NAME: WILL MACHEEL
HOMETOWN: MILWAUKEE, WI
It’s time to meet the first fellow from the Milwaukee office! Born and raised in Milwaukee, Will is excited to be working in the community in which he grew up. Will recently graduated from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a B.S in applied economic and minors in Spanish and Sustainability Studies. At America Works, Will has spent much of his time working with the Ticket to Work Program which is a service for people who receive SSI/ SSDI benefits. He has enjoyed meeting and getting to know the clients involved with this program, and is grateful to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these clients face, as well as the distinct skills and strengths they bring to the labor force. Will is excited to continue working in his community and looks forward to conducting research on generational poverty.
Podcasts Will is Listening to:
The Ezra Klein Show / Critical Value, the Urban Institute
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT WILL:
He was a cattle, goat, and sheep rancher in Ecuador for six weeks!
During his undergraduate studies, Will studied abroad in Ecuador for a semester where he strengthened his Spanish skills, learned more about sustainability, and yes – lived and worked on a sustainable farm where he helped with the cattle, goats, and sheep! Will is grateful for the time he spent learning, working, and living in the beautiful cloud forests of Ecuador.
A BOOK THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON WILL:
“What Are People For?” By Wendell Berry
Will read this book, which takes a look into human life and how people interact with nature, after his time studying abroad in Ecuador. The book tackles many issues with which Will had experience in Ecuador and which can also be applied to his work at America Works, particularly the issue of food insecurity.
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