We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madison Rodas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madison below.
Madison, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve struggled with since middle school, even before I had a name for it. As a Hispanic first-gen PhD student navigating higher education, those feelings of not belonging or feeling “less than” can still surface every single day. There isn’t a simple cure, but over time, I’ve done my best to practice mindfulness through these approaches:
Acknowledging my feelings: Instead of ignoring or fighting those anxious thoughts, I recognize the imposter which makes it easier to remind myself that I am capable.
Building connections: Finding community through mentorship has given me incredible support. When I am stuck in the imposter cycle of thoughts, they help pull me out of it and often help recenter myself.
Replacing negative self-talk: I actively challenge thoughts like “I’m not good enough” by reminding myself of what I’ve accomplished and the barriers I’ve overcome to get here.
Celebrating accomplishments: I keep a running list of small and big achievements, feedback from professors, and milestones in my dissertation journey. Sometimes, it’s hard! I am usually on the go, always going 100mph so being in that constant state of mind makes me rush past all I’ve done so far. Keeping/updating that list has helped me ground me in the present moment when I feel myself going to fast or not doing enough.
Avoiding comparison: I work to focus on my own growth and journey. Social media and campus culture sometimes amplify comparisons, but I try to draw inspiration rather than measure my worth against others.
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a daily practice. By leaning into my identity, connecting with others, and giving myself credit, I’m building a foundation that helps me thrive as both a scholar and person.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently a PhD student deeply engaged crafting my dissertation which is centered on Hispanic/Latinx identity development, multicultural spaces, and the sense of belonging within higher education. In addition to my academic work, I am a higher education professional actively involved in community engagement and belonging initiatives on campus.
One of the most exciting aspects of my professional journey is my consulting practice, which I have established to intentionally engage in throughout my PhD program and beyond. Through this business, I hope to provide expertise and support to universities and organizations seeking to enhance their multicultural programs, improve student engagement, and build inclusive environments. This opportunity allows me to bridge my research with practical application, helping institutions make meaningful changes.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to give back to my students. At a time where higher education has become increasingly unpredictable, it is vital now more than ever, to reimagine what support looks like. I its potential to influence policies and programs that foster inclusivity and equitable support for diverse student populations. By understanding the nuances of identity and belonging, I hope to contribute research and consulting that empower universities to create spaces where all students can thrive. This is especially meaningful to me as it comes from both my lived experience and professional passion for educational equity.
Professionally, I blend academic research, higher education practice, and consulting. I am actively involved in dialogues and projects that connect research insights with real-world impact, especially in multicultural centers and diversity initiatives on campuses. Presenting my findings, publishing scholarly articles, and collaborating with peers and practitioners keeps my work dynamic and impactful.
Looking ahead, I am excited to be preparing several academic submissions and conference presentations that highlight the intersections of identity, belonging, and multicultural programming in higher education. Also, I am exploring creative ways to share this research beyond academia, through workshops, public talks, and multimedia storytelling, to reach broader audiences and spark meaningful conversations.
In essence, my “brand” centers on advocacy through research and consulting, using data and stories to illuminate challenges while highlighting resilience and empowerment in Latinx and other marginalized student communities.
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?
1. Resilience & persistence- Both of these are crucial in navigating the higher ed space. The landscape presents systemic challenges and can create moments of doubt but staying committed to my goals and cultivating that resilience has helped me push through and continue
2. Self-awareness- Developing and understanding of my Hispanic identity and how it influences my work has been foundational.
3. Building authentic connections- This has been the hardest thing for me to do but also the most rewarding. They have offered me with growth opportunities and support to continue navigating the changing climate.
Advice: Keep going. Whatever you do, don’t stop. Not everyone is going to support you, but if you have your people, they will be the only support you need.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Ageism! I was the youngest in the field when I started, and because of the pace I set for myself, I will always be one of the youngest to do this work. With that, I have heard it all- “we need more years of experience,” “more time to develop,” etc.
What I do to overcome it is to equip myself with as much knowledge/facts as possible. Know as much as I can so they cannot attribute ignorance to age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonrodasconsulting.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-r-023ab310b
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