Maddie Elledge

“Jersey-raised strategist with a passion for innovation, community, and technology, leading with empathy first, always”

Hometown: Randolph, New Jersey

Fun Fact About Yourself: I backpacked the Tour Du Mont Blanc, which took me through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It was the most incredible experience. And I’m terrified of heights!

Undergraduate School and Major: Emory University Goizueta Business School, Finance & Strategy

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Manager, Corporate Strategy at Focus Brands

What has been your favorite part of Atlanta so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?

I have been in Atlanta for about 10 years now and it is most certainly home. Everything from the unbelievable food to the amazing people make this place so special. My favorite aspect of Atlanta is easily the different feel you get from each neighborhood. From the wine stroll in Kirkwood to the porchfest in Virginia Highlands, each neighborhood has its “thing” and everyone is so proud to show it off. With Scheller’s location in Midtown, we really are at the center of it all!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Scheller MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

Scheller’s focus on real-world applications through the multitude of practicum classes offered is what truly sold me. Having the opportunity to work both inside and outside of the classroom with companies around the world is incredible. I wanted to make sure that I was choosing a program where I would be constantly challenged as well as given opportunities to grow and hone my skills.  

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Georgia Tech?

Our athletic committee hosts tailgates for every home football game that are so much fun. The energy on game day is infectious! Everyone from alumni to family and friends shows up; it’s such an amazing environment to bond with your class even further. It doesn’t hurt that Georgia Tech wasn’t too bad this year!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

A few years ago, I had to teach myself Excel VBA macros to automate accounting processes for a financial services company. I had no prior experience with both accounting and VBA, so it was a fun project that really challenged me. I was so proud of the end result, which helped the accounting team save a lot of time at month-end close AND I developed a new skill!

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far was being awarded the Forté Fellowship and attending their Women’s MBA conference in Dallas, Texas in June. The talks were inspiring and engaging, only heightening my excitement to join my MBA program. Forté is such a special network of amazing women and I feel so grateful to be a part of it.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

At Scheller, we have “hobby nights” where students get to host others and showcase their favorite activities. These range from rock climbing to pizza making and more. My favorite memory was a hobby night thrown by three students titled “International Spice-Off.” We got to taste authentic Thai and Indian cuisine made by our fellow classmates, and the dishes increased in spice level as the night progressed. It was such an amazing experience to taste all of the dishes and learn about our friends’ cultures a little bit more.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Georgia Tech Scheller’s MBA program?

Be authentically you. The single greatest asset of the Scheller MBA program is the community we have. Definitely let your passions shine through in the interview process – both personal and professional! It’s what makes you unique!

DON’T MISS MEET THE GEORGIA TECH SCHELLER MBA CLASS OF 2025