Kristi Thorson wins Athena Award for Young Professionals

Kristi Thorson, director of external relations for the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded the Athena Award for Young Professionals. 

This award is given to an emerging leader, age 25 to 40, who serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally and provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community. 

Previously assistant director of state relations in the chancellor’s office, Thorson has more than 10 years of experience in communications and policymaking.

She has been involved with the Wisconsin Idea Project, and has been a visionary for other programs to improve communications between UW employees and students and the state legislature. In her current role with the School of Veterinary Medicine, she develops, implements and plans fundraising programs to engage alumni, businesses and clients of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Thorson serves on the board of directors for the McFarland Youth Center, the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, and has actively participated in the Wisconsin Women Leadership Symposium the past three years.

“Kristi has been a tremendous addition to our advancement group and to the SVM,” says Mark Markel, Vilas Distinguished Service professor and associate dean for advancement. “She clearly has excelled in her field over many years and serves as an important role model for young women in the community.  This award rightly acknowledges her many strengths and contributions to the Madison community.”