Remembering Madeline “Maddie” Kleinschmidt

Dear Fulbright community,

We are deeply saddened to share that a fellow Fulbrighter, Madeline “Maddie” Kleinschmidt, passed away suddenly on April 19..  She was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Space Quixote in Cuenca, Spain, from 2023-2024.

Born and raised in Kenai, Alaska, Maddie graduated with honors with a B.B.A. in International Business from West Texas A&M University.   Of Venezuelan and German heritage, she brought a global perspective to everything she did.

Before her Fulbright, she was also selected as a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, channeling her business background and leadership skills into policy development initiatives supporting small businesses and democracy abroad.

She also supported international affairs through internships at the State Department’s Bureau of Populations, Refugees, and Migration and the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.Maddie volunteered as an ESL teacher for adult refugees and interned as a U.S. Cultural Orientation intern, conducting graduate-level research on transitional justice as a McNair Scholar.

Following her ETA year, she continued collaborating with FabLab Cuenca, coordinating programs that empowered local makers and learners.

Her boundless enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Please join me in extending heartfelt condolences to Maddie’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her passion for public diplomacy and her dedication to making the world a better place exemplify the very spirit of our Fulbright community.

With sympathy and solidarity,

Best Regards,