As we celebrate Black History Month, we also want to celebrate members of our CALS community making history and a difference now and in the future.

Meet Isaac Kabera!

What department do you work with? 

I work in one of the twelve Agricultural Research Stations, the greenhouses based here on campus.

What is your position? 

I am a Research Program Coordinator.

How long have you been at UW? 

I have been here at UW-Madison since February of 1995. I first did a PhD degree in Forest Ecology and Management and Conservation Biology. Two years after my graduation (early 2002), I was hired in CALS as an Assistant Greenhouse Manager. I have assumed this role ever since. The title has recently changed, but the duties stay the same.    

What are you most proud of in your work? 

I enjoy working with plant researchers from across the campus. I feel proud when I see smiling graduate student researchers and their professors getting their anticipated research results on time due to the efforts my colleagues and I invest in making sure they are successful.   

How has your identity shaped the work that you do? 

I was born and grew up in a society where my group is majority. I was blessed to do a Master’s degree in Great Britain before coming here. There I learned quickly how to navigate and work within my space, as a minority. With that experience, I managed to smoothly land and carry my duties. I sometimes saw biases around me. But I brought them up and confronted them head on. They did not slow me in performing my assigned duties. To the contrary.

In what ways can people help celebrate diversity?

By recognizing that, though different, we are all one race: human race, with the same aspirations. Our differences should be considered a God-given wealth for humanity’s betterment.