Madison Reporter

Madison College student Maggie Groshan gained practical experience in the field of civil rights through an internship with the City of Madison. Groshan, who became blind due to a medical condition in her teens, is committed to alleviating obstacles for others.

Groshan explained her decision to join the Department of Civil Rights as part of the first cohort of WolfPack PAID students, saying, "Working with the department was a foot-in-the-door opportunity and a great thing to put on my resume. Of course, I want to help others with disabilities and ensure they are treated well and have access to the resources they deserve."

Her supervisor described her as "very passionate, fearless, and driven," noting her eagerness to volunteer for tasks, ask insightful questions, and complete assignments promptly. Groshan managed various projects during her internship, including developing a resource booklet for low-income individuals and assisting in a proposal for accessible garden bed tables.

On the impactful aspects of her internship, Groshan shared, "I learned how much work and time it takes to start and get a government project approved and how to write a policy proposal."

Groshan first attended Edgewood College before moving to Madison College, where she found support from Disability Resource Services. She highlighted the assistance of Kevin Carini, who ensured she had all necessary materials, including braille books for in-person classes.

When asked about her unique abilities, Groshan emphasized her empathy and life experiences, saying, "For those who struggle, whether it is someone with a disability, being homeless, or from a different culture, that is something that I can relate to a degree."

Groshan is set to graduate with a human services associate degree in May 2025. She advises others with disabilities to pursue higher education: "There is help out there, and as scary as it is, the best thing you can do is self-advocate."

For further details on the Madison College WolfPack Paid program, interested employers can reach out by calling (608) 243-4598 or emailing careerandemployment@madisoncollege.edu.