Madeleine Gregory
What makes Madeleine Wildly Capable?
Maddie has been graciously giving her time to organizations across OKC for years, all while battling some difficult medical conditions. She is an incredibly kind and generous person who cares deeply about her community.” -JILLIAN TRUJILLO
What makes you feel proud?
I’m proud to work for a local business that serves independently-owned and operated retailers, restaurants and hotels. I’m proud to have served on the board of directors for the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, a local festival that hosts artists and attendees from all over the country in a rural community in Oklahoma. The importance of local business and its effect on our economy and community was instilled in me at a young age, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
My health has been and continues to be a huge obstacle. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in high school and had my first admission to the hospital during my first semester in college. It took seven years to earn my degree because of hospitalizations that caused me to drop classes or sit out entire semesters. I was forced to face my own mortality at a young age. While challenging in multiple ways, this allowed me to view other obstacles as challenges I could overcome eventually. I began to look at each day differently; I knew that if I had a difficult day, the next one would allow for a new start.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My dad. As a local business owner, he instilled in me at an early age the importance of shopping locally and supporting independent businesses. I think my personal and professional life would look a lot different if I hadn’t had the opportunity to see first-hand the time, effort, and energy it takes to run a small business and build the life you want.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope I take advantage of new opportunities and acquire new skills. I hope that I have learned more about myself and the people around me that I love. I hope that I’ve taken the opportunity to face uncertainties and fears and be brave through them.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
