We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madalyne Kinnett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madalyne below.
Hi Madalyne, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by facing the challenges of my upbringing head-on. Losing my mother to a drug overdose at thirteen years old left me feeling completely alone, struggling to find my place in the world without the support I needed. Balancing the responsibilities of adulthood with the normalcy of eighth grade was no easy feat. High school brought its own set of trials, especially when it came to faith, friendships, and trust. After years of therapy, I discovered something powerful: helping others eases my pain. I became a mentor for middle schoolers going through similar situations, volunteered at homeless shelters and the Salvation Army, and even started a support group in college. Through serving others, I found a new way of looking at life and realized that with my story, I can help others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have a heart for service. Throughout my time as Miss Kentucky USA I have worked with many nonprofits in Kentucky. This year, I had the opportunity to build a nonprofit with founder, Rebecca Baker, committed to easing the journey of women in Kentucky battling breast cancer. Focused on compassion and direct patient assistance, we support women during their journey by providing post-mastectomy care and chemotherapy care kits to fill the gap between the medical treatments and procedures patients undergo at the hospital, and what it takes to heal in comfort at home. We hand deliver these kits to recipients in Kentucky, hoping to be a beacon of hope to empower women to face their fight against breast cancer with resilience and dignity.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’ve always found solace in the belief that God doesn’t burden us with more than we can bear. It’s a reminder that strength resides within us, know that there is never anything that you cannot get through. Equally important is surrounding yourself with individuals who reciprocate the same support and care that you extend to them. After all, it’s in these connections that we often find our greatest support and love.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My grandmother has been my unwavering support system throughout my overcoming challenges. Since childhood, she’s been my sidekick, always there to lend a listening ear and offer invaluable wisdom. The lessons she’s taught me at a young age are ones I’ll carry with me always. Without her enduring love and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Even when I lacked faith in myself, my grandmother remained my biggest believer. Her unwavering support has been my guiding light in my life, she pushes me to be the best version of myself. She has taught me the importance of kindness, kindness, and compassion. I know that I have her to thank for shaping me into who I am today and I will carry her words with me forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://misskentuckyusa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madalynekinnett/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Madalyne-Kinnett/100069205192882/?paipv=0&eav=AfbJ0QT3wOT7aWMYZffPA4c7T2pGEk33AOlUt9MbbpDf-v2bkjZAxpOFJqySXNxQ30E&_rdr