Audrey McMillian - Operations Branch Manager, Class of 2023

“It is honestly hard to describe how influential Innovate 1858 has been in my professional career as I have spent the past several years growing with the business and helping to grow it. In every interview I've had for internships and jobs, I talk about Innovate 1858. "What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome it? What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? Why do you want to work in merchandising?" The answer to all of these questions relates to my experience, which is likely why I landed an internship with Levi Strauss & Co. and received a full-time offer at Abercrombie & Fitch. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience being a part of an entrepreneurial start-up business and gaining real-life technical and leadership skills, skills I've been able to transfer to all other facets of my professional life. The environment for learning that Innovate 1858 has cultivated is like no other. The faculty members and students display an innate desire to learn and share the same passion for entrepreneurship, making it the ideal place to grow. As I look forward to my post-college career, I continue to hold my time at Innovate 1858 near and dear to my heart and use the knowledge gained to continue developing my passion for the industry."