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 junior 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.
Garrett Halak
Badger Talks Coordinator
Garrett Halak is a sophomore studying Supply Chain Management and Operations & Technology Management. He is passionate about sustainability and enjoys learning about international current events. Garrett hopes to work as a Supply Chain Analyst or enter the field of consulting upon graduation.
Sabine Laliberte
Badger Talks Coordinator
Sabine is a third-year undergraduate studying Psychology and Global Health. She is interested in how mental health impacts overall wellbeing globally and after graduation, hopes to work in the behavioral health sector while pursuing a master's degree in mental health counseling. Sabine would also like to continue her global health experience by working on health programs in Uganda where she studied abroad. She looks forward to furthering the Wisconsin Idea by connecting the community to the many resources Badger Talks has to offer.