Madison Kuriger

“Madison Kuriger leads with a style that allows others to grow,” said her nominator. “Her willingness to speak truth to power and call out injustices allows others to see what is possible.”

As a member of Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets, Madison has followed the calling of leadership and empowerment to help other women in the corps thrive and discover their potential. As a member of the Defense Civilian Training Corps, she mentors incoming female cadets to help them find their voices and know that they are leaders.

Her nominator said, “Madison’s lead-by-example style allows younger cadets to understand they can grow into leaders during their time at Virginia Tech. She empowers them to find their voice and a path that energizes them and keeps others motivated to strive for more.”

The nominator said Madison works alongside upper-level military leadership in the corps to provide opportunities for female cadets, such as interacting with military and civilian leaders and visiting government institutions for conferences.

One of Madison's proudest accomplishments is creating the organization GLOW, Growing Leaders of Women. She said, “Knowing it will continue to support and empower students after I graduate is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Madison also led the initiative to restart the Model Arab League at Virginia Tech.

The nominator said that in the time they have known Madison, they have “witnessed her personal growth from an unsure student to a powerful leader who inspires others.”

Madison is passionate about global education, national security, and empowering others, especially women, to see themselves as leaders. She said, “I care deeply about cross cultural understanding, language learning, and creating opportunities for students to grow through exposure, mentorship, and service.”

Madison is a senior studying Arabic and National Security and Foreign Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. After graduation, she will pursue a civilian career in the Department of War's acquisitions field. Long term, she said, “I hope to work in diplomacy or international security policy and continue supporting youth education and mentorship, hopefully making an impact on local politics one day.”

For her excellence in empowering future leaders, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Madison Kuriger.