Tatiana Radia Baowend-Puire Nikiema

• Hometown: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• Languages Spoken: English and French
• Intended Major(s): Agronomy or Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Intended Certificate(s): Development Economics or Agricultural Business Management

Q and A with Tatiana

1. Are there specific issues in poverty alleviation or development that you would like to work on or are currently addressing?

The essence of my educational experience is centered on learning and developing myself in a way that I can return to Burkina and work towards alleviating the issue of hunger, which is inherently linked to poverty, lack of sovereignty for the population, as well as several other global issues I care deeply about, such as the lack of education and proper healthcare. Food is such a fundamental aspect of our lives that I have come to the conclusion that, in order to help my people, it is essential that I first ensure they can feed themselves. Only then can we work together to address the other pressing issues of our time.

2. Why is being a King-Morgridge Scholar important to you?

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is truly unique. It fosters a strong community which values diversity, and recognizes that even in regions often labeled as “less developed”, there are people with dreams, potential, goals, and ambition. This program empowers us to become the driving force for the change we want to see in our countries, pushing us to transcend limitations and challenge the status quo. To me, being a King-Morgridge Scholar holds immense significance because I wholeheartedly believe that every student in this program will leave behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

3. Why is having the King-Morgridge Scholars Program at UW-Madison important to the institution, state, and world?

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The King-Morgridge Scholars Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers young individuals access to something invaluable: the right to an education. Through this program, it cultivates young leaders, equipping them with the tools to make an impact within the walls of the UW-Madison campus and beyond, as each student goes to forge their unique path. Investing in education is, therefore, an investment in building a better, more sustainable world for UW-Madison, the state, and all those involved. Through its dedication to supporting younger generations in becoming more globally-aware citizens and changemakers, the King-Morgridge Scholars Program stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of this ideal.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?

I love cooking for people. I have done it so much at home that it has become a passion, stress reliever, and a great source of joy and satisfaction for me. I also enjoy learning new recipes from different people. I feel like cooking – and just food in general – tends to bring people together, and it is that spirit of communion that I enjoy the most in this activity.

5. What is your favorite thing about Madison?

I love the fact that Madison is a small city that has the campus embedded in it. I like it that I can see familiar faces almost every day, and greet people as I walk to class every morning; it just makes me happy.