#296 Madi Coffman interview

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching to help you lead, speak, and leave a legacy. With 300+ interviews and coaching across Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, this isn’t theory—it’s what works. Free subs get tips, interviews, and ad-free access. Paid subs unlock mini-courses, priority Q&As, and direct support.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribeAbout MadiMadi Coffman was crowned Miss South Carolina Volunteer in July of last year and has spent her time advocating for her S.E.R.V.E Initiative: the #LoveThyNeighborInitiative, which focuses on education and kindness despite differences in beliefs or backgrounds. Madi’s work with her platform has led her to work closely with South Carolina Pride and another local nonprofit: Positive Opportunities for Pageant Preparation (POPP). She will compete for the title of Miss Volunteer America in June. Having competed in Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina USA over the past 6 years, she has received preliminary fitness and evening gown awards, four Top 10 placements, as well as 2 overall interview wins.A 2022 graduate of the University of South Carolina, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education. Madi now teaches 3rd grade in Blythewood, SC and loves being able to make an impact on the next generation of leaders. At her school, she leads a girls mentorship group called LeadHERs, which focuses on empowering the 40 girls in the program with leadership skills, self-confidence, and helping them make friends.Madi credits pageantry with teaching her the life skills necessary to be successful and empowering her to be involved in her community.https://www.instagram.com/coffmanmadison/Timestamps* 0:00 Introducing Madi Coffman and her background* 7:23 Pageant beginnings and learning to say yes* 14:45 The classroom: where teaching meets leadership* 22:09 Competing with heart: her pageant philosophy* 29:32 Mentorship and connection through teaching* 36:56 Reconciling faith, family, and identity* 44:18 How her father’s story shaped her values* 51:41 Handling judgment and staying grounded* 59:02 Protecting kids from harmful environments* 66:26 Grace under fire — public poise in tough momentsWant more than the episode?If you’re ready to go deeper, consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll get access to mini-courses on everything from interviews to sponsorship, priority answers to your questions, and the chance to ask me anything directly in the comments:https://thepageantproject.com/subscribeIf you're looking for personalised coaching, I offer a limited number of private sessions. It’s for women who want tailored strategy, mindset support, and real accountability—on stage and beyond:https://thepageantproject.com/coachingPageantry is evolving—and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Join us if you're ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe