Last week, with generous support from the P&F, our Rising Leaders had the privilege of hearing from Madison Heady, a disability advocate who works with GenU and the Activ Foundation. Madison, who lives with ataxic cerebral palsy, shared her lived experience navigating school, sport, and leadership, all while challenging assumptions about disability and inclusion.
Despite not learning to walk unassisted until the age of eight and facing multiple surgeries, Madison became a national athletics silver medallist for running and a record-holder in her classification. In 2020, following a life-threatening car accident, she once again defied the odds by relearning how to walk. Through it all, she has remained fiercely committed to helping others understand the importance of accessibility, respect, and equal opportunity.
Madison’s message to our students was clear: you don’t need a badge to lead, every student, regardless of their title or position, has the power to create a culture of inclusion and respect. Our Rising Leaders were reminded that leadership is not just about speaking on stage or handing out awards; it’s also about quiet moments of empathy, kindness, and action that model an inclusive attitude towards EVERYONE.
Phoebe, one of our Rising Leaders, summed up the presentation beautifully:
“This morning’s Rising Leaders session with Madi and Marie was really inspiring. They reminded us that people with disabilities should be seen for who they are, not just their disability. They also shared practical ideas on how we can make our school more inclusive.”
We thank Madison for her time, courage, and honesty—and for reminding us that true leadership starts with how we treat others, every single day.