Maria Brunetta ’24 keeps a close eye on Madison. A local news producer by day, she spends her free time creating content about where to eat, what to do, and what’s happening around the city.
What began as a few social media posts sharing favorite local finds has quickly grown into a trusted guide for young adults navigating life in Madison after college. Brunetta, who studied journalism at UW–Madison, says her appreciation for the city began as a student and only deepened after graduation. “The more I stayed here, the more I absolutely loved it,” she says.
That enthusiasm comes through in her content, covering everything from new restaurants to hidden gems and weekend happenings. While those posts regularly attract new followers, Brunetta says the messages she receives often have less to do with where to go and more to do with finding a place in the community. “I get so many comments and messages asking, ‘How do you meet new people in Madison?’ ” she says.
As her audience continues to grow, Brunetta hopes to bring those connections offline, helping others discover the sense of community that made Madison feel like home.
