Her Story
About Madeline
Madeline Rust is a distinguished student leader and advocate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she is pursuing a major in Public Affairs with minors in Public Relations and Political Science. A native of Sparta, Tennessee, Madeline’s commitment to community began in her hometown as a Founding Member of the White County Young Democrats, where she continues to serve as the 2nd At-Large Board Member. Currently, she represents her peers on campus as an At-Large Senator within the Undergraduate Student Senate and is the Campaign Liaison for the College Democrats at UTK.
Madeline’s influence extends across the state as the President for the Tennessee College Democrats and the Membership Director for the Tennessee Young Democrats. Nationally, she serves as the Women’s Caucus Chair for the College Democrats of America. Her professional portfolio is equally robust; she is the Deputy Campaign Manager for a congressional campaign in TN-06 and an active member of the Knoxville Abortion Justice Alliance (KAJA), where she works toward community-based advocacy and equity.
Recently named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List, Madeline balances her rigorous academic and political commitments with a passion for the world beyond the ballot box. When she isn't in a committee meeting or on the campaign trail, Madeline is a typical 19-year-old who finds balance through adventure and creativity. She’s someone who loves exploring new cities, spending quality time with her friends, and hunting for unique finds while thrifting.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Madeline
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a foundation of strong support and a clear sense of purpose. My parents instilled in me the work ethic to pursue my goals, while mentors like Hillary Huddleston showed me how to turn that drive into effective leadership. However, my true motivation comes from the women whose voices are often left out of the conversation. I am driven by the belief that representation isn't just about having a seat at the table - it’s about ensuring that when women speak, they are heard, valued, and empowered to lead.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a young woman currently navigating the early stages of my own career in politics, my advice is simple: stay involved and keep pushing forward. I know firsthand that building connections and finding your footing in this industry can be incredibly difficult, but persistence is everything. If you stay at it and remain determined, you will get to where you want to be. We are the next generation of leadership, and our resilience is what will ultimately change the conversation.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The most significant challenge we face today is combating the disillusionment that many young people feel toward our political systems. When people don't see themselves represented in leadership, they often feel their voices don't matter. But within that challenge lies an incredible opportunity: the rise of the young, female leader. We are seeing a surge of women who are no longer waiting for permission to lead, but are instead founding their own organizations and running their own campaigns. The opportunity right now is to turn that energy into a permanent seat at the table, ensuring that our policies reflect the actual diversity of our communities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most dear are honesty, humor, and a dedication to something bigger than myself. While I’m not a religious person, I have always felt a profound responsibility to be a 'good neighbor' in the broadest sense. I believe we have an obligation to leave our communities better than we found them. This sense of service is what drives my political work; it’s about the very human work of listening, showing up for others, and staying dedicated to the mission of equal representation even when the work is difficult.
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