Heather Ferguson is a multipotentialite who has had a variety of roles in her career. She’s been a journalist, group fitness instructor, breakfast operations coordinator for the Dane County Farmers’ Market, recruiter, and curricular specialist—to name a few. 

Heather worked with UW Madison’s SOAR (new student orientation) program for 5 years, and in collegiate orientation for 10 years total. Through that experience, she has learned that empowerment often comes from a combination of embracing curiosity, connecting with a community, and embracing being a perpetual beginner. Today, Heather helps entrepreneurs and small business owners transition to new stages of their careers in her Program Manager role at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). There, she curates courses that help small business owners start, grow, and manage their businesses. 

Heather believes that solving today’s complex problems requires an interdisciplinary approach and cross-cultural dialogue, and she enjoys helping people examine how they can use their unique gifts to serve larger goals. As a Young Nonprofit Professionals Network board member, she also enjoys connecting young professionals with opportunities that can help them grow their careers.