When resilience meets creativity, transformation happens.
For Madison Margaret Shevlin from the Brookdale Community College chapter, leadership is about more than academic excellence; it’s about turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring others through art, empathy, and perseverance.
A passionate artist and entrepreneur, Shevlin has been selling her artwork since she was 14 and became a certified tattoo artist at 18. By 21, she had already opened her own tattoo studio, Resilient Visions, in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Balancing the demands of running a business with full-time studies, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while continuing to grow her artistic and academic ambitions. Her hard work paid off with opportunities to travel.
“I was awarded three scholarships to attend two study abroad trips,” Shevlin says. “I traveled to Ireland studying women's issues in gender studies, and I also traveled to Amsterdam to study abnormal psychology.”
These trips were supported by three major scholarships and awards, including first place in the Study Abroad Association’s national scholarship competition, which awarded her $1,500 for her Amsterdam experience, as well as the Jody Calendar and Elaine Baran scholarships from Brookdale, totaling an additional $2,000 toward her travels.
Purifoy’s path to Ph.D. candidacy has been paved with hard work, research, and service.
At UAPB, she earned both the Dean’s Academic Scholarship and the prestigious 1890 Scholarship from the School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences. Her research explored antioxidant properties of sweet potatoes, a project that earned second place for her presentation at the 80th Professional Agricultural Workers Conference at Tuskegee University.
Her dedication extended beyond the lab. Purifoy served as vice president of UAPB’s chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), represented the Department of Human Sciences in the Student Government Association Senate, and mentored peers as a Golden Lion mentor.
Through these experiences, Purifoy developed a strong understanding of how research and community outreach intersect to create meaningful change.
“I want to show [people] that agriculture is more than just farming,” she says. “It involves all aspects of food, as well as the process in between farm to table.”
Shevlin’s achievements and accolades didn’t come easy.
Through extreme adversity, she remained resilient. Shortly after moving into her tattoo studio, she was rear-ended at a red light and suffered brain and spinal injuries.
During her recovery, a neuropsychologist encouraged her to return to school gradually as part of her cognitive therapy. That advice changed the trajectory of her life. Returning to Brookdale allowed her not only to rebuild her confidence but also to rediscover her purpose through leadership and learning.
“Consistent hard work and perseverance contributed to my success,” she says.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Shevlin continues to expand her creative reach. She hopes to travel the world, mentor others, and share her passion for art through her tattoo work and other creative endeavors.
“In 2026, I hope to tattoo in a few conventions in the USA and in Europe,” she says. “I am booked to tattoo in Ireland in May 2026, at Bundoran’s second tattoo convention. I also hope to attend another study abroad trip, this time to Italy.”
Her long-term goals reflect a deep commitment to healing, creativity, and leadership. “I want to continue to nurture my business and clientele,” she says. “Travel the world and create art. Teach more apprentices how to tattoo. Write and illustrate books. Achieve a master’s in art therapy.”
These aspirations connect her artistry with psychology and service, a blend that perfectly captures her holistic view of leadership and life.
Through social media, Shevlin connected with a mentor who deeply shaped her perspective on leadership and healing.
“Through social media I connected with a woman named Alex March,” she says. “She is a NP, mind-body integration specialist, a clinical homeopath, evidential medium, and medical intuitive of trauma. I look up to her because she always shares uplifting and resourceful info on how to heal holistically from trauma.”
It’s this same focus on emotional awareness and holistic well-being that guides Shevlin’s own leadership approach. “Leadership is an opportunity to guide and inspire others to achieve, experience, or learn something,” she says.
Her involvement with the NSLS has further strengthened this mindset, bolstering her drive to keep going, even when it gets hard. “Being a member of the NSLS has empowered me to continuously work hard academically,” she says.
Shevlin carries with her the lessons learned from both her father and her own experiences.
“My dad always said, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going,’” she shares, a mantra that has guided her through recovery, entrepreneurship, and her education.
To those striving to become better leaders, her message leans on an important soft skill, which is something of an art itself: “Always remember communication is key to understanding.”
As she continues to build her art, education, and impact, Shevlin embodies what it means to lead with resilience and heart, proving that true leadership isn’t just about achieving success, but about inspiring and connecting with others.
Learn the art of the conversation with Rose Fass, business transformation expert who breaks down why communication is so important to achieve your goals.