Madison Upendo Selected as W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow

Jackson Public Schools is celebrating a major achievement by Madison Upendo, who has been selected as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow in Class Four of the foundation’s national leadership program, in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership.

Madison was chosen through a highly competitive selection process and is one of just 80 leaders nationwide selected as part of the WKKF Community Leadership Network. Fellows are dedicated to strengthening outcomes for children, families, and communities and live and work in priority places including Mississippi, Michigan, New Mexico, New Orleans, Tribal Nations, and communities across the country.

The 18-month fellowship focuses on equity-centered leadership, collaborative problem solving, and sustainable community transformation through intensive training, coaching, and development. Madison will continue his work with Jackson Public Schools while bringing what he learns back to support the district’s mission.

“This fellowship represents a meaningful investment in leadership development,” Madison shared. “I am grateful for the opportunity to grow in this work and to bring back what I learn to strengthen our district and the communities we serve.”

As a Kellogg Fellow, Madison will also join the Global Fellows Network, a community of more than 1,200 leaders across 44 countries who collaborate, share ideas, and work together to accelerate change for children and families.

Madison currently serves as Chair of the Wells APAC Theatre Department within Jackson Public Schools, where he teaches acting, technical theatre, and career development across elementary, middle, and high school. A faith driven teaching artist from Jackson, he holds degrees from Belhaven University and Jackson State University and is a 2025 M.A.C. film grantee.