Madison Palucki
Madison Palucki is a hospitality professional and criminal justice student based in Tinley Park, Illinois. With nearly a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, she has developed strong expertise in customer service, team leadership, and bar management. Throughout her career, Madison has built lasting relationships with guests and cultivated a loyal clientele, earning a reputation for creating welcoming environments and delivering high-quality service.
Madison currently works as a Lead Bartender at J.W. Hollsteins and serves as a Bar Manager at Baileys Bar and Grill. In these roles, she oversees daily bar operations, manages staff, and ensures excellent guest experiences. Her previous experience includes serving as Bar Manager at Public House on Cicero and General Manager at Slapshots Sports Bar and Grill, where she developed her leadership skills while managing operations, staff coordination, and customer relations.
Alongside her professional career, Madison has pursued higher education as a part-time student and is completing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Governors State University, with graduation expected in May 2026. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Outside of work and school, Madison dedicates significant time to caring for her older brother with autism, a responsibility that reflects her strong commitment to family, compassion, and personal resilience.
• Service Manager
• National Honor Society of Leadership
• National Society of Leadership and Success
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, being goal-driven, and self-motivation. I lead by example and value listening, which helps me understand others and make thoughtful decisions. These qualities together have been key to my growth and achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to know your truth and never compromise for anyone. Be proud of who you are and the direction you’re heading, and stay focused on your course.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be confident in yourself. At the end of the day, what matters most is knowing you made the right decisions—for yourself and for others. Don’t let others’ opinions distract you; if you can go to bed each night confident in your choices, that’s what truly counts.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is continuing my education and pursuing my dreams. By furthering my knowledge and skills, I can make a greater impact, better serve others, and contribute meaningfully to society.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness and respect, honesty and openness, a strong work ethic, teamwork, and staying true to my passions. These principles guide how I interact with others and approach every opportunity.