Building a Career with Smarts, Strategy, and Heart
“I knew Western was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t about being local or affordable; it was about finding a place that aligned with my goals and gave me the tools to succeed.”
—Allysa Boardman, Western graduate
For Alyssa Boardman, a career in human resources is about creating connections and solving problems. Human resources is also about creating spaces where teams thrive, individuals feel valued, and meaningful collaboration drives success. As an HR coordinator at Michaels Energy, she combines strategic thinking with a people-first mindset while balancing organizational goals with the needs of employees. Her path to a fulfilling career began with a bold decision and the opportunities she found at Western Technical College.
Her confidence in choosing Western quickly proved well-founded. Early in her time at Western, Boardman discovered her interest in HR when she just happened to spot a hallway flyer. She thought, “I love working with people and solving problems, and HR brings those things together.” Once she joined the program, she wanted to get the most out of her education and immersed herself in opportunities to join, grow, and lead. Encouraged by her instructors, especially Dan Rooney, she took on leadership roles that expanded her skills and confidence. She was nominated for and then selected as Western’s Student Ambassador. As the Western Ambassador, she represented the college to prospective students by sharing her story and inspiring others to see the value of a technical education in general, and a Western education in particular.
As president of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, she spearheaded impactful projects like a Hmong New Year celebration and career exploration events for local eighth-graders. “These experiences taught me how to lead, communicate effectively, and bring people together to achieve a goal,” she reflects. “They gave me the foundation for how I approach HR today: focusing on connection, collaboration, and empowering others.” Balancing academics, leadership roles, and part-time jobs wasn’t easy, but Boardman credits Western’s supportive environment for helping her succeed. “I worked multiple jobs and still managed a full course load,” she recalls. “It was tough, but Western gave me the tools to balance it all; the scholarships I was awarded helped as well. The instructors brought real-world experience to the classroom and genuinely cared about preparing us for success.”
Graduating from Western in 2018, Boardman transferred to UW-Stout to complete her bachelor’s degree in management with an emphasis in human resources. Western made sure she had the proper credits to transfer; the strong foundation she built at Western carried her through challenging upper-level classes and into her career. “Western wasn’t just a stepping stone—it was a launchpad,” she says. “It gave me the skills, confidence, and focus to succeed both in school and in a career I love.”
Today, Boardman thrives in her role at Michaels Energy, a La Crosse-based consulting firm focused on energy efficiency. Her work spans recruiting, benefits administration, employee engagement, and event planning. “One day, I’m onboarding new hires; the next, I’m planning company events or supporting employees through professional challenges,” she states. “It’s all about creating an environment where people feel valued and connected.”
Boardman’s approach to HR reflects her belief that strong relationships are key to success. “HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about strategy and empathy,” she explains. “When you align people’s needs with organizational goals, the results are incredible. It’s about building trust, solving problems, and making sure every voice is heard.” Her time at Michaels has shown her how impactful a thoughtful, collaborative HR approach can be. By creating environments where people feel supported and connected, Boardman is shaping workplaces that thrive—not just in productivity but in culture and morale.
Looking back, Boardman is proud of her decision to attend Western and the path it set her on. “Western helped me discover what I was capable of,” she says. “It wasn’t just about academics—it was about confidence, growth, and opportunity. It taught me to trust my instincts and take risks, and that’s made all the difference.”
Her advice to others? “Trust yourself and the path that feels right, even if it’s not what others expect. Western gave me the confidence to grow and take on challenges I never imagined. Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you—that’s where the momentum starts.”
From her first bold choice to attend Western to her current role in shaping modern workplaces, Alyssa Boardman’s story is a testament to the power of intention, hard work, and a leadership style that puts people first. Her journey proves that success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about building something better, with purpose, strategy, and heart.