A 4th-semester apprentice in commercial painting from Coon Rapids, MN, is earning recognition for her dedication and unique perspective. Nominated for the Women Building Success conference’s 2024 Apprentice of the Year award by Jordan Bremseth of FTIUM, she’s known for more than just her painting skills—her drive to make an impact goes beyond the job site.
While working on a mural in FTIUM Recruiter Jordan Bremseth’s office, she got involved in a conversation about visiting prisons, a topic that resonated deeply with her. She was initially surprised no one had asked her to join these visits, since she has a background working in special education at a full-lockdown school. Madison has seen firsthand how disadvantaged, low-income students with cognitive and behavioral issues often end up in the system. This inspired her to start going on monthly visits to prisons, bringing the same level of care and commitment that she brought to her previous job.
Before starting in the trades, she worked as a teacher’s aide in a challenging environment, but she was drawn to pursue a new path for better pay and benefits. Even more importantly, she wanted to show her former students that stepping out of their comfort zones and taking on something difficult could lead to success. Her experience in education taught her the importance of offering opportunities, even if not everyone will take them: “You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”
Now, she courageously visits correctional facilities in Faribault, Shakopee, and St. Cloud with FTIUM Director of Academic Education John Burcaw. Her approach is grounded in understanding rather than judgment or fear, seeing people as individuals going through a hard time. “These people are in a time out, trying to figure it out,” she says. She doesn’t focus on what they’ve done in the past, but on how they can move forward.
For her, the goal is to give inmates the information and support they need. Whether or not they act on it is up to them. She keeps her expectations realistic, but when they’re exceeded, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Balancing her apprenticeship with these prison visits shows how she brings heart to everything she does—whether it’s painting walls or offering hope.