#296 Madi Coffman interview

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About Madi

Madi Coffman was crowned Miss South Carolina Volunteer in July of last year and has spent her time advocating for her S.E.R.V.E Initiative: the #LoveThyNeighborInitiative, which focuses on education and kindness despite differences in beliefs or backgrounds. Madi’s work with her platform has led her to work closely with South Carolina Pride and another local nonprofit: Positive Opportunities for Pageant Preparation (POPP). She will compete for the title of Miss Volunteer America in June. Having competed in Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina USA over the past 6 years, she has received preliminary fitness and evening gown awards, four Top 10 placements, as well as 2 overall interview wins.

A 2022 graduate of the University of South Carolina, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education. Madi now teaches 3rd grade in Blythewood, SC and loves being able to make an impact on the next generation of leaders. At her school, she leads a girls mentorship group called LeadHERs, which focuses on empowering the 40 girls in the program with leadership skills, self-confidence, and helping them make friends.

Madi credits pageantry with teaching her the life skills necessary to be successful and empowering her to be involved in her community.

https://www.instagram.com/coffmanmadison/

Timestamps

* 0:00 Introducing Madi Coffman and her background

* 7:23 Pageant beginnings and learning to say yes

* 14:45 The classroom: where teaching meets leadership

* 22:09 Competing with heart: her pageant philosophy

* 29:32 Mentorship and connection through teaching

* 36:56 Reconciling faith, family, and identity

* 44:18 How her father’s story shaped her values

* 51:41 Handling judgment and staying grounded

* 59:02 Protecting kids from harmful environments

* 66:26 Grace under fire — public poise in tough moments

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