Spotlight on Taylor Stofflet

12 Questions with Taylor

I am a lifelong Madison area resident—I was raised in De Forest and have lived in downtown Madison for most of my adult life. Growing up, my parents instilled an immense pride in our beautiful, active, curious city. The more time I spend here, the more I appreciate our history and architecture, which the Madison Trust has helped me discover through their many fascinating neighborhood tours. I also have the Madison Trust to thank for introducing me to the historic condo building that would eventually become my home!

Professionally, I am currently the Director of Development for Scholarships and Student Support with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA). In this role, I partner with UW’s Financial Aid Office to connect donors and alumni with giving opportunities that support undergraduate students through scholarships and other aid initiatives. Previously, I was a major gifts officer with The Nature Conservancy’s Wisconsin Chapter. In my free time, I love to travel, spend time in nature, and connect with family and friends at favorite local places.

It’s been fun getting to combine my love of Madison with my passion for connecting with supporters in my role on the Madison Trust’s Development Committee. I am honored to now serve on the Board!

1.    What three traits define you?

Having an enthusiasm for seeing and learning new things, getting joy in forming authentic connection with others, being considerate and understanding

2.    What is your personal philosophy? 

Be kind. Be curious. Be present.

3.    What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Going for daily walks. They bring me a sense of peace and clarity and help me better appreciate my surroundings.

4.    What are you listening to/reading these days?

I love listening to so many different podcasts! 10 percent Happier is one of my favorites that I’ve been listening to for years. Recently, I’ve found Amy Poehler’s Good Hang to be a nice, easy listen that always brightens my mood.

5.    What is the one thing you cannot resist? (food/dessert/candy/etc.)

Matcha latte!

6.    Where is your favorite place to be?

It feels impossible to choose just one place, but when I want a nearby getaway, Door County is the easy choice!

7.    Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

Galapagos Islands. It is such a surreal place with an incredible history and array of wildlife to admire. It was also the first big trip I took out of the country. Needless to say, I completely caught the travel bug after that!

8.    What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

I once had a lab research technician job where I picked up pig hearts from a butcher shop every week. They all knew me as the “heart guy” there.

9.    What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

I love that people are looking for ways to reactivate old spaces in a way that recognizes history while adding new life to the space to bring people/the community together (e.g., Garver Feed Mill, The Tinsmith, the historic train depot where Bandit Tacos & Coffee is)

10.    If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

A travel guide or something in the travel industry

11.    What inspires you and why?

Human connection. I love getting to learn from others and share in their enthusiasm for the things they care about most.

12.    What do you think people should know about the Madison Trust?

The Trust offers a unique way to better connect with the city of Madison, whether you are a visitor or a local. I feel like I know Madison pretty well, but my understanding of the city and our history expands so much with every tour I take.