From a young age, Madeline felt the pull of nonprofit service. Inspired by childhood experiences helping at outreach events through her mother’s work at Johns Hopkins University, she quickly learned the power of community support. “I loved seeing how much of a difference those events made in people’s lives,” she recalls. That early exposure ignited a passion that only deepened over the years.
When it came time to fulfill community service hours in high school, Madeline naturally turned to organizations like Meals on Wheels, the Humane Society, and her longtime connection at Johns Hopkins. These formative experiences made one thing clear: nonprofits fill essential gaps in our society. “They provide support and resources that people often can’t get anywhere else, and that stuck with me,” she shares.
Two women stand out as major inspirations in her journey, her mom and her sister. “They’ve always been the type of people who step up when someone needs help—no hesitation, no questions asked,” she says. Following in their footsteps, Madeline found herself drawn to roles rooted in kindness, compassion, and action.
At Salisbury University, that calling has taken shape through her work with Tri Community Mediation (TCM). What began as an internship last summer has grown into a meaningful AmeriCorps position, where she now serves as the Intake and Mediation Specialist with a focus on the Re-entry program in ECI. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience and has only deepened my passion for this field in ADR,” she says.
Her academic path has also been marked by inspiring mentors and practical learning. Dr. Bown’s Nonprofit Communication class played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue the CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) credential. “She taught us so much practical, useful information about working in the nonprofit world—it just made sense to pursue it,” Madeline explains. She also credits professors like Dr. Polkinghorn, Dr. Boudreau, and Prof. LaChance for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout her time at SU.
For Madeline, nonprofit work isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. “Nonprofit work really matters—it steps in where other systems fall short,” she reflects. “At the end of the day, it’s about service and equity. I truly believe it makes communities stronger.”
Written by Michael Russ, Sophomore at Salisbury University