Shayna Hetzel
Community & Social Impact Investment Director
American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
Madison, WI USA
“Never give away your power and voice.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I initially pursued chemistry because I loved the idea of coming together with others to solve big problems and create change beyond my individual impact—I thought science was the best route for that.
During my junior year of college, I changed my major from chemistry to education policy.
I earned my bachelor’s degree and then continued on to earn my master’s degree in education policy and public management.
After grad school, I got a job with the University of Wisconsin, where I worked in education policy and administration—I also got the opportunity to work on the Union South construction project.
I saw the Union South project through from vision to completion and then moved on to an education policy role for the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
After a few years, I craved more creativity and autonomy, so I made the switch from public to private sector and got a job as a business integration planning specialist for American Family Insurance.
Several years and roles later, I lead a team that catalyzes change and builds the capacity for impact as the community and social Impact investment director for American Family Insurance.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Education Policy
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Education Policy
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate
Education Policy & Public Management
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Education Policy & Public Management
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Career
Community & Social Impact Investment Director
I lead a team that works to close equity and achievement gaps in education and for healthy youth.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Politics
Accomplishing Goals
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
First, identify what you care most about and then find out where your first point of entry into that space is. For some people, that could be joining your student council. For others, that may mean joining a different student organization. The point is to find a space that harnesses like-minded individuals for you to start connecting with and building a point of view. There is a lot of power in students showing up to events or school board meetings and advocating for themselves.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Education Policy
Education Policy
Graduate
Education Policy & Public Management
Education Policy & Public Management
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I need to go to an out-of-state Ivy League school to show off my hard work and be successful."
Challenges I Overcame
Imposter Syndrome
