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Madeline Ryan Smith

Madeline Ryan Smith

Founder & CEO, Social Scientist, Guide Dog Handler

Statesboro entrepreneur, Gen Z candidate, and fierce advocate. Rooted in deep social science, I don’t follow the standard political script—I draw the bow and set my own targets.

When I campaign or consult across Middle Georgia, I don’t lean on federal talking points. I sit down at kitchen tables to talk about dirt roads, affordable housing, and real economic opportunity.

As a legally blind woman navigating Retinitis Pigmentosa, my fight for accessibility isn’t theoretical. As my school system failed to teach me Braille, I refuse to let public education fail the next generation. That’s why I champion the “Prove It” standard for inclusion, forcing politicians and businesses to provide tangible accommodations rather than lip service to the disabled community.

My journey began with the spark of the 2016 election, driving me to found the Students with Disabilities Advocacy Group at Georgia Southern University. In 2022, I launched a historic campaign for Georgia House District 158. Today, through Mercury Media Partners, I continue to blend deep social science with fiercely independent strategy, building lawsuit-resistant, fully ADA-compliant digital solutions for businesses and campaigns alike.

“When you bring politics back down to kitchen-table issues, people listen—even conservative-leaning young men who are tired of being ignored.”

Career Highlights

  • Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party's Disability Caucus (DPG DisCo)
  • Former Candidate for GA House District 158 and youngest WIN List endorsed candidate
  • Founded Blind Bear Creative, which evolved into Mercury Media Partners
  • Featured in Mother Jones and State Affairs for disability rights advocacy and rural campaigning

Education & Credentials

  • M.A. in Social Science, Georgia Southern University
  • B.S. in Psychology, Georgia Southern University

Latest Posts by Madeline

Madeline and Mercury
Woman-Owned
Disability-Owned

Built by the legally blind.

"We don't just know the rules. We navigate by them every day."

26% of American adults have a disability. A compliant website gives you access to 100% of the population. Why settle for a solar system when the whole galaxy could be yours?

Free 3-Minute ADA Diagnostic

Discover your liability risk and the exact steps to bulletproof your business.

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What brings you to Mercury today?