway you got from your time in Magnet?
I recall showing up at my first event, a new member meet and greet and meeting Brandon Blackmer. I didn't know anyone at the time and Brandon was kind enough to strike up a conversation. We soon discovered we worked at the same university at the same time, but never met until at that Magnet event. Flash forward three years, we tackled the pandemic together as President and Vice-President of Magnet during COVID.

What advice would you give current or prospective Magnet members?
Get involved. Be vulnerable. Make mistakes. Teach others.

Laura Doolin

Current Job:
Senior Manager, Executive Communications at TruStage and Founder, Joy Ride Fit

How has Magnet impacted your professional or personal journey?
Magnet connected me to the Madison community when I was new and didn’t know anyone in the city. It allowed me to grow my network through activities and causes that I cared about. Along the way, I met people and was introduced to organizations that have been so meaningful in my career.

What does Magnet mean to you?
My experience with Magnet means connection. Connected me to people, companies, causes - many of which I’m still involved today.

Can you share a specific memory or takeaway you got from your time in Magnet?
Chairing the Charity Fete in 2019. The Amazing Maydm Race. And hosting the first Paddle for a Cause …. all memorable.

What advice would you give current or prospective Magnet members?
Get involved. It’s hard to make friends as an adult. And while Magnet is for professional networking, I met some of my best friends in Magnet because I connected with such a great group of individuals who were also focused on their career and involved in the community.

Corinn Ploessl

Current Job:
Director of Organizational Development at AMPED Association Management

What does Magnet mean to you?
Magnet was instrumental in shaping my most transformative decade. From the moment I stepped out of college to becoming a seasoned career professional, Magnet provided me with a sense of belonging. Being a member of Magnet helped me build my professional network, make lifelong friends, and fall more in love with everything Madison has to offer.

Can you share a specific memory or takeaway you got from your time in Magnet?
Thanks to my engagement with Magnet, I had the opportunity to contribute to an initiative known as Young Professional Week (YPWeek), dedicated to attracting, retaining, and engaging young talent in our state. For 5 years, I lead the collaboration of YPWeek in Madison connecting 27 organizations to the initiative and each other. The 80+ events organized during this period drew over 3,500 attendees. Given its statewide reach, I was able to meet SO many talent individuals from all over Wisconsin who shared my passion for communities and their people.

What advice would you give current or prospective Magnet members?
Jump in! Magnet has always been an organization where you get out what you put in. Speaking from personal experience, you'll find yourself reaping rewards ten times over when you get involved!

Brandon Blackmer

Current Job:
Director, Finance and Administration; Southland Development Authority, NFP and South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority

How has Magnet impacted your professional or personal journey?
Magnet has been a cornerstone in both my professional and personal growth since I moved to a new city, where I initially knew very few people. Through Magnet, I've not only expanded my social circle but have also found a group of individuals that I now consider close friends. This community has provided me with a sense of belonging and support, which has been invaluable in navigating the
challenges of relocating and establishing myself in a new environment.

Professionally, Magnet has opened doors to opportunities I couldn't have imagined. One of the most significant turning points in my career came from a connection made through Magnet, leading to a job opportunity that has been both fulfilling and aligned with my career aspirations. This experience underlines the power of networking and the potential for one connection to transform your professional trajectory. From there, along with my experience in leading Magnet, I was able to utilize my skillset to move over to non-profit finance work, which I learned a great deal about with Magnet. This specific area of learning has enabled me to contribute more effectively to my organization and understand the nuances and challenges within the non-profit sector - and provide much-needed respect for what the Magnet board does day in and day out.

Moreover, Magnet has offered numerous opportunities for professional development and leadership. Through workshops, seminars, and other initiatives, I've been able to hone my skills, gain new insights, and step into leadership roles that have furthered my career growth. These experiences have not only enhanced my professional capabilities but have also boosted my confidence in my abilities to lead and make impactful decisions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation and the lack of in-person interaction posed significant challenges, I was proud to be leading Magnet, who played a crucial role in connecting young professionals (YPs). By forming a coalition with the other area YP groups and organizing virtual activities, Magnet helped maintain a sense of community and continuity among YPs - even when "Zoom Fatigue" got real. This initiative not only helped many, including myself, to stay connected but also showcased the adaptability and resilience of the Magnet community in facing unprecedented challenges.

In summary, Magnet has profoundly impacted my journey, weaving through the fabric of my personal and professional life. The connections made, the opportunities for growth, and the sense of community have been transformative. My experience with Magnet exemplifies the power of networking and community support in achieving personal fulfillment and professional success.

What does Magnet mean to you?
Magnet, to me, represents a multifaceted beacon of support, growth, and connection. It was the original cornerstone of my journey in a new city, transforming it from a place of unfamiliarity to one brimming with close friends and professional opportunities. In essence, Magnet has been a pivotal platform for both my personal enrichment and professional development, embodying a blend of friendship, learning, and adaptability that has profoundly impacted my life.

What advice would you give current or prospective Magnet members?
In my journey with Magnet, I've learned the value of diving into every opportunity — from networking to leadership roles. It's not just about professional growth; it's about building a community of friends and mentors. My advice? Be active, embrace every chance to learn, and never underestimate the power of connections. Magnet is more than a network; it's a launchpad for both your career and personal growth. Make the most of it!