Her Story
About Millie
I've been working in digital design for over 15 years, and I currently serve as the creative director for our design team, where my realm of work covers website designs, advertising, branding, and all of our patient-facing materials. I've always been a hands-on maker, even from childhood. I really liked being crafty and would see something and think 'I can make that.' The moment I really remember leaning into design was when I was planning my quinceañera. I didn't like any of the invitations available, and though people thought I was being picky, I figured out how to design it myself. I fell in love with the process and the ownership of making something look and feel personal. As technology changed and we got iPhones and smartphones, I took more of a digital approach. Throughout my career, I've focused on being bold and trusting my instincts, because only I have my unique perspective. I've learned to compartmentalize when wearing multiple hats, always keeping the bigger picture in mind and making sure my choices and decisions are thought out by measuring their impact. I believe in making educated decisions based on data and real-world results, while staying flexible because it's okay to be wrong and pivot quickly in the digital space.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Millie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've definitely leaned into the changes in the industry versus trying to fight them, and I've positioned myself as a thought leader when those changes or opportunities happen. For example, there's a lot of controversy around AI, and at some point there was a lot of pushback on going from a regular phone to a smartphone. Those moments have been where I've been able to lean in and really make an impact. I don't say no, but instead I ask 'what if' or 'how can we use this in a way that will help make my work stronger or add more impact to my team?' By embracing change and exploring new possibilities rather than resisting them, I've been able to stay ahead and create meaningful results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My college professor Harvey Bailey, who was one of the original madmen in advertising, taught me to trust myself, tell my story, and just explore. He would say things like 'you're not saving anybody, you're just trying to sell something, like, have fun!' His teaching style really helped take the pressure off and allowed ideas to flow freely. That advice to trust yourself and not take things too seriously while still doing great work has stayed with me throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be bold and be confident in your instincts. Only you can tell your story, and only you have your unique perspective. Especially going in, you have that fresh eye where things will stand out to you that somebody will normally miss. There's something that happens with designers where you naturally don't like something or naturally do lean into something. Finding a brand that fits you, or even a way to evolve a brand, that's the only perspective that you can tell. Trust your curiosities and follow the what-ifs, because they sometimes lead to really big moments of positive impact.
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