Brittany Bakken-Gottscholk
Britt Gottschalk is a volunteer at the East Madison Community Center. Originally from Milwaukee, she started her involvement within the community at age 7 by frequently volunteering at a soup kitchen near her childhood home. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, her career focus was in the non-profit sector, working with children who were on the Autism Spectrum and mentally disabled youth in foster care. Since obtaining her Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Industrial-Organizational Psychology, her clientele has shifted into the for-profit sector but desires to utilize the skill set she has to increase program effectiveness within the EMCC.
Get to know Britt better
Why is the work that you do important to the Madison community? Why is it important for you?
I am in this society, so everything that I do impact others. Therefore, my interactions within the community are important to me.
What is your vision for Madison?
To move from this culture of tolerance for people of color to acceptance.
When you look back over your whole life – What experiences have shaped you as a woman? and Why?
I would argue that every hardship that I’ve faced and successes that I’ve obtained have shaped me as a woman. Growing up, my home and family life was difficult, but I learned that by working hard and having a goal that you wanted to achieve daily made me understand makes life a little bit easier.
What are some of your practices of resilience? Who did you learn this from and how are these helpful in times of challenge?
My number one practice of resilience is to journal. Writing is such a healthy way to express the challenges or triumphs that a person may face every day and a great way to clear the mind. I learned this in school in second grade when we had to journal our thoughts.
What are some of the things you enjoy the most in life? What keeps you inspired, re-charged and brings you joy?
I love running, hiking, biking, reading, journaling, taking my dog to the park, traveling wherever I can, and being surrounded by an amazing company. Balancing my time between these activities makes me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day!
When you think of your life journey unfolding, Who do you see yourself becoming?
I want to be a professional that helps people within the personal aspects of their lives. In addition to becoming more involved with the community, I genuinely want to help others regardless of if it is in my professional and personal life. I grew up in Milwaukee surrounded by a lot of individuals in need, and that made me want to do what I can to help them.
