Her Story
About Madeline
Madeline Azari is the Coordinator for Leadership and Cultural Engagement at the University of Colorado Boulder and a dedicated higher education and student affairs professional committed to empowering college students to become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and catalysts for positive change. Born and raised in Greeley, Colorado, she attended the University of Northern Colorado, where her involvement in campus leadership organizations sparked a passion for student development and mentorship. Through her experiences working alongside fellow students, she discovered her calling to pursue a career in higher education, inspired by the opportunity to help students grow academically, personally, and professionally.
To further that passion, Madeline earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University, where she gained extensive experience in residence life, orientation, leadership programming, and student engagement. Upon completing graduate school, she immediately began her professional career in student affairs and has remained dedicated to supporting student success ever since. For the past four years, she has led innovative leadership initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder, advising student organizations including the Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, EcoReps Sustainability Program, and Stampede Leadership Camp while creating meaningful opportunities that foster leadership, belonging, and community engagement for thousands of students.
Beyond her campus leadership, Madeline serves as the Intermountain Regional Advisor for Communication and Engagement with NACURH, Inc., the world's largest student-run organization, where she collaborates with institutions across the United States and Canada to strengthen advisor engagement, leadership development, and regional partnerships. Her dedication to student success and mentorship has earned her prestigious recognitions, including the NACURH Dr. Valerie Averill Advisor of the Year Award and the University of Colorado Boulder's inaugural Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award. Guided by creativity, resilience, collaboration, and authentic relationship-building, Madeline is passionate about helping students discover their potential and firmly believes that the greatest measure of success is the lasting impact leaders have on the lives of those they serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Madeline
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong women who empowered, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my life, especially my mother. She taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and leading with integrity, showing me through her own example what it means to be a strong and successful woman. Her unwavering support and guidance have shaped both my personal values and professional approach, giving me the confidence to face challenges with determination and continue striving for excellence in everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to never lose myself in my work because, first and foremost, I am a person. That perspective has reminded me to maintain a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and personal well-being while staying true to my values. I was also encouraged to pursue work that aligns with my passion, because when you genuinely care about what you do, you bring greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment to your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remember that success is not defined by a job title, but by the positive impact you have on others. Focus on treating people with respect, leading with integrity, and creating meaningful relationships. The way you make others feel, the support you provide, and the legacy you leave within an organization will ultimately define your success far more than any position you hold.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities and challenges in my field today is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and technology. When used thoughtfully, AI has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create meaningful innovation. At the same time, it is essential that we use these tools in ways that serve people's best interests without sacrificing the human connection that is at the heart of our work. As technology continues to evolve, I believe our greatest responsibility is to embrace innovation while preserving empathy, authentic relationships, and personalized experiences.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are creativity, resilience, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships. I believe that the best outcomes are achieved when people work together, embrace diverse perspectives, and support one another as a team. I also value resilience in the face of challenges and strive to approach every opportunity with creativity, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine commitment to fostering strong, lasting connections.
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