2024 Jefferson Award Winner: Madia Bickett

Madia Bickett was awarded the Jefferson Award for her work with the Stockwell Farmers Market, which she created five years ago after moving to Stockwell, Indiana. Bickett has been at Purdue University for the last twelve years, working as the program manager at the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship and Engagement (CCSE). Her strong background in marketing communications along with her work experience at Purdue provided her with a strong foundation to implement the farmers market within her community. Through this project, Bickett offers her community members the chance to gather and conveniently purchase fresh produce close to home.

I can’t think of anything more rewarding than working with students as they discover more about who they are as individuals and explore their passions inside and outside of the classroom setting.

Madia Bickett

Growing up in a small community, Bickett always had a love for farmers markets and supporting local farmers. While looking for ways to volunteer in Stockwell, she noticed that it was harder for older residents to make the trip to Lafayette for a farmers market experience. This was one of the driving factors for Bickett to create the Stockwell Farmers Market. Since its creation five years ago, the market has grown rapidly within the community. It began small with five vendors and now there are at least thirty vendors.

For Bickett, it has been remarkable to see the community engagement that has built up around this market. During the market season last year theme days were implemented such as “Baked Goods and Books Day” and “Farms and Fruits Day.” All these events were monumental in bringing people to visit Stockwell. Since its beginning, Bickett has noticed an increase in younger families moving to the area. The farmers market theme days provide so much for the community, whether it is engagement, business, or entertainment for families. Not only does Bickett do a tremendous job of promoting information about the Stockwell Farmers Market through social media, but she also uses those platforms to share information about other rural farmers markets in Tippecanoe County. To learn more information about the Stockwell Farmers Market, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.

To see others experience our community for the first time and fall in love with our small-town charm and beauty makes my heart smile.

Madia Bickett