Abbi Stickels (she/her/they/them) is an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Abbi serves as the Social Justice Education Specialist at the university, where she has developed a passion for student affairs and elevating a sense of belonging for all students on campus. Abbi is a versatile artist, practitioner, and researcher, with a primary focus on diversity, inclusion, and education in both dance and education. Balancing her roles as a freelance artist and an advocate for social justice, Abbi strives to unite communities, audiences, and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and diverse society.
Alongside her professional careers Abbi is currently pursuing a MS in Higher Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Abbi’s academic journey explores the intersection of arts and education, with a particular focus on the benefits of arts integration on a sense of belonging in higher education. Her research also delves into the transformative power of dance in shaping social identities and self-perceptions, especially for transracial adoptees.
Passionate about merging the worlds of art and advocacy, Abbi finds fulfillment in both disciplines and continually seeks opportunities to intertwine them, creating a space where creativity and equity intersect.