emirates7 - Miss America 2024 and U.S. Air Force pilot Madison Marsh is currently in the UAE, aiming to challenge stereotypes about women, the military, and pageantry, while motivating women to pursue their dreams.
The long-standing stereotype of "beauty and brains" has been limiting, but Madison embodies the idea that intelligence and beauty can coexist in many forms. By merging these traits into a single concept, society often overlooks the varied ways individuals can showcase their worth.
At just 23, Madison is traveling the world to inspire women and promote military careers. In addition, she is working towards a Master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University and achieved her first solo flight as a private pilot at age 16.
**‘Giving back’**
During the WE Empower Summit in Dubai, Madison spoke about the importance of giving back. She shared, "At the Kennedy School, the motto was always about asking what you can do for others...and giving back." She highlighted the power of social media in today's digital age, where role models can inspire young women. Madison emphasized that women don’t have to sacrifice their femininity to succeed in fields like the military, STEM, or aviation. "Women can do anything and everything," she said.
Madison also stressed the importance of being well-rounded for a leadership role in the military, noting that education and diverse life experiences prepare one for such positions. Interacting with people from various backgrounds at Harvard has enriched her understanding, which she intends to apply when she assumes leadership roles in the future.
**Studying physics opened doors**
Madison credited her study of physics with opening many opportunities for her. She believes that engaging with STEM subjects, regardless of whether one pursues a career in the field, provides a strong foundation for success. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills she developed in physics have helped her in her public policy studies at Harvard, allowing her to connect STEM with broader fields such as medical policy.
**Pancreatic cancer awareness**
Madison, who has earned over Dh257,110 ($70,000) in scholarships from her state and Miss America competitions, is also dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. She lost her mother to the disease when she was 17 and has since founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation in her mother's memory, raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer patients across the U.S.
Madison pointed out that during her final year of college, she explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and pancreatic cancer research, noting that early detection is crucial for survival. Although she doesn’t plan to attend medical school, she is passionate about patient advocacy and aims to support policies and research that improve survival rates for cancer patients.
The long-standing stereotype of "beauty and brains" has been limiting, but Madison embodies the idea that intelligence and beauty can coexist in many forms. By merging these traits into a single concept, society often overlooks the varied ways individuals can showcase their worth.
At just 23, Madison is traveling the world to inspire women and promote military careers. In addition, she is working towards a Master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University and achieved her first solo flight as a private pilot at age 16.
**‘Giving back’**
During the WE Empower Summit in Dubai, Madison spoke about the importance of giving back. She shared, "At the Kennedy School, the motto was always about asking what you can do for others...and giving back." She highlighted the power of social media in today's digital age, where role models can inspire young women. Madison emphasized that women don’t have to sacrifice their femininity to succeed in fields like the military, STEM, or aviation. "Women can do anything and everything," she said.
Madison also stressed the importance of being well-rounded for a leadership role in the military, noting that education and diverse life experiences prepare one for such positions. Interacting with people from various backgrounds at Harvard has enriched her understanding, which she intends to apply when she assumes leadership roles in the future.
**Studying physics opened doors**
Madison credited her study of physics with opening many opportunities for her. She believes that engaging with STEM subjects, regardless of whether one pursues a career in the field, provides a strong foundation for success. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills she developed in physics have helped her in her public policy studies at Harvard, allowing her to connect STEM with broader fields such as medical policy.
**Pancreatic cancer awareness**
Madison, who has earned over Dh257,110 ($70,000) in scholarships from her state and Miss America competitions, is also dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. She lost her mother to the disease when she was 17 and has since founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation in her mother's memory, raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer patients across the U.S.
Madison pointed out that during her final year of college, she explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and pancreatic cancer research, noting that early detection is crucial for survival. Although she doesn’t plan to attend medical school, she is passionate about patient advocacy and aims to support policies and research that improve survival rates for cancer patients.