It is always a wonderful day when we get to share news of a Madeira graduate fulfilling our mission of launching women who change the world. Janelle Irick Bynum ’92 decided that changing the world, in her case, would include making Congressional history. In November 2024, Bynum was elected to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, becoming the first Black woman to do so. She previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives for House District 29. We are thrilled that the newly minted Congresswoman continues to support her alma mater, including taking some time to answer a few of our questions about her journey to Congress.
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Head of School Christina Kyong presented Rep. Bynum with 13 red roses at her Swearing In Celebration.
Madeira: How did your Madeira experience guide you to your current path?
Janelle Bynum: I often contrast my high school experience with that of my parents. My mother grew up in rural South Carolina and graduated in 1970 as valedictorian from a segregated high school. For her, opportunities were limited, but she and my dad didn’t believe in excuses; they believed in hard work and creating your own path forward. I came to Madeira as a junior, immediately felt included in the school community, and took advantage of all that the School had to offer. At Madeira, I felt like the world was mine to conquer. The School’s emphasis on independence, leadership, and experiential learning planted the seeds for my career in public service. Madeira obligated me to use my voice and my talents to better the world around me.
At Madeira, I felt like the world was mine to conquer.
Madeira: What is a stand-out memory from your time at Madeira?
JB: I won the election for Head of Boarding and served on the Executive Board with two amazing partners, Patricia Mattingly Montague ’92 and Debbie Lee ’92. Earning the trust and confidence of my classmates to vote me into one of the highest positions in the School meant a lot to me.
A close second was scoring a goal on the JV field hockey team. It is my most precious (and only) athletic achievement.
Rep. Janelle Irick Bynum
Madeira: Describe the Madeira experience in three words.
JB: Validating, inclusive, abundant
Madeira: Any advice for Madeira students who are interested in going into politics?
JB: Be authentically you and celebrate what makes you unique. For example, I love sports, and I lean into that passion. Politics and competitive sports are very similar. The most successful people are ones that make their shots, train hard, invest in their own success, help their teammates shine, give unselfishly to their community, and are great to watch on the field.
Oh, and as a self-proclaimed introvert, I say embrace your inner snail: Go inside your shell and rest sometimes. Develop a thick shell and tune out a lot of the world’s noise. Self-care goes a long way.
Rep. Bynum shared insights and advice during a Community Dinner at The Land.
Madeira: When you were a Co-Curriculum intern on Capitol Hill, did you imagine you would work there some day?
JB: I think my dad did. I’m pretty sure he thought I would be mayor of DC or something political. In addition to interning at Senator Arlen Specter’s office on Wednesdays, my dad would take me to the Hill to participate in speech contests held in the congressional hearing rooms. I was delivering mock political opinions as a teenager. Participating in the Co-Curriculum program gave me a sense of ownership in our Capitol and our government. I think if more young people had a similar experience, they would be more engaged and more effective at holding our leaders accountable. I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything.
Sharing Wisdom with the Madeira Community
In the midst of transitioning into her new role and getting reacquainted with DC, Rep. Bynum was able to join students and Madeira community members for a special dinner on campus, hosted by Head of School Christina Kyong at The Land. The congresswoman delivered an inspirational talk on public service and the impact of her Madeira education on her career, while sharing valuable advice. In addition to current students and faculty, several alums were also in attendance and found Rep. Bynum’s words quite inspiring.
Ellie Cook ’19 and Rep. Bynum
Ellie Cook ’19 shared the following, “Interning on Capitol Hill during my junior year was one of my favorite experiences at Madeira, so returning to campus and meeting Representative Bynum was truly special. Seeing a fellow Madeira alum serve in Congress is inspiring, and as a young Black woman, this dinner with Representative Bynum is an experience I’ll cherish for years to come. It was fascinating to hear about the Congresswoman's unconventional path to Congress and reminisce with her, current students, and alums about our favorite Madeira memories. My time at Madeira helped me realize my potential, and this conversation with Representative Bynum only reinforced that."
Rep. Bynum and current Madeira students at The Land
2025 Commencement Speaker
Rep. Bynum will graciously return to campus again in June of this year, when she serves as the chosen commencement speaker for the Class of 2025. We are sure that her words will motivate and inspire the newly launched class to pursue their passions, live authentically, and support one another for years to come. As Mrs. Kyong mused, “Though Rep. Bynum is the first Madeira graduate to serve in Congress, we bet that she won’t be the last.”
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