The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Badger Talks reflects our tradition of the Wisconsin Idea — to extend the resources of the university to citizens of the state.
We are privileged to work with communities throughout Wisconsin, bringing faculty and staff with expertise in a variety of disciplines.
Professional, community, and civic organizations, as well as schools, are invited to request a UW–Madison speaker.
For more information about Badger Talks or help with submitting a request, please contact us at 608-262-3880 or badgertalks@uwmad.wisc.edu. Be sure to find us on Facebook.
Badger Talks is privately funded and is part of the Office of University Relations.
Badger Talks Hub Staff
Fran Puleo
Assistant Director of Outreach Programs
Fran is overseeing the development of UW Connects, a statewide outreach initiative for University Relations. UW Connects includes Badger Talks, Bucky's Classroom, and Wisconsin Ambassadors. She has 15+ years of experience in program development, event management, community and public relations, marketing, and communications. Formerly the Community Relations Manager at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, she served as a spokesperson for the facility, managed events, and developed robust partnerships within the Madison business community. In addition, she previously served as an Outreach Program Manager at UW–Stevens Point. Fran has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois and an MBA in marketing from DePaul University.
Joe Bedermann
Operations Manager - UW Connects
Joe joined the UW Connects team in December 2018 and supports the Badger Talks program in various ways including travel accommodations, expense reimbursements, and new speaker on-boarding. Joe is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business where he majored in Marketing.
Student Interns
Dana Craig
Badger Talks Coordinator
Dana is a sophomore studying Political Science and English. She is primarily interested in human rights centered legal issues and was inspired to follow a legal path when she first read the perspective-altering Just Mercy by the incredible lawyer Bryan Stevenson. After graduating from Madison and attending law school, Dana hopes to serve as a lawyer representing individuals who face unjust barriers to fair legal treatment. As a Badger Talks Intern, she looks forward to connecting with people across Wisconsin and beyond to help UW share its knowledge with our broader community.
Alisha Jones
Badger Talks Coordinator
Alisha is a junior studying Cultural Anthropology and Global Health. She is primarily focused on understanding human rights issues and improving her foreign language skills. Upon graduation, Alisha hopes to land an internship at a governmental or non-profit organization before attending law or graduate school. As a Badger Talks Intern, she enjoys helping bring people together to share knowledge and expertise.
Hailey Laubscher
Badger Talks Digital Media Intern
Hailey is a senior studying Marketing and International Business, and getting a certificate in Digital Studies. She is primarily interested in digital advertising and how the rising use of technology impacts the world around us. After graduation Hailey plans to work for an international company doing digital marketing, with hopes of eventually moving abroad. As a Badger Talks intern, she enjoys connecting UW’s Wisconsin Idea with the wider community to share passion and knowledge.