Major Madeleine Terry Vinticinque, Oregon Alpha, United States Air Force

Leadership, for Major Madeleine Venticinque, has less to do with rank or title, and everything to do with service and lifting others up. “Long before I ever wore a uniform, Pi Phi taught me how to be a leader,” she says. “The Air Force gave me the opportunity to live that lesson every day. For that, I will always be grateful.” 

After beginning her career in public service as a deputy district attorney in Oregon, Madeleine discovered the opportunity to serve in the Air Force after meeting a Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) officer at a career fair. That experience opened the door to combining her passion for law, service and leadership on a broader scale.  

Today, Madeleine serves in the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate, a military attorney. Over the past six years, she has worked as a prosecutor, defense attorney and executive officer. Today, she leads professional development efforts for the Air Force’s legal force worldwide as Chief of Education and Training for the JAG Corps at the Pentagon.  

While Madeleine is proud of the leadership roles she’s held, it’s the people who define her service. “Watching those I lead grow, succeed and be recognized will always be the most meaningful part of wearing the uniform,” she says.  

That commitment to others was nurtured during her time as a collegian at the University of Oregon. Serving as Vice President Philanthropy helped her discover a love of mentorship and servant leadership. That foundation carried her through cross-country moves, new responsibilities and moments of doubt. “Early in my career, a male supervisor told me I needed to change my personality to be ‘more Air Force,’” Madeleine says. “What changed everything was finding strong female mentors who showed me I did not have to be less myself to succeed. I learned how to speak with confidence, authenticity and femininity while still excelling.” 

Now, Madeleine models that same sense of courage for younger officers, encouraging them to trust their voices and speak up. “Integrity is not about rank or comfort,” she says. “It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. Pi Phi prepared me for that.”  

Wherever her career takes her, Pi Phi remains a source of connection and support. Alumnae communities have provided a sense of belonging with each new assignment, and the friendships Madeleine formed as a member of Oregon Alpha continue to encourage and ground her. “Sisterhood doesn’t end at graduation—it only deepens with time,” she says.  

While Pi Phi and the Air Force are two very different paths, Madeleine sees a clear connection between them. “At their core, they are built on the same ideas: service, integrity and commitment to something beyond yourself,” she says. “Both taught me how to lead, how to care deeply for people, and how to show up even when it is hard.” 

Published May 1, 2026