35 under 35
Kali Madden Theta Zeta - University of Akron
Content Coordinator, Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co.
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Belonging
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
When I graduated college in 2021, I did not believe that I would be working as a graphic designer/ content coordinator. I had lost my passion for it and was looking at additional degree programs for an entirely different path. In August 2021, I stumbled onto an internship opportunity for my current company, and decided to give it one last chance. It was from there on that I gained valuable skills and met incredible women who were in positions I wanted to be in. The more I’ve grown and learned while doing the job, and doing diverse aspects of the job the more I grew to love it, I felt empowered by the fact that I had great role models and a runway to grow as a woman in the industry.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
Anne Graffice and I grew up fairly similar. She came from a public school system in a smaller town that was relatively underfunded. She grew up understanding how hard work pays off thanks to her mother. She has worked in plenty of male dominated spaces while never allowing that to hinder her progress. She has taught me the value of speaking up and how worthy I am of being in these spaces.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
You should strive to make a powerful and brilliant impression, but remember an occasional question or clarification doesn’t discount your abilities.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
Being part of professional organizations like American Advertising Federation and attending networking events in many aspects. Keeping an open door for conversations and opportunities.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I have three sisters in particular who have been behind me from every step big or small in my journey. Cailitn Ross Dishman encouraged me in our first year of art school together to join Delta Zeta, thus starting our friendship on a deeper level. She kept me level-headed and on the right path when I believed I should quit. She guided me all the way to graduation. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding, and we still talk weekly about the ins and out of being designers. Shonna Faust is a sister I speak to on a daily basis, who is also a graphic designer, and has encouraged and cheered for me since day one. Melena Albaugh, my little and platonic soulmate, has seen the good, bad and ugly of starting my career.She has never waivered from showing me my worth.
The connection of being a DZ within my company and my community has allowed me to have a broad reach to many and allowed me to connect with the hard work and time commitment and dedication it takes to be in my career.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Photography