Benetick Kabua Maddison is the Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), a nonprofit based in Springdale, Arkansas, where the highest concentration of Marshallese reside outside of the home islands. Born on Majuro Atoll, Maddison migrated to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with his family at the age of six. His work at MEI includes leading efforts to raise awareness of the biological, ecological, and cultural consequences of the nuclear testing legacy on Marshallese homelands as well as the impact of climate change. Benetick has spoken at conferences and events in the US and internationally, including addressing the United Nations General Assembly. Benetick worked previously at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as a Community Health Advocate and remains active in addressing health disparities; his is also committed to raising Marshallese educational attainment levels. Benetick is pursuing a degree in political science at Arkansas State University.