Band Member Spotlight on Success - Madison Sam, a Future Leader
By LISA NOLAN, COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA SPECIALIST, MILLE LACS CORPORATE VENTURES
In the “Band Member Spotlight on Success” series, we dive into the backstories of hardworking and dedicated Band members that are employed by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures and its subsidiaries. This month, the spotlight is shining bright on an up-and-coming success story — Madison Sam.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities student was the People and Culture summer intern at MLCV. Madison is a double major in American Indian Studies and Ojibwe Language, with hopes of attending law school. Madison was gracious enough to share some insight to her time at the company.
Can you tell us about your role as an intern at MLCV?
As the summer intern for the People and Culture department, I helped with a wide range of projects. I was in charge of creating new swag bags for Associates and new hires, as well as an executive gift bag for special occasions such as work anniversaries or promotions. I also worked on accumulating a list of movies to increase cultural competency. These will be either shown like how we screened the movie “Who We Are” or used in future brave spaces.
What was your biggest accomplishment and/or challenge this summer?
A challenge I had was getting over my nerves when it came to public speaking. I’ve presented in front of people many times before, but I had never been the sole facilitator for an activity.
During the summer, I started working with the Jr. Ambassadors. I spoke with the group several times. We went from a “getting to know you” exercise, to learning MLCV’s values and behaviors, then I presented the MLCV story to them. I ended my time with the Jr. Ambassadors by helping facilitate mock interviews to prepare them for future interviews.
What Leaders/Associates supported you during your internship?
Tawnya Stewart offered me the opportunity to work with MLCV this summer, and I’m very grateful for that. She has been very helpful in giving any resources I needed and has become a wonderful mentor to me. I hope to keep in touch with Tawnya long after my internship.
Also, I have want to give a shout-out to Aarik Robertson and Michael Beattie! I had great conversations with them about my journey through the LSAT and applying to law schools.
As you head back to school, what lessons or takeaways will you bring with you?
My most interesting takeaway would have to be how everyone I’ve met with truly tried to work/live by the values and behaviors. That it’s not something just said to check a box. In my entire time here, I’ve felt respected and encouraged by everyone.
Graduation is less than a year away! Where do you see yourself in the working world?
I would love to come back and work for MLCV in the future. It would be great to work on DEI initiatives with People and Culture or in the legal department.
More about junior ambassadors and interns at MLCV:
Every year, MLCV hosts students, junior ambassadors, and interns. The students who participate in the program are given the experience and tools needed to bridge the gap from an educational setting to the corporate world. The program also provides the opportunity for students to meet the changemakers in the organization and form long-lasting mentorships, like Madison has with Tawnya Stewart. We cannot wait to see what Madison accomplishes next!
