mental health court for people who want to do that [are worthwhile].” Watching people who society turned their backs on change their lives and find joy in recovery is Madison’s favorite part of her job. “I had the opportunity to hire one of our [prison diversion program] graduates in 2019 to work as a peer on our team,” Madison recalled. “We now have a team of eight graduates — soon to be 17 — that work as Recovery Navigators. They are my favorite coworkers, and it is a daily reminder of why I do what I do.” However, Madison said the hardest aspect of her job is something she encounters a great deal — seeing potential in people that they don't see in themselves "and watching them self-sabotage," Madison confessed. "Also, representing clients that are going to prison, fentanyl and overdose deaths, and having too many ideas for change that the system isn’t ready to support," Madison added. But if Madison is anything, it’s tenacious and wholeheartedly devoted to her clients — leadership qualities she gained while a member of the Phi Chapter at Oklahoma where she served as the director of finance and the vice president of programming and education (VPPE). Thinking back on her undergraduate years, Madison recalled Alpha Phi immediately making her feel at home and like she could be herself. “I felt I would be supported in my interests and goals, and I was right,” Madison expressed. The leadership development Madison experienced as a chapter officer, along with the support and development she received as a volunteer during law school, made a long- lasting impact on Madison and her future career as a public servant. “[While I was working as a volunteer during law school,] I was across the country [from home] and didn’t know anyone other than my new classmates — except an educational leadership consultant (ELC) from my time in college who was the chapter advisor at George Mason University,” Madison recalled. “I had the opportunity to reconnect with her and get to know another group of amazing Alpha Phis as the recruitment advisor.” While living in D.C. for law school, Madison served as the recruitment advisor at George Mason and the finance advisor at Virginia Tech. “It was an amazing balance to studying and a connection to a group of women who weren't just talking about law school stuff,” Madison shared. “I had the opportunity to work with amazing leaders — both members and fellow volunteers — [and] it had a huge impact on how I transitioned from a student leader to how I found my place as a ‘grown up.’ I'm looking forward to getting back involved at OU in the next few months.”
Madison with her now 4-year-old daughter, Willow
Thinking back on her journey to where she is now in her career, Madison said she knew from the time she was a child that she wanted to be a lawyer; so, following through on all of that talk seemed “inevitable,” even just to show everyone that she meant what she had been saying all along. “I knew there were injustices in the criminal legal system, but when I started digging in during law school, I was horrified and drawn to do whatever my small part could be to change things,” Madison explained. “I was able to participate in the Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic at Georgetown and learn from Professor Abbe Smith, who is a bit of a legal giant in this space. After that, my fate was sealed. It is a privilege and honor to work with my clients throughout their time in treatment court.” As Madison approaches the 10-year anniversary at her job, she has spent time reflecting on what might be next. But truth be told, she shared that she has no plans of doing anything differently. “I feel like I still have things I want to do in my current role, although getting my law school loans forgiven [by working for a state-based entity] will be a huge weight lifted,” Madison said. “There’s been so much positive change over the past 10 years that I hope continues over the next [decade]. My team has grown, and hopefully will continue to grow, which will lighten my load a bit. I would love to have a bit more flexibility to be able to do things as my daughter starts school. I hope to continue to grow as a leader and a mom.” And Madison’s advice to younger Alpha Phis? To be true and kind to themselves. Madison is married to a fellow public defender, and they have a daughter who was born the week everything shut down for COVID. She enjoys reading, doing Barre3 and spending time with her family. “You are never too much or not enough,” Madison implored. “Find a way to contribute to this world, and that purpose should make your heart sing!”
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