By Ella Conrad, Miller Center Intern, Campus Engagement Ambassador
When I think back on my four years at Santa Clara University, what stands out most isn’t just what I studied. It’s the people, the causes, and the moments of growth that shaped who I am today.
I arrived at SCU unsure of what the future held, but I knew I didn’t want college to be just a checklist of classes and activities. I wanted it to be a time of genuine connection—with people, with ideas, and with causes that mattered. I was searching for purpose, hoping to find a way to make even a small difference over the next four years.
In my second year, I applied for a Miller Center internship and joined as a Campus Engagement Ambassador. This role taught me how to bring students into the social impact space—how to listen, lead, and encourage students to explore impact-driven work. Hosting events, tabling on campus, and promoting the opportunities Miller Center offers gave me a sense of agency. It made SCU feel like home.
The summer after my sophomore year, I interned at Mtindo, a social enterprise on a mission to create employment opportunities for women in Gulu, Uganda by growing the local apparel industry. Through Miller Center, I had the chance to support their work. I collaborated closely with the Marketing Manager to boost brand recognition through creative campaigns and social media, while also conducting market and competitor research to inform new strategic initiatives. That experience showed me how impact can be woven into every layer of a business, from product design to community development. It confirmed my belief that values and innovation not only coexist but strengthen one another.
During my senior year, I organized a breast cancer fundraiser in honor of my mom, Michele, who passed away from metastatic breast cancer in May 2024. With help from the SCU community, we raised money for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Planning the event gave me a space to channel my love and grief into something active and lasting. The experience showed me how collective action can carry personal stories forward, turning memory into momentum.
Now, as I leave SCU, I carry a deep sense of hope. I want to work at the intersection of storytelling, social strategy, and purpose—helping organizations communicate their impact and inspire others to take action.
I’m graduating from Santa Clara with more than just memories—but with a mission.
