Lindsay Franklin named BTC Ambassador

To say Lindsay Franklin is an involved Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) student is an understatement. As a student, Franklin will soon complete two degrees – Business Management and Supply Chain Management. In addition, she works in the Registration office, is the president of Business Professionals of America, executive vice president of Student Government, a peer mentor, and serves BTC as a student ambassador. For all of her efforts, Franklin was honored with 15 other students at a banquet recognizing student ambassadors from the Wisconsin Technical College system. The awards banquet, held in Madison on April 18, recognized Franklin and her peers for embodying what it means to be a successful technical college student.

“It’s an honor to represent Blackhawk Technical College,” Franklin said. “From the first class I took to the program I am in now; the experience has been amazing.”

Six years ago, Franklin started at BTC and ended up leaving when she had her second child. As a mother of a five-year-old and a new baby, Franklin decided her education plans would have to wait. “I started my own business, making and selling gourmet cheesecakes. I used my friend’s commercial-grade kitchen to bake and did quite well.” But Franklin always knew eventually she would head back to school and pursue a degree in business.

As she works to complete her Business Management degree, Franklin is also working towards a Supply Chain Management degree, a program new to BTC and one which Franklin feels will give her the edge she needs. “I’m a very hands-on person and I like a fast-paced environment,” Franklin said. “I like to be engaged with what I’m doing and a career in supply chain management meets those needs.” 

Franklin credits her instructors at BTC for giving her the encouragement she needs to continue pursuing her goals as juggling motherhood, a job and classwork can be challenging. “Whenever I would doubt myself or when life would get in the way, I always had BTC people cheering me on and asking what they could do to help,” said Franklin. “At BTC, it’s about so much more than just coming to class and getting your degree, it’s about community and helping everyone succeed. If you put in the effort and want to succeed, the help is there.”

As a student ambassador, Franklin helps BTC with awareness initiatives, speaking engagements, touring prospective students, and helping mentor new students. She was chosen as BTC’s state ambassador by completing a rigorous selection process that included interviews, a presentation and written statement about why she would best serve BTC in the role.

After graduation, Franklin plans on continuing her education at UW Madison or Whitewater. If there’s one thing she would like to get across to her fellow BTC students, it would be to take advantage of everything BTC has to offer. “Your time at BTC doesn’t have to be just about education,” Franklin said. “There are so many opportunities, networking, incredible conferences, and extra programs that are offered here. Take advantage of everything and if you think you don’t have time I like to say, ‘If I can figure it out, then you can figure it out!’”