Public Policy Graduate Builds Community, Opportunity at Georgia State

ATLANTA — By the time Jordan Madden (B.S. ’25) turned 14, he was already stepping into the world of public policy — rallying for climate justice and organizing for change. What began as youthful passion for advocacy would soon evolve into a full-fledged commitment to crafting policies that could shape lives and communities for the better.

Growing up in Atlanta, Madden immersed himself in grassroots organizing, lending his voice to movements focused on education reform and environmental justice. Inspired by a friend's story of generational resilience, he joined the Sunrise Movement, a national youth-led climate organization, learning early that no one is too young to make a difference.

That drive eventually led him from rallying on the streets to the halls of the Georgia state Capitol, where he interned with former state Rep. Becky Evans (D-Atlanta). There, he sharpened skills that would become the foundation of his career — coalition building, policy drafting and an understanding of the importance of inclusive, deliberate language in advocacy work.

Georgia State University had always been in the background, a dream school Madden visited often as a child. When it came time for college, the choice felt natural. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia State offered him a unique environment, steps from the Capitol and surrounded by nonprofits and policy influencers.

“Georgia State’s rich history and proximity to power made it the perfect place to learn and make an impact,” Madden said.

At Georgia State, Madden did just that. He served as the 83rd speaker of the Senate for the Atlanta Campus Student Government Association, where he led efforts to address campus transportation and parking issues, as well as provide free and reduced-price Scantrons and strengthen support for student organizations. As a member of the university’s inaugural Social Action Alliance cohort, Madden joined students from across disciplines to tackle real-world challenges, including winning a campus hackathon focused on the future of MARTA. He also served as a 1913 Society student assistant, represented student voices through the Public Policy Club and participated in the Tighter Grip: African American Male Initiative and My Brother’s Keeper, programs dedicated to supporting the academic and social success of Black male students.

Off campus, Madden’s résumé tells an equally impressive story. He served as advocacy director for the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, lobbying on education, housing and college access issues at the Capitol. He interned with the Intercultural Development Research Association, conducting research on school discipline and supporting legislative advocacy. Madden also worked as a legislative aide to state Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), assisting with constituent services and policy writing. Recently, he was selected as an inaugural Gloria S. Butler Fellow for the Georgia Senate Democratic Caucus, tasked with analyzing state budget processes with a focus on education.

Financial support made it possible for Madden to maximize these opportunities. He was a recipient of the HOPE Scholarship and Pell Grant, the Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award, a University System of Georgia Scholarship and additional funding through the Social Action Alliance.

“Georgia State’s affordability and support made it possible for me to focus on learning, leadership and service,” he said.

This fall, Madden will return to Georgia State to pursue a master’s degree in public policy, building on a foundation he describes as transformational. Long-term, he envisions a career at the intersection of advocacy, research and law, shaping policies that center marginalized voices and drive sustainable change.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Small steps forward are still progress,” Madden said. “Keep moving forward and make the most of your journey.”

— By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)