BY CHEF BORIS SEYMORE
For 14 years, Madean Gilzene built a career defined by leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service. As a nursing home administrator, she didn’t just manage facilities; she transformed lives. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, uplift her teams, and ensure quality care for residents made her a respected force in the industry. But deep down, she knew she was called to do more—not just in her profession, but for her community.
In 2016, life handed her a new purpose. As a mother of three, including a medically complex child with special needs, Madean encountered firsthand the gaps in resources and support for families navigating similar challenges. Determined to make a difference, she founded the Extraordinary Kids Foundation (EKF). What began as a vision blossomed into a thriving 501(c)(3) non-profit that offers parents of special needs and medically complex children support groups, workshops, childcare and essential resources. EKF became a lifeline for families, a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.
But her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Madean pursued her long-held dream of becoming a real estate professional. Transitioning into commercial real estate, she quickly earned her license and established herself as a trusted advisor, helping clients achieve their property goals while investing in her own ventures.
Most recently, she embarked on her most ambitious project yet. In partnership with her family, they acquired a 17,500 square foot commercial building and launched Echelon Executive Suites, a premium co-working and executive office space located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The building also houses Aura Studio, a minimalist content studio, and serves as the home office for Extraordinary Kids Foundation, creating a dynamic hub for business and community impact. Designed with professionals and entrepreneurs in mind, Echelon provides not only a place to work but a community to thrive in. The space is a testament to Madean’s vision of creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success.
Through it all, Madean’s faith has been her cornerstone. As a devoted wife, mother, and woman of Christ, she credits her journey to the grace of God and the power of belief. “Everything I’ve achieved has only been possible because I have put God first in my life. He is my source of strength,” she reflects.
Today, Madean is a role model for women balancing ambition with purpose. She mentors aspiring female entrepreneurs, proving that the intersection of family, faith, and career is not just possible—it’s powerful.
From her years in healthcare to her evolution as a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor, Madean Gilzene’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and an unrelenting desire to serve. Her journey reminds us all that with the right mindset, no goal is out of reach.
“I want people to see my story and know that no matter where you start, you can always build the life you dream of,” she says. And for Madean, this is just the beginning.