A Life-Changing Year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

Madison Alcázar is a new member of the Golden Valley Rotary Club. She graduated from Michigan State University and recently moved to the Twin Cities area to work as a Research and Development Packaging Engineer at General Mills. Madison’s Rotary journey began in 2018, when she spent a life-changing year in Turkey as a Rotary Youth Exchange student.

Her exchange experience opened her eyes to new cultures, languages, and perspectives, and inspired a passion for global connection and service. Madison credits that year abroad with shaping who she is today and bringing her back to Rotary. She’s excited to share highlights from her exchange and why she believes Rotary Youth Exchange is one of Rotary’s most powerful programs.

Madison lives in Plymouth with her husband, Enrique, and two cats. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors and play her violin in the Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra.

Following Madison's presentation, we will discuss the 2025 Taste & Tour event.