First and Last Name: Bernadette Ericksen
Hometown: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of St. Thomas
Describe Yourself in Three Words: Driven, Optimistic, FUN 😊
Place of Employment and Position: Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Director of Business Client Services
What do you enjoy the most about your current position? I appreciate that my position provides me with the platform to make a positive impact on our community. I find the work challenging and very rewarding.
What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail? Complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development? I have made a ton of valuable professional connections that I otherwise would not have made.
Who or what is your source of professional inspiration? My grandmother, Mary Brickle, has always been an incredible inspiration for me, both personally and professionally. She was the first woman elected to the position of Register of Deeds in Fond du Lac County and served in the position for nearly 20 years. She was a strong-willed, timelessly classy, and kind woman with a good sense of humor. I can only hope to exemplify her attributes in my life.
What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?
- Board of Directors for Girls on The Run
- Board of Directors for The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership
- Planning committee for the Downtown Fond du Lac Night Market
- Planning committee for the YPF Amazing Race
What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area? I love the Kettle Moraine area for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years? I hope to see our community flourishing in 5 years’ time, but it will take continued effort to get there. In recent years I feel there has been a positive momentum happening in Fond du Lac, thanks to many passionate people working to make our community better and better, I hope to see this continue.
What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac? Get involved and do it early on. Be it through YPF or one of them many incredible non-profits in town or what have you, there are so many ways to get engaged in the community and make lasting connections. I am a big believer that you must ‘create the community in which you want to live’, so if there is something you feel is lacking or can be improved, I strongly encourage you to take chance, get involved and help to make it happen.
What is your favorite summer activity in Fond du Lac? Riding my bike downtown to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings.
What’s your guilty pleasure right now? Turtle Sundaes at Gilles!
If you could change the ending of any famous movie, which movie would it be? What would your new ending be? The Goonies…why on earth did they just let that sweet pirate ship sail off into the sunset?! They should have kept that thing around for joy rides!
What is your favorite vacation spot? The U.S. Virgin Islands