Nonprofits and Education
President
Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee
Vicki Martin leads Milwaukee Area Technical College, the state’s largest technical college, with more than 25,000 students. In recent years, Martin has overseen the launch and expansion of MATC Promise, a public-private partnership that provides free tuition to eligible students. Martin is also on the steering committee of the Higher Education Regional Alliance, the collaborative representing southeastern Wisconsin’s colleges and universities.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s, University of North Dakota and Cardinal Stritch University; doctorate, UW-Madison
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
"My very first job was a work-study job in high school as part of their program. I was the first female to participate in it, and I was in the secretarial science program in high school."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"One of my supervisors asked me to take on a job that I had not done before. When I expressed reservations about being able to succeed, he asked, "You can learn, can't you?" He also said he thought I should complete my Ph.D. as well."
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
"Mary Barra, the first female CEO of General Motors, because she was appointed CEO the same year I became president (of MATC) and worked her way up in the company from a co-op position there when she was 18 years old. She has worked to change the culture at her company to one of transparency and improved teamwork as well as having a humble leadership style. I would like to talk to her about that journey since I worked my way up in our organization over the past 35 years and it would be a fascinating dinner conversation.
"Another leader in the non-profit, education, public service area would be Michelle Obama. I have read her book and have numerous questions to ask about her life since she wrote it. She was an associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago and was the vice president for community and external affairs for the Medical Center in Chicago. I would look forward to her talking about raising a family and making a difference in her local and national initiatives around health and poverty."
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
"'Dare to Lead' by Brene Brown. It is full of great research about vulnerability and its importance to leadership practice as well as developing skills in empathy and compassion at a time when we are so siloed and divided."
What's your hobby/passion?
"Right now I am working on learning better painting techniques. I was an art major my first year in college and I am now getting back into my first passion."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Cafe Manna, since I have been a vegan/vegetarian for the past three years for health reasons and it has made a difference. I usually order their soups, salads and sandwiches depending on the specials."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"I would share my stories of giving credit where it's due and celebrating wins: supporting others who need help along the way; acting with integrity, especially when no one is watching; learning and growing constantly."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Our response to the pandemic - the agility and resilience we demonstrated to respond to a series of never before seen issues that impacted our whole college. We did scenario planning, implemented "Integration teams" to deal with the daily change issues in all areas of our college, and set up a Health and Safety team to make recommendations. We were able to safely conduct classes, implement a technology plan for students and faculty for remote learning as well as implement a flexible work arrangement policy. We also worked on a health and wellness plan for our students and employees. We are prepared and ready to respond quickly to other crises based on our experience and positive outcomes."
