Benetick Kabua Maddison
Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI)
Benetick Kabua Maddison

Benetick Kabua Maddison is the Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), a nonprofit based in Springdale, Arkansas, where the highest number of Marshallese people reside in the continental United States. Born in Majuro Atoll, Maddison migrated to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with his family at the age of six. His work at MEI includes leading efforts to raise awareness of the biological, ecological, and cultural consequences of the nuclear testing legacy on his homelands as well as the impact of climate change. Benetick has spoken at conferences and events in the US and internationally, including addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022.

Benetick worked previously at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as a Community Health Advocate and remains active in addressing health disparities; he is also committed to raising Marshallese educational attainment levels. Benetick is pursuing a degree in political science at Arkansas State University.