MIAD student finds strength, community in activism
Despite frigid temperatures on January 19, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design senior Lizzie Wahlen (Communication Design) joined in Milwaukee’s “The People’s Rights and Progressive Policies March,” which she co-organized with a friend.
“It was very inspiring,” Wahlen says. “There were rows of cars backed up from the protestors in the streets, and yet many of them honked in support and rolled down their windows cheering for our causes. It felt like the community was coming together in these tough times and was a great reminder of the power we have when we put our differences aside and work as one.
“I remember tearing up, and my friend Connie – the main organizer – definitely cried. Emotions were high and we felt supported despite the world feeling so scary.”
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
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Peter A. Wagner, “Milwaukee People’s March 2025.” Image courtesy of Peter A. Wagner.
Wahlen says that “from both [her Service Learning] class and this experience, it’s made me feel like a part of something much bigger than myself, and community is so important.”
The march was not without its challenges, says Wahlen. “[W]e needed street marshals to ensure the safety of protestors. Thankfully, by working with RJAM, Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee, we had a great turnout of trained and enthusiastic street marshals to direct traffic.
“We also needed to make lots of minor changes to where we were stopping, finding speakers and how long the walk would take. Due to the weather and protestors who would have had a hard time with inclines, we altered the route to better fit the needs of the people.”
The march isn’t the only project keeping Wahlen busy this year. “I have quite a few exciting things going on,” she says. “My thesis project is a fight scene animation focusing on an angel who must conquer a beast to save the jungle. I want to focus on dynamic camera movements and improving my animation skills as I don’t have much experience.
“As far as client work, I made a card game called Little Demons that is finally out! It was released at the Midwinter Gaming Convention in January and will be hitting shelves somewhat soon! After I graduate, I will continue working with Anvil 8 Games, a local game company, to create another card game or expansion!”
Wahlen transferred to MIAD after an initial start at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2020. “As scared as I was to attempt going to school again, I decided to give it a shot,” Wahlen says. “Here I am four years later with a couple months left until graduation!”
View more photos by Peter A. Wagner from the Milwaukee People’s March. Learn more about MIAD’s Communication Design major and Service Learning program.
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