From the president
Madison File, a third-year Levine Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is a dedicated servant leader and change maker. A double major in Chemistry and Psychology, Madison’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of children and families is particularly evident across her research and community outreach pursuits.
As an undergraduate researcher for the Academy for Population Health Innovation (APHI), she has contributed to explorations of how best to integrate enhanced behavioral health services into underserved public health clinics. Additionally, as a member of the Collective Wellness Lab, Madison has assisted with a needs assessment related to youth psychiatric care and access.
Her outreach work is multifaceted and impactful, focused on making tangible positive differences to the everyday lives of families with children suffering from debilitating diseases, those experiencing homelessness, and communities of color at high risk of heart disease.
Madison’s steady leadership, sustained commitment, and hands-on approach are models for how undergraduates can engage with--and in--community to bring about lasting change.
Personal Statement
Lasting change begins when we work with communities, not just for them. Grounded in the principles of community psychology, I’ve learned that understanding systemic disparities and developing grassroot relationships with partners is key for meaningful and sustainable solutions. These values have particularly been developed through my work with the Youth Access to Psychiatry Program where I contribute to expanding behavioral health services in school-based settings, reducing common barriers to care among adolescents. I’ve also applied these principles to several direct engagements throughout the greater Charlotte community. Partnering with Hope Vibes, a local nonprofit, I engage directly with the unhoused population, providing vital healthcare and educational resources while ensuring their voices guide the resources offered. Additionally, I’ve brought these insights into a pediatric context, working with IBD patients to build a sense of community by organizing and leading monthly movie nights and cooking classes. As the direct contact for families on the Dance Marathon team, I work to engage the children as we raise money for Levine Children’s Hospital. These experiences have reinforced that true engagement is more than service, a perspective that will continue to shape my experiences moving forward.