Meet Madison
SCHOLAR.
LEADER.
PHILANTHROPIST.
Meet Madison
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Madison Marsh was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she spent her childhood looking up at the stars and dreaming of becoming an astronaut. She attended Southside High School and always had a fascination with science, aviation, and space. But it was during her senior year that her world shifted. At just 41 years old, Madison’s mother, Whitney, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Only months later, on November 1, 2018, she passed away.That loss became the turning point in Madison’s life.
The Whitney Marsh Foundation
To honor her mother’s legacy, Madison founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving cancer outcomes in rural communities through education, early detection initiatives, and financial assistance for families navigating treatment. What began as a daughter’s tribute quickly grew into a mission to bring equity to one of the deadliest—and most underfunded—cancers in the world.
Scholar Turned Advocate
Madison's path that took her to the U.S. Air Force Academy where she majored in physics and researched gamma-ray bursts with NASA. Her commitment to service and service earned her recognition as a Harry S Truman Scholar and a two-time Astronaut, honors reserved for students with exceptional leadership and promise in public service and STEM. She also became a Rhodes finalist, further cementing her role as a national leader in both research and advocacy.
Off to Harvard
In 2023, Madison earned a place at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she continues to focus her studies on cancer policy, specifically improving access to care for underserved and rural populations. Her research at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explored the use of artificial intelligence in pancreatic cancer treatment—blending cutting-edge innovation with real-world impact.
Miss America 2024
Then, on January 14, 2024, she added another title to her name: Miss America. Throughout her year of service, Madison traveled the world speaking about leadership, service, and her personal journey with loss and purpose. She used the Miss America platform to elevate national awareness around pancreatic cancer and champion legislation that supports research and early detection efforts.
Not Done Yet.
Today, Madison is back at Harvard, combining her lived experience, academic background, and policy training to drive systemic change. Whether in a lab, on stage, or in a congressional office, she is relentlessly focused on one mission: to transform the way America sees—and treats—its deadliest cancers.
Time is precious. Purpose is powerful.
If you're ready to ignite your team, bring Madison in—book now.