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Madeleine Oam
Founder Little Dreamers Australia • 2017 Queens Young Leader • 2019 AFR 100 Woman of Influence • 2019 Women's Weekly Woman of the Future
Professional Background
Madeleine Oam is a remarkable entrepreneur and social innovator hailing from Melbourne, Australia. She serves as the dedicated CEO of Little Dreamers Australia, an organization she founded at the tender age of 16. Little Dreamers Australia focuses on supporting Young Carers—those young individuals who look after family members with health conditions. Through this visionary platform, Madeleine aims to ensure that these young heroes receive the recognition, support, and community they deserve. Under her leadership, Little Dreamers has grown substantially, impacting the lives of over 4000 families across Australia and raising more than $1.5 million in funds to carry out their mission.
Prior to her esteemed role at Little Dreamers, Madeleine gathered valuable experience across various sectors. She worked as the Program Manager for Sales & Channel Incentives at Solterbeck and honed her marketing skills as an intern at L'Oréal. Her leadership capabilities were further demonstrated through her position as President of the RMIT Cheerleading Club. With a strong foundation in the retail sector, she also served as a Sales Assistant and Retail Assistant at both Newsxpress and Kmart Corporation, showcasing her ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds.
Education and Achievements
Madeleine’s academic journey is a testament to her commitment to growth and learning. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing from RMIT University, where she developed foundational skills in business principles and marketing strategies. Alongside this degree, she furthered her expertise in fundraising through a specialized Certificate from the Fundraising Institute of Australia.
She also completed a Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, which equipped her with vital governance knowledge. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Madeleine earned a Masters of Advertising from RMIT University, followed by an Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the prestigious Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education.
Madeleine’s thirst for knowledge led her to participate in the Queen's Young Leaders Program at the University of Cambridge, a prestigious program aimed at developing young leaders from around the world. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Business and Entrepreneurship from BSchool, amplifying her entrepreneurial skill set. Her educational foundation was solidified with a VCE from Brighton Secondary College, where her academic journey began.
Achievements
Madeleine’s achievements are numerous and noteworthy. In recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to community service, she was honored as a 2017 Queen's Young Leader award recipient. This award not only celebrates young leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities but brings them together for a 12-month development program, featuring mentoring, an online leadership development course through Cambridge University, and a memorable trip to London where recipients are awarded their medals by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II herself. This accolade reflects Madeleine’s status as an inspiring role model and change-maker.
Additionally, she was awarded a Westpac Social Change Fellowship in 2018, showcasing her dedication to creating positive impacts within society. This fellowship aimed to honor and support the next generation of leaders working across various sectors to effect change and advance social good. Through her unwavering spirit and commitment to social justice, Madeleine continues to work tirelessly for the causes she believes in, demonstrating that her early experiences as a Young Carer have profoundly shaped her life’s work.
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Madeleine enjoys traveling, reading, and engaging with new people. Her zest for life is evident in her adventures, which have included singing karaoke with the popular band Hanson in Philadelphia and dining with royalty. These experiences not only highlight her vibrant personality but also underscore her belief in breaking down barriers and fostering connections. In her leisure time, Madeleine continues to inspire others by sharing her story and advocating for at-risk young people, showing them that adversity can lead to incredible achievements.
tags':['Young Carer','Social Innovator','Founder','CEO of Little Dreamers','Community Support','Entrepreneur','Youth Advocacy','Marketing Professional','Queen's Young Leader','Westpac Social Change Fellow','Nonprofit Leadership','Business Education','Fundraising Expert','Team Leadership','Public Speaking'],
questions':['How did Madeleine Oam’s experiences as a Young Carer shape her professional journey?','What prompted Madeleine to establish Little Dreamers Australia at such a young age?','In what ways has Little Dreamers Australia evolved since its inception?','What skills did Madeleine acquire durin
