Ousmane Kabre named 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the Year

You can't help but be impressed when you read Ousmane Kabre's list of accomplishments at Madison College:

• Student Senate President
• Wisconsin Technical College State Ambassador
• Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
• Karen Roberts Student Life Leadership Award
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Now you can add one more thing to that list - the Wisconsin Technical College System's 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the Year award presented by the District Boards Association.

"In my 25 years at Madison College, I have had the honor of working with many outstanding students—students who have modeled the ideals of the WTCS with integrity, work ethic and great success," said Madison College Provost Turina Bakken, who nominated Ousmane for the award. "Yet, there is one who simply rises above all, in character, in occupational and educational success, in serving our communities and quite literally in changing our world." 

This latest award is just the tip of the iceberg for Ousmane, who fulfilled his dream of coming to the United States from his small home country in West Africa to learn English and better his life. Now his mission is to help others with their dreams.

After going on to receive a Master of Accountancy degree at UW-Madison and beginning a successful career in finance, Ousmane crafted the blueprint for his nonprofit organization Leading Change, where he serves as Founder/CEO. His plan is to bring 24 Leading Change Scholars to Wisconsin from Africa. Some of those students will begin their education at Madison College. In addition, Leading Change has opened an educational center in Africa to help support even more aspiring students.

Ousmane's mission is to transform more than 1,000 young Africans into leaders - and leaders into agents of change - by the year 2030.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Learn more about Madison College's Business Management program and Center for International Education.