A Leader Who’s Making a Difference

Amanda Marek ‘13 always had a passion for training and competing. As a student at North Central, she ran on the Cardinal women’s cross country and track and field teams while majoring in business administration and entrepreneurship and minoring in finance.

After graduation, she parlayed her passion into a career. Marek is the executive director of Active Youth Wisconsin, a nonprofit in Madison, Wis., that creates opportunities for children to be active, healthy and confident. Of her work, she said: “I wake every day up saying: ‘I get to do this!’”

In recognition of her leadership and impact on the community, Marek was recently named to the “2025 Women to Watch” list by Brava, a regional publication in Madison. She also was recognized by InBusiness Magazine as a “Forty Under 40” business leader in the Madison region. The publication cited her success in transforming Active Youth Wisconsin by capitalizing on its strengths, broadening its reach, and streamlining its operations.

Marek said her time on campus shaped who she is today. “At North Central, I learned to be part of a community, to contribute to a collective goal while surrounding yourself with people who make you better. I’ve taken that into every part of my life. I’m grateful for North Central and for all my experiences there!”