Work and a deeply personal connection to the mitochondrial disease community. Having navigated her own medical challenges, Maddie sought to combine advocacy, storytelling, and professional skill-building through an immersive partnership with the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Her project centered on using strategic communication and digital media to elevate awareness, empower patient voices, and expand UMDF’s reach—particularly among younger audiences.

At the heart of Maddie’s Capstone was an extensive marketing internship with UMDF that evolved into a paid, part-time position she will continue beyond graduation. Through this role, Maddie gained hands-on experience in marketing, public relations, and social media management, including launching and managing UMDF’s TikTok presence. She analyzed nonprofit content strategies, created and edited original video content, managed Instagram outreach, and helped shape UMDF’s digital voice through honest, accessible storytelling. In addition, Maddie developed and implemented a brand ambassador program that empowered patients, families, and caregivers to share their own stories in partnership with the organization.

Maddie’s experiential learning extended beyond digital platforms into advocacy, event planning, and public speaking. She played a leadership role in UMDF’s Capitol Hill “Day on the Hill,” meeting with congressional offices to advocate for legislation impacting mitochondrial disease patients—an experience that challenged her to speak confidently on complex scientific and policy issues. She also helped plan and execute UMDF’s national conference, where she introduced the organization’s TikTok launch to a large audience, contributed to event programming, and helped shape the theme “Hope Within Reach,” which is now being used nationally for World Mitochondrial Disease Week.

Complementing her experiential work, Maddie’s research explored the science behind mitochondrial dysfunction and its links to neurological and mental health conditions. This research deepened her understanding of the disease that inspired her advocacy and strengthened her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and confidently in public forums. Through conferences such as the Global Women in STEM Summit and the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Conference, Maddie further refined her skills in storytelling, design, and strategic communication while gaining insight from industry leaders.

Overall, Maddie’s Capstone reflects the transformative power of experiential learning. By combining personal experience, professional mentorship, rigorous research, and real-world impact, she discovered a clear path forward in public relations and communications. More importantly, her work amplified the voices of a community often unheard, demonstrating how storytelling—when rooted in authenticity and purpose—can educate, connect, and inspire meaningful change.

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For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.