Commencement speaker highlights the importance of speaking up

Madison Hanson's struggle to find effective mental health treatment sparked a passion for systemic change. Now, with her Master of Social Work degree in hand from Minnesota State Moorhead, she is equipped with the tools and strategies to turn that passion into action.

When she speaks to the class of 2025, she will share what Moorhead has instilled in her: Your voice not only matters-it's a catalyst for change.

Growing up with clinical depression, Madison cycled through dozens of treatment plans, medications, recovery methods, and physicians. None of them helped.

MS in Social Work (MSW) 

Eventually, her physicians reverted to scaling up treatments instead of exploring more personalized nuanced alternative care.

"Instead of letting that experience define me, it was a turning point. It gave me the fire to keep going."

 Determined to change the system, Madison received bachelor's degrees in social work and in human development. While looking for a social work master's program, she found Moorhead's, which offers a unique emphasis on social change and leadership, which would prepare her a career in advocacy. 

During her time at Minnesota State Moorhead, she distinguished herself as a powerful voice for justice, testifying before state legislatures and working directly with policymakers to confront systemic failures in mental health care. This was furthered by landing an internship with North Dakota Senator Tim Mathern.

Her Moorhead experience connected her with opportunities, helped her acquire the skills to create lasting change, improved her confidence, and gave her a sense of community.

"My professors and classmates became the foundation that has helped me keep going and speak the truth."

She is especially grateful for social work Professor Melanie Firestein, who has "always empowered me and believed in me throughout my entire journey."

In her commencement speech, she wants to inspire the class of 2025 to speak boldly and understand that their unique experiences and perspectives matter, and are needed.

"You don't need to wait for permission to speak up. Your voice matters, and your voice is what is going to change systems and challenge injustice."

 After graduating, Madison is diving head-first into establishing her firm Madison & Co. She will partner with leaders and organizations to advocate, shape public policy, draft and delivery testimony, and promote equity in behavioral health, with a focus on deinstitutionalization, disability rights, and civil justice. 

Her focus, after all, is to change systems and provide better care for the individuals in them. "I do this so no one is left behind by the systems that are supposed to be there to help them."

She is hoping to take this approach to new heights after graduation, devoting her time and efforts solely to systems reform, and bringing with her the skills, strategies, and confidence acquired by a degree from Minnesota State Moorhead.

"Moorhead has never asked me to quiet my voice. They have empowered me to keep standing up and speaking what is right."