Meet Raioni Madison | Executive Director, 3D Girls, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raioni Madison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raioni, what do you attribute your success to?

When it comes to the success of both myself and 3D Girls, Inc., it would be disingenuous to say there’s just one key ingredient. It’s a complex hodgepodge of calculated risk-taking. But if I had to identify the one element that serves as the foundation, it would be my faith.

This unwavering faith has been instrumental in taking risks, which I believe are fundamental to growth as a leader. Stepping outside your comfort zone is inherently scary, but it’s where true transformation happens. When I started 3D Girls, Inc., there were countless unknowns: would it work? Would I have the resources? Would I make a real difference? But my faith whispered, “Trust the process, believe in your vision, and take that leap.”

Those initial leaps – leaving my teaching job, investing time and energy into building the organization – weren’t reckless gambles. They were informed decisions fueled by a deep-seated belief in my mission and the power of our work. And with every risk taken, every obstacle overcome, my faith grew stronger, refined by the challenges and nourished by the victories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey wouldn’t be your typical CEO narrative. It’s not a meteoric rise fueled by venture capital or one single large donation, but a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and community. It’s the story of an educator who dared to dream beyond the classroom walls and, brick by brick, built a foundation to empower hundreds of young Black women and girls.

Leaving the comfort of my teaching job wasn’t easy. The security, the familiar routine, it all felt safe. But the fire in my belly, fueled by the struggles of my students and my own yearning to do more, wouldn’t be extinguished. That’s where the “not giving up” part comes in. It wasn’t a one-time decision, but a daily mantra, repeated through moments of doubt and exhaustion.

What sets me apart? I don’t shy away from my roots. I lead with the same authenticity and empathy I poured into my students, understanding the girls we serve because I’ve seen their reflections in my own past. Bring people on board who saw themselves in the girls is something I am proud of as well. I’ve been able to hire young women who brought their unique talents and lived experiences to the table. I love that my team is a collective, a mosaic of strengths and backgrounds, uniting by our passion for empowering the next generation of young women and girls,

These victories are what keep me going. Seeing a young girl overcome a hurdle, blossom in confidence, find her voice – those are the moments that make the long days and late nights worth it. But the journey is not without its challenges. Funding, societal barriers, the weight of responsibility – these are battles are being fought constantly. But here’s the thing: I never go at it alone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My bestie’s week-long ATL takeover would focus on the vibrant West End and bustling Atlantic Station – all with a black-owned twist! Buckle up, because we’re about to show you why Atlanta is truly Black Mecca.

Day 1: West End Welcome

Morning: Let’s fuel up in the West End at Wandanda for a nice smoothie before immersing ourselves in history at the Atlanta Civil Rights Museum and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Afternoon: We will have lunch at Slutty Vegan for a drool-worthy vegan delicacy. Trust me, the lines are worth it!

Evening: Let’s the 1st Friday at the High Museum of Art. It’s a guaranteed good time with live music, art installations, and a mix of fly folks. End the night with cocktails at 5church Midtown.

Day 2: Atlantic Station Adventures

Morning: Start your day with a delicious cup of joe at Cafe Mocha. They have the best lattes in town, hands down!
Afternoon: Explore the Atlantic Station shops, popping into black-owned gems like The Sista Shop. We can refuel with a healthy lunch at JuJu Eats, then catch a movie at the AMC Atlantic Station 16.
Evening: We’ll head over to Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria for some award-winning pies and good vibes. No ATL trip is complete without it!

Day 3: Culture & Community

Morning: Head to the Sweet Auburn Historic District and visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Learn about the rich history of Black Atlanta and pay your respects at the King Center.
Afternoon: Grab a bite at Breakfast at Barney’s, then head to the National Black Arts Festival (if it’s happening during your visit!). Immerse yourselves in art, music, and the vibrant Black community.
Evening: Wind down with a delicious dinner at The Old Lady Gang!

Day 4: Nature & Fun

Morning: Hike the scenic trails at the Atlanta BeltLine, stopping for a coffee at Black Coffee
Afternoon: Dive into the underwater world at the Georgia Aquarium, marveling at the incredible marine life.
Evening: Catch a live show at the Fox Theatre, or grab drinks at The Ponce City Market.

Day 5 & 6: Explore More!

Daytime: Visit The Trap Music Museum, The Atlanta History Center, or the College Football Hall of Fame.
Evenings: Check out live music at The St. James Lounge, dance the night away at MJQ, or enjoy a rooftop bar experience at The Roof at Ponce City Market…you pick the vibes!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hey Tabitha Brown! Lol, this one is for you! Your joy, passion, and unwavering faith has been a light for me in the last three years.

I read Tabitha’s book, “Feeding the Soul” in 2022 and it changed my life. I was at a time that I was dealing with symptoms of an autoimmune disorder and I was really depressed. When I heard about her story and how she changed her health habits and focused on her dreams, I felt like I could do it too! As I am a point where I feel about 85% back to myself, I thank her for this inspiration book that served as a spark to my soul!

Website: www.3dgirlsinc.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/3dgirlsinc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raionimadison/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/3d_girlsinc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/3dgirlsinc