During my time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mia Hanekamp founded Moda Magazine, the school's first and only life and style publication. I remember going to the very first UW Fashion Week and covering the event for CollegeFashionista. It was so exciting to be a part of it back then, so I was thrilled to have been invited to the Finale Fashion Show and return as an alum. The talent of these college students is amazing, and it's cool to witness a project that they're so passionate about.

Each day this week, I'll be featuring a different member of the Moda Magazine staff and recapping the fashion show. I'm kicking things off with Meg Rotter, the Editor in Chief of Moda. She's a senior majoring in Journalism and Communication Arts (Rhetorical Sciences), with a certificate in Digital Studies.

Check out my Q&A with Meg to find out more about her and Moda Magazine:

My Midwest Is Showing: What is your role at Moda Magazine, and what does it entail?

Meg Rotter: I am the Editor in Chief of Moda Magazine. Basically, for my role as EIC, I oversee the entire magazine. I run meetings, send out newsletters, oversee the production of two yearly print issues and monthly online issues, manage and help plan UW Fashion Week and help out on miscellaneous day-to-day issues.

MMWIS: What was your role in UW Fashion Week?

MR: For UW Fashion Week, we began planning back in November, choosing venues, scheduling advertisements and booking local retailers and student designers. During UW Fashion Week we have three events: Cocktails & Couture, Swap n' Shop and the Finale Fashion Show. Our Creative Directors, Reilly and Kelsey, have been a godsend when it came to planning the Finale Fashion Show. They have handled nearly all aspects the event, and I'm excited to see all the local retailers and student designers they've booked. 
With Cocktails & Couture, I had the help of my Deputy Editor Claire to pull-off everything we needed for the evening. As one of my favorite events, I made sure we had the venue we wanted, and we were able to book some extremely talented student designers to help liven up the cocktail atmosphere.
For Wednesday's Swap n' Shop, I've had the help of Moda's event coordinators, Anna Olla and Eva Wieland, to help book the room, schedule volunteers and help transport the donated clothes to St. Vincent de Paul. 

MMWIS: What's your dream job?

MR: My dream job is to be the beauty director at a major women's publication. Basically, I want to be Leah Wyar, Cosmo and Seventeen's Executive Beauty Director, when I grow up.

MMWIS: What's your hometown? 

MR: I was born and raised in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.

MMWIS: Why did you choose to go to UW-Madison?

MR: After both my older brother and sister attended UW-Madison, it seemed like a no-brainer. It was close to home, they have an excellent journalism program and who doesn't love cheering for the Wisconsin Badgers?

MMWIS: Favorite thing about the Midwest?

MR: My favorite thing about the Midwest is how friendly the people are. I also really enjoy living in a region where there's four seasons.

MMWIS: How does your Midwest show through your personality and/or what you do?

MR: I'm often told that I have a strong Midwest accent, which is probably the most outward sign of my roots, but I would say my upbringing really influenced my personality and my laid-back nature. I love cheering on the Badgers, heading up north for a weekend at the cabin and I'm a total sucker for deep fried cheese curds and beer.

Don't miss my Q&A with the other staff members of Moda Magazine:

Claire Hornacek, Deputy Editor

Allie Folino, Art Director

Kelsey Daykin, Co-Creative Director

Reilly Koch, Co-Creative Director

Be sure to check out Moda Magazine, and stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!