The Power of Inclusion: Madelaine’s story

It was a “heavy time” for Western student Madelaine Menegoni. She and her parents were grieving the loss of a family member. Then, some good news: Madelaine would receive three donor-funded awards.

“Receiving those awards meant a lot,” Madelaine recalls. "I pay my tuition and work a part-time job throughout my schooling. The financial support relieved a lot of stress.”

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The awards were also poignant for Madelaine’s parents, who she describes as her biggest cheerleaders. “My parents are very proud of me for pursuing what I love, and they were so excited when I received the awards. For them, it was a testament to the work I’m doing.”

A fourth-year gender studies student, Madelaine is enthusiastic about social justice and allyship and aspires to build a better world.

Her desire to support inclusivity began at an early age through her love of theatre. She has fond memories of repeatedly watching a VHS tape of David Bowie videos as a child, sparking a passion for artistic expression. After 10 years with the Original Kids Theatre Camp, Madelaine built strong bonds in the welcoming local arts scene.

“My parents are musically inclined, and I was raised on musicals like RENT, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Cats. I love how everyone involved in a production is valued for their perspectives and experiences. You belong regardless of your identity.”

After high school, Madelaine enrolled in Fanshawe College’s Theatre Arts – Technical Production Program. When she graduated in 2020, the pandemic halted her aspirations to work in the industry, and she felt uncertain about the future.

That same year, world events helped define the next steps in her journey. “The murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement were pivotal,” she says. “I know my experience is limited, so I sought opportunities to listen, learn and better myself.”

Madelaine researched programs and classes at Western University that would expand her worldview and allow her to become a better ally.

“Being queer, I’ve always had friends from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and I see the issues they face on a broader scale. I began taking courses at Western that would help me understand and explore societal problems in greater depth.”

Majoring in sexuality studies and minoring in feminist, Queer and critical race theory, Madelaine discovered a love for essay writing and research and found another inclusive home at Western. “The professors and students in my program are lovely. It’s a space to acknowledge that we’re here to learn different perspectives and improve as individuals.”

Madelaine also experienced the challenge of trying to balance learning while working to pay the bills. She observed the toll it can take on students.

“Several of my classmates work nearly full-time hours to fund their studies and it’s very stressful. It often takes their attention away from school. When donors help students, it broadens access to education.”

When you give through Western, you remove financial barriers, enabling hard-working students to realize their dream of making a difference in the world.

Though Madelaine is still exploring career options, she hopes more education is in her future. “I love to learn and am looking at master’s programs, including social work,” she says. “Western is a fantastic institution, and I would feel so proud to continue being part of it.”

Madelaine is poised for success wherever her future leads and is committed to positively influencing others. “My education has been invaluable. I hope to pay back what has been given to me as I support others through inclusivity and justice.”