Madelyn Wargowski recently joined our team as Development & Administrative Assistant. No stranger to Public Advocates, Madelyn previously worked with us in 2014 as interim Administrative Assistant. As a transplant to the Bay Area, Madelyn enjoys spending her free time outdoors — as you will read — often on her bike saddle.
Welcome to your new role Madelyn!
Q: Why did you decide to join Public Advocates?
Madelyn: My interest in event planning was sparked by a summer internship with the Chamber of Commerce in my hometown helping plan the local fall festival. I loved watching the event come together and saw how each task I was given fit into the bigger picture. That interest was steered towards non-profit fundraising events through my participation in events held by the American Cancer Society and the National MS Society. When, now coworker, Jesse White told me there was an opportunity for me to get involved with event planning for Public Advocates, the decision was already made.
Q: What do you find satisfying about your field?
Madelyn: My work is driven by that moment at an event where you look around the room and realize you’re surrounded by people who are excited to be there and passionate about the reason behind it. That moment drives all of the work done throughout the year to connect with donors, to maintain the organization’s relationship with them and get them excited to come celebrate with us at our Voices of Conscience Celebration. With each project along the way, it is very rewarding to be involved in the entire process — from the excitement around the idea of a project, the work involved in executing it, seeing the outcome of that work and the impact it had on both our donors and our organization.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Madelyn: Anything outdoors! One of the many perks of working at Public Advocates is getting to start and end my day on my bike. For me, there are few things more satisfying than seeing the world from my bicycle seat. It is a way to be in your own space while still feeling so connected to the world around you.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
Madelyn:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
– Hunter S. Thompson
