Never give up and always work as hard as you can. It will get you a long way, and when you look back, you will never regret not trying.
Madison Perkins grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, but her sense of self reaches far beyond the desert. She traces her roots to the Cook Inlet Region through her mother’s side.
She first learned about The CIRI Foundation through a moment of generosity. A high school basketball teammate’s grandparents shared information about CIRI with her parents. Their willingness to pass something on became Madison’s introduction to TCF. It deepened her connection to her Alaska Native heritage.
Madison always gravitated toward numbers. She explored different majors before finding her place in data analytics. In May 2025, she earned her master’s degree with a 4.0 GPA and a place on the Distinguished Scholars List.
Graduate school tested her in new ways. When doubt crept in, her family met her with encouragement, prayer, and steady support. Today, Madison works as a reporting analyst at Cadence Education and teaches SQL coding to undergraduates as an adjunct faculty member.
She values teaching because she remembers when data felt intimidating and wants students to experience the confidence that comes from understanding something once out of reach.
Her accomplishments demonstrate the lasting impact of educational opportunity, which is carried forward through her work, her family, and her community. She hopes to pursue a PhD and offer encouragement to students who will follow after her.
Madison Perkins at Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage. Photo courtesy of TCF.
"I see patients who look like my family. They trust me because I understand where they come from."
Madison Perkins's story is one of thousands. Every semester, TCF scholarship recipients across Alaska and the Lower 48 are building careers, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation. The cycle of support continues.
