As Senior Career Coach for Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism, Madeline Rosenberg exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, creativity, and compassion. Approaching her third year in the role, Madeline helps students chart meaningful paths in media and communications, drawing upon a journey that’s anything but linear. Originally aspiring to become an elementary school teacher, Madeline discovered her passion for higher education during the pandemic. With experience in teaching, sales, and the fashion industry, she transformed challenge into opportunity, earning a second master’s degree in higher education and cultivating her expertise through regular informational interviews. Her approach blends curiosity, lifelong learning, and a deep belief in doing the work that fuels growth.

The Power of NYWICI Connection

Madeline’s NYWICI story began when a mentor introduced her to the organization early in her role at Stony Brook University. Attending her first fireside chat proved transformative. It reshaped her understanding of networking as something rooted in authentic connection, not transaction.At a pivotal NYWICI event, Georgia Galanoudis, then Co-Vice President of the NYWICI podcast and a Stony Brook University alumna, offered a powerful reminder: “You don’t have to have all the answers.”Inspired by that message, Madeline took initiative, helping to spark a partnership between NYWICI and Stony Brook University. Since then, students have gained valuable opportunities, including blog features, podcast appearances, and access to scholarships.A dedicated volunteer at the Matrix Awards, Madeline plans to continue supporting NYWICI’s mission by creating opportunities for others, just as the organization did for her.

Empowering Students through Alumni Collaboration

Madeline recently launched Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism alumni-led workshop series, a semesterly program designed to strengthen skill-based learning and community pride. Each term, five workshops covering topics from social media strategy to studio production pair alumni expertise with hands-on creation.Students can earn a professional development certificate by attending three sessions, producing work samples, and reflecting on what they learned. The series deepens alumni engagement, creates mentorship bridges, and helps students articulate their growth with confidence.

Reflection and Daily Affirmation

True to her coaching roots, Madeline encourages others to document their achievements, a practice rooted in self-recognition and confidence-building. She keeps both a physical book of event memories and a digital “happy email” folder filled with kind words and career accomplishments from students and colleagues.Her promise to herself: to affirm her impact daily and to keep showing others how preparation, vulnerability, and persistence can transform not just careers, but entire communities.Madeline Rosenberg’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose, persistence, and connection. Through her work at Stony Brook University and her active engagement with NYWICI, she continues to uplift others, turning every interaction into a moment of mentorship and every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Her story reminds us that success isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, staying curious, and celebrating the progress along the way.Madeline embodies the spirit of NYWICI: bold, generous, and deeply human. Through her mentorship, programs, and advocacy, she’s redefining what career empowerment looks like for the next generation of communicators.