Rising Stars Spotlight: Maddie Arndt
A 2018 graduate of Manhattan College, Madison (Maddie) obtained a Bachelors of Science in marketing with a minor in digital media. During her undergraduate career, Maddie ran Division I Track and Field for the Jaspers ,was a member of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and was also a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic. In 2018, Maddie was a nominee for the NCAA Women of the Year award.
Following undergrad, Maddie made her way to the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was a post-graduate intern for Division II Governance. In this position, Arndt supported all Division II national governing committees - including DII Management Council, DII Presidents Council, and DII National SAAC- through communication efforts and at the NCAA Convention and she provided intra-departmental support to ensure clear communication on committee reports, legislative proposals and membership feedback In addition to these duties with the NCAA, Maddie managed all branding efforts associated with DII athletics through social media and carried out operations for seven DII National Championships, including the DII Festival and the DII Football Championship!
Maddie is now the Assistant Director of Development & Engagement with Yale Athletics. Maddie bridges the gap between the student athletes needs and donors' philanthropic goals. Athletics played a very important role in Maddie’s development as a women leader and she hopes to help other student-athletes feel the way!
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my Grandmother. She became a widow with four children at such a young age and has kicked butt ever since. She has taught me the importance of a positive attitude, a strong family, and never forgetting where you came from to help get you to where you are going.
What does the word Inclusion mean to you?
Diversity is inviting someone to the part and inclusion is asking them to dance. Being involved and gaining exposure has meant something to me and I will continue to do the same for others. It is all about learning about others, listening to them and getting to know them!
What does the advancement of women mean to you?
It is so important to have this community to advance women. We can not do this alone, we know that. It means so much more to have allyship and male champions.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Absolutely no idea, but 100% with a dog. And maybe on a beach.
What is your biggest piece of advice for the Rising Stars Community?
If you wait until you are ready, you’ll be waiting your whole life. Sometimes, you are ready and you do not know it. You just need to take the leap.
What is your Why? My why is to help bridge the gap between the means and the needs. I help find the means for the student athletes. People have assets and my job is to put them to good use.
Favorite:
Podcast: Absolutely Not – Heather McMahan
Book: Harry Potter 1-7
Quote: “If you wait until you are ready, you will be waiting your whole life.”
Form of Self Care: Yoga, Hiking & purchasing plants
Fun fact: If I didn’t get so seasick, I would be a marine biologist specializing in sharks.