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Shayna Hetzel

Shayna Hetzel

American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact

Madison, WI USA

"Never give away your power and voice."

Career Roadmap

Shayna's work combines: Education, Politics, and Accomplishing Goals

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Day In The Life

Community & Social Impact Investment Director

I lead a team that works to close equity and achievement gaps in education and for healthy youth.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Education Policy

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Graduate Degree

    Education Policy & Public Management

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Community & Social Impact Investment Director:

Bachelor's Degree: Education Policy

Graduate Degree: Education Policy & Public Management

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • 2.

    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.

  • 3.

    During my junior year of college, I changed my major from chemistry to education policy.

  • 4.

    I earned my bachelor’s degree and then continued on to earn my master’s degree in education policy and public management.

  • 5.

    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.

  • 6.

    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.

  • 7.

    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.

  • 8.

    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.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    I need to go to an out-of-state Ivy League school to show off my hard work and be successful.

  • How I responded:

    In high school, I thought going to an Ivy League school was the cap-off to working hard and doing well in school. However, I ended up going to our public state university in Wisconsin. At first I was disappointed and embarrassed. But I realize now that it was ultimately the right place for me to learn and grow. I had the opportunity and flexibility to try a lot of things, switch my major, and get to know my state in a more critical way. Looking back, there wasn't a better path I could've taken.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • My biggest obstacle is imposter syndrome. To combat this, I think it's very important to find the right things that ground you and center your focus and belief in yourself. It's also important to surround yourself with people who believe in you.