Mao Thao
Credentials: she/her
Position title: Leadership Development Specialist
Email: mao.thao@wisc.edu
Website: Schedule an appointment
Phone: 608.890.0006

Areas of Specialty:
Leadership Certificate Program, Educational Leadership and Policy, Event Planning, Curriculum Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Academic Background:
BS in Elementary Education and History – University of Wisconsin-Madison; MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy – University of Toronto
Areas of Interest:
I love gardening, traveling and eating. You can find me pruning and talking to my many houseplants.
Personal Biography:
I’m a Wisconsinite. I grew up in Appleton, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduation, I fulfilled my lifelong goal of becoming a teacher. In addition to my primary job functions, I managed the school garden, creatively extending my students’ learning outside of the classroom. After much consideration, I decided to pursue more schooling at the University of Toronto. During my time there, I worked with the Ministry of Education, revising the curriculum to reflect more Indigenous ways of learning and helping break barriers in the educational system. After graduation, I joined the Center for Leadership and Involvement. I look forward to supporting students in the Leadership Certificate Program and hearing about their unique journeys.
Favorite Quote:
“Noj qab, nyob zoo — Eat well, live well.”
What do you think every student should know about the UW-Madison campus?
If you ever need a break from the snow and your studies, duck into one of the greenhouses on campus for a fresh balmy spring smell.