Humans of Stern: Madeline Weber (BS/MS '26)

Humans of Stern is a series in which we meet the real people who study at the NYU Stern Undergraduate College. Today, we’re excited to meet Madeline Weber (BS/MS ’26), whose Stern experience has included a surprise year in London, a love for chess, and a few unexpected appearances on screen.

Name: Madeline Weber
Class Year: 2026
Degree Program: BS/MS Accounting
Fun Facts:

• I am ranked in the top 50 female chess players in the nation!
• Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
• I’ve been skydiving!

Q: What brought you to NYU Stern/NYC?

When looking at colleges, NYU was always considered my “out of reach” school. We toured the school for fun, and I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere of the city and the campus itself. I told everyone this is the school I will be attending, and no one believed I would get in. I ended up getting accepted into the FYLO program and going to London my first year!

Q: What’s your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was Negotiations and Consensus Building. The course focused on simulated negotiations and taught us how to reach agreements that benefited both parties, rather than approaching every situation as a competition. What made the class especially meaningful was how practical it was. I used the skills I developed in that class to negotiate a raise, work through problems with my roommates, and honestly, just ask people what they would do in the situations we had to simulate in class. Whether I am navigating professional discussions, resolving conflicts, or advocating for myself, I find that I use the lessons from Negotiations and Consensus Building almost every day.

Q: What do you do with your weekends?

On the weekends, I am usually doing one of two things: teaching chess or competing in it. I work as a chess instructor, teaching kids (and sometimes adults) how to play and helping them develop critical strategies for the game. When I am not teaching, I am often traveling somewhere in the country to compete in tournaments. The last one I went to was a national tournament in Las Vegas, where I tied for second place!

Q: How has your time at Stern shaped what your goals are for your future?

Stern taught me the importance of having a growth mindset. It shaped my goal of building a career where I am always learning something new and growing as a professional and as a person.

Q: What is your fondest memory so far during your time here?

My fondest Stern memory was taking Advanced Communications over the summer. Honestly, just going to that class was a highlight. The class was a safe space to problem-solve situations from work and develop presentation strategies through constructive criticism and thoughtful feedback. The vibe was so positive, and it was always fun to be in class.

Q: Where is the coolest place Stern has taken you globally? Or where would you like to go?

I was part of the second cohort of the FYLO program in London, which I actually applied to by accident! I hit the wrong button when applying to NYU and was somehow shipped off to London for my entire first year. This ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me. Through this experience, I developed a love for travel, culture, and historic architecture.

Q: Where’s your favorite place in the city and why?

Washington Square Park is the only right answer to this. Whenever someone comes to visit New York City or even mentions that they are planning a trip, I bring them to Washington Square. At any given moment, you can meet any type of person: student, street musician, business worker, tourist, chess hustler, crazy person–anyone. The park captures the energy and character of New York in a way that, in my opinion, no other place can. It brings together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life in a single shared space.

Q: Anything exciting you’d like to share?

I was in a movie produced by Keanu Reeves! Hopefully on Netflix in the near future! And I'll be on Paramount+ at the end of the year on a British magic show. Life is so random sometimes.