Lettie Madison
Lettie Madison overcame tremendous obstacles through education. The daughter of a sharecropper and the granddaughter of freed slaves, she was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Against all odds, she earned bachelor's and master's degrees and built a lifelong career as a social worker, professor and author. And with her savings, she aspired to help others transform their lives through education.
The Community Foundation provided an opportunity for her to create the Lettie Coleman Madison Fund, which benefits students at Hampton University and Virginia Union University. During the last 18 years, she has witnessed her fund grow, as well as her investment in future generations. That's why Lettie asks, "Why should I wait until my death to give back? I can make a difference now."