Johnson has worked with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life throughout her time at Elon and now serves as executive director for outreach and collaboration.
Maddie Johnson ’24 is the executive director for outreach and collaboration for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. It’s a role that provides her opportunities to create strategies to connect with student volunteers to help retain individuals and promote deeper engagement in Elon Volunteers! with support from the other executive directors and professional staff.
Johnson’s bubbly personality and presence in the office fosters the comforting environment that the Kernodle Center for Civic Life is all about. In the past, Johnson has held multiple roles in the office including Campus Kitchen farm shift coordinator and cooking shift coordinator. Her favorite volunteer opportunity during her time working with the Kernodle Center has been the Elon Volunteers! Rise Against Hunger event held each September.
Johnson’s experience in the Kernodle Center has had a great personal impact and has also impacted her career plans. “From the staff mentorships to the overall comfort the community and office gives – it has encouraged me to pursue a master’s in higher education because of how much of an impact the Kernodle Center has had on me,” Johnson said. “I truly would not be going to grad school if I was not involved in the Kernodle Center. I specifically want to work in a civic engagement office because of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.”
As Johnson gets ready to leave Elon, she shared one piece of advice. “I think the biggest one is try everything and anything you are interested in,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of people, myself included, think they do not have enough experience or previous relationships with Elon Volunteers! or Alamance County to get involved but just starting a project because you are interested can change your life.”