Alumni Spotlight: Madilyn Pawlowski

A graduate's journey from a local upbringing to a successful career in the sports industry has become an inspiration for aspiring professionals and fellow students. Madilyn Pawlowski, a former undergraduate student at Milgard that studied Business Administration and Marketing, shares her experiences, challenges, and the transformative moments that have shaped her into a positive force within her community and the sports world.

Growing up on the border between Des Moines and Federal Way, Madilyn had always been aware of UWT. However, she never envisioned herself attending college there.

"What ended up drawing me to UWT was the level of education combined with the small class sizes and sense of community and togetherness." - Madilyn Pawlowski

As a transfer student, she found UWT to be the perfect fit that allowed her to excel academically while feeling seen and supported in the classroom.

Driven by a deep desire to represent her community in the south sound region, Madilyn strives to be a positive role model for young individuals. Being a lifelong resident of the area, she wants to inspire others by proving that success and high achievement can be attained without leaving their hometown. As a young woman passionate about the sports industry, Madilyn aims to break barriers and become a positive representative for aspiring female professionals in the field.

Throughout her college years, Madilyn faced various challenges. Being a first-generation college student, she had to navigate the unfamiliar territory of post-secondary education independently. Initially, her goal of graduating in three years was met with skepticism. However, with the support of her counselor, Kerry Barker, who encouraged her to pursue her aspirations, and the unwavering support of her family, Madilyn overcame these challenges and charted her own path to success.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unforeseen hurdle during Madilyn's time at UWT. Adapting to online learning was a significant adjustment, but she credits the exceptional professors at UWT for seamlessly transitioning and ensuring a quality educational experience. Despite the loss of time on campus, Madilyn's determination to achieve her academic goals remained unscathed, thanks to the resilience she developed in the face of adversity.

While at UWT, Madilyn pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus on marketing. Her passion for marketing strategy was ignited in Sports Marketing and Consumer Marketing courses. The knowledge she gained from these classes still resonates in her current role in corporate partnerships marketing.

In her role, she stated, "One highlight I have .. is leading the Legends Program with our partners at Starbucks. Honoring women who are making strides in WA state communities is not only inspiring to our fans and players but also to me personally."

Reflecting on the moments that shaped her as an individual, Madilyn emphasizes the profound impact of several influential figures. Kerry Barker, her counselor, provided unwavering support and believed in her goals, guiding her through the twists and turns of her educational journey. Professors Stan Emert and Luna Zhang played pivotal roles in her growth. Professor Emert's Sports Marketing course laid a valuable foundation for her sports career, while Professor Zhang's support during the challenging period of online learning left a lasting impression.

Madilyn's family has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout her educational journey. Their unwavering belief in her abilities has propelled her forward, providing guidance, inspiration, and problem-solving assistance whenever she needed it.

Madilyn's entrance into the sports industry began with a part-time position on the inaugural promotions team for the Seattle Kraken, fondly known as the "Sea Squad." The experience solidified her passion for the field, and when she came across a job posting for OL Reign partnerships, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to make her mark. The progressive and inclusive nature of OL Reign, coupled with their commitment to sustainability, resonated with her deeply. In her role in Partnerships, Madilyn leverages her background in marketing, sports, and sales to make a difference in the South Sound community.