Why Alumni Choose to Live in Madison, WI, Region
What makes the Madison Region a community that people want to stay and put down roots in after they graduate from college? Two locals detail what made them decide to live in Madison and the surrounding communities after graduation.
Genia Stevens: Loving Life in Beloit
Genia Stevens grew up in Georgia and enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school. Later, an acquaintance suggested she and her family check out Beloit, and they liked it so much they decided to stay. Stevens got degrees in English, creative writing and political science from Beloit College in 2000. Along with sitting on the County Board of Supervisors, she is the founder and executive director of Rock County Jumpstart, a nonprofit aimed at empowering Black and other minority entrepreneurs.
Genia Stevens
Are there particular groups or organizations that initially helped you plug into the community?
I joined several chambers in the Rock County area when I started building my business years ago. Today, the Beloit NAACP and the Concerned Black Citizens of Beloit are great organizations that help me stay connected to the communities that Rock County Jumpstart serves.
I wanted to find organizations that I wanted to feel attached to.
What are the hidden gems or other unique aspects of Beloit that you think more people should know about?
The Merrill Community Sharing Garden, located in the Merrill Neighborhood, is a space dedicated to providing fresh produce while fostering community involvement and preserving natural biodiversity. It serves as a hub for engagement and connection within the neighborhood.
The Beloit Public Library is a dynamic community center offering a wide range of resources, from books and digital media to free programs for all ages, aimed at fostering learning and creativity. With modern amenities like a coffee shop, study rooms and spaces for community gatherings, the library emphasizes accessibility and innovation to meet the needs of Beloit’s diverse population.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering moving to Beloit?
If you’re planning to move to Beloit, visit the city and learn more about our community. Attend one of the many community events or festivals that happen throughout the year. Explore every corner of the city, visiting restaurants and small businesses, so you can chat with the locals.
This will help you learn more about the people of Beloit. It’s the people of a community who create the place you want to belong.
Maggie Brickerman: Happy to Return to Madison
Maggie Brickerman grew up in Madison and initially went out of state for college, but missed Madison so much she returned her sophomore year, transferring to the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She graduated with a degree in political science in 2008 before entering the city’s vibrant political scene, working as a campaign manager. In 2014, she left politics and cofounded Gener8tor, a startup accelerator.
Are there particular groups or organizations that initially helped you plug into the community?
It depends on what stage of life you’re in. Younger people might want to get involved in our great sports organizations. We have the country’s largest intramural Ultimate Frisbee league. Fitness is a great way to meet people. My husband and I are members of the Madison Curling Club, which is an amazing way to pass the winter. The Madison Magnet is an active young professionals association. My social network has grown a lot since I have school-aged kids, too.
What are the hidden gems or other unique aspects of Madison that you think more people should know about?
We have a great music scene here! Shows that used to go to Chicago would bypass Madison and go to Minneapolis, but we’re getting a lot more shows now at The Sylvee.
There are more cool places for music lovers, too. On the east side, there’s The Bur Oak, and its owner just bought a new place called Atwood Music Hall that’s a former temple and will be a more intimate venue when it opens.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering moving to Madison?
I would tell people to visit because it’s full of surprises. For me, it’s hard to know the feel of a place without going there. Madison is small enough that if you come for a weekend, you can get a good sense of the city. It’s a really lovely place.
