From Texas to Milwaukee

When Maggie Wilmot, a senior majoring in public health from Houston, Texas, was looking for colleges, she knew she wanted to experience living in a new region of the United States.

“I came to Alverno and Milwaukee because I wanted the opportunity to play Division III softball,” says Wilmot. “I also wanted to be in a city with opportunities related to my major. Alverno also had one of the few softball teams I saw that had other Hispanic girls on the team. I appreciated seeing the diversity that Alverno offers, not only on the softball field, but on campus.”

At Alverno, Wilmot received a Dean’s Scholarship, funded by the Texas Alumnae Association.

“My scholarship has made it more affordable for me to attend college out of state and has also helped my parents with both my and my brother’s college education,” she says.

Wilmot’s goal after graduation in December 2024 is to pursue a master’s degree and a career in community engagement and advocacy. She is taking steps towards that by getting involved in many Milwaukee area organizations. As a student ambassador at Dismas Ministry, Wilmot works on projects that involve nonprofit management and helping with outreach materials that are sent to individuals in prison. At Dyslexia Achievement Center, she works as an administrative assistant. Wilmot also has had several internships.

“Last summer, I did an internship with the Wisconsin Area Health Educators. As part of that internship, I had a health immersion experience working with and learning from the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians that are located on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation. I learned how their health system is different from the ones we experience in our lives today,” she says.

This semester, Wilmot is completing an internship at Milwaukee Riverkeeper, an organization that advocates for clean rivers, which includes making sure they are swimmable, fishable and drinkable for the Milwaukee community. Specifically, Wilmot does work for Plastic-Free MKE, which is a coalition that advocates for limiting plastic use around the city of Milwaukee.

“All of these experiences are helping me to become who I want to be,” says Wilmot. “My internships, classroom experiences and the 8 Abilities at Alverno have helped me grow into a leader and find who I am in the professional world. As an Alverno student, I have become more comfortable and confident. I am excited to graduate this December and see what the future holds.”