Madeleine Mejia EdM ’00

Assistant Professor, College of Education, California State University Fullerton

Vice President of Programs, Harvard Club of Southern California

Beverly Hills, California 

1. How do you contribute to public service in your community? 

As vice president of programs for the Harvard Club of Southern California, I contribute to public service by designing and organizing events that foster community connection, dialogue, and support. These events include professional networking breakfasts and lunches, Global Networking Night, speaker series, cultural outings, museum visits, and other community building programs throughout Southern California.

In addition to these ongoing initiatives, I also serve on special committees that address urgent issues. For example, in response to the devastating LA wildfires, I helped establish the Club’s Wildfire Assistance Committee. Along with several board members, we developed a centralized hub of resources for both the Harvard community and others impacted by the fires. We quickly mobilized by reaching out to our networks within the Law and Design Schools, collaborating with experts who could assist in hosting informational webinars. I personally reached out to an architect, an alum from the Design School, to coordinate expertise and played a central role in curating and moderating the “Practical Strategies for Home Reconstruction and Resilience” webinar. The webinars and resources we shared directly supported hundreds of families who were affected by the wildfires, helping them navigate the complexities of legal and insurance advice and rebuilding their homes.

We are now focusing on disaster grief and long-term recovery. While the immediate rebuilding efforts are essential, it’s become clear that the emotional and psychological impacts of such devastating events are profound and require ongoing attention. Many individuals and families are facing a lengthy and difficult journey of recovery, and addressing disaster grief is a critical component of that process. We partnered with the Disaster Preparedness and Response Team SIG to provide a space for people to process their emotions, share their stories, and access the mental health resources necessary for their healing. This focus will ensure that the recovery is not only physical but also emotional, fostering a more holistic approach to resilience within our community.

2. How has your Harvard alumni network supported your efforts in community impact and public service? 

The Harvard alumni network has been instrumental in amplifying my work in community impact and public service. It’s powerful to be part of such a vast, values-driven network of professionals committed to public service, innovation, and social good. Everything I do—from designing community events to responding to urgent regional challenges—is enriched by the collective expertise, lived experiences, and generosity of fellow alumni. 

It is so wonderful to know that I am part of and have access to a network that consistently opens doors to meaningful collaboration, mentorship, and resource-sharing. And just as I’ve benefited from this community, I’m equally committed to giving back—contributing time, ideas, and support wherever I can. It’s a powerful model of reciprocity where we lift one another as we lead together.

3. What does public service mean to you? 

I am reminded of the first time I walked around the Yard as a student. Every time I think about Harvard, I recall the lessons I learned—how we are taught to become lifelong learners. We are encouraged to ask bold questions, critically analyze the world, and seek solutions to complex challenges. This mindset shapes the way I approach service: with curiosity, commitment, and the belief that change is possible.

One memory I always cherish is the first time I saw and read the inscription on Dexter Gate. I remember entering the Yard and reading, “Enter to grow in wisdom.” As I was walking out, I saw the words, “Depart to serve better thy country and thy kind.” To me, these words continue to inspire my approach to everything I do.

So, to answer this question, public service, to me, means showing up for your community with empathy, intention, and integrity. It’s about listening as much as leading, using your skills to meet real needs, and building collective capacity to respond to challenges with intention. 

Public service also means recognizing the privilege of education and using that privilege to uplift others. It’s about cocreating a more just and compassionate world. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about making lasting, meaningful change.