What Are You Doing to Change the World for the Better

When I left Spartanburg in 2000, I was a starry-eyed 18-year-old determined to make the world a better place. So determined, in fact, that I set a reminder on my calendar that still pops up every six months asking: “Have you changed the world for the better?”

Little did I know that I would find the way to do that right here in my hometown… and beyond.

I spent almost two decades trying to unlock the secret to building a better world. I studied religions, ethics, and literature in undergrad and grad school. I worked at two foundations, one policy organization, and a community development financial institution. I met the sharpest minds and most dedicated souls who work tirelessly to grow communities.

These experiences not only challenged my worldview, but they also shaped my perspective on community and showed me what doing my part to make the world a better place looked like on a practical level.

In 2016, my partner Jason and I moved our family from Chicago back to Spartanburg to support my aging parents.

I was hesitant. I had made my mark in big places by doing big things. Now, I found myself heading to the home I had left behind. But my wise brother once told me: “Any place worth living has problems worth fixing.”

My brother was right.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself leading the philanthropic efforts of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation as part of Milliken & Company, headquartered right here in my hometown of Spartanburg.

For many companies, philanthropy can transform their role in the communities where their employees live and work, as they use their resources and influence to drive meaningful change. It’s a powerful way to build a legacy that transcends business success and contributes to the greater good.

At Milliken, the aspiration to connect with a mission and purpose goes beyond following a trend. It is the heart of our philanthropy, inspiring actions that reflect our shared values and humanity.

Our purpose is to positively impact the world around us for generations to come, and our foundation’s mission is to do just that in the communities we serve through corporate philanthropy.

Our core programs include community grants focused on nonprofits, an associate gift match initiative, impact gifts to support long-term projects, dependent scholarships for children of full-time associates, and disaster relief.

Our recent announcement of the 2024 community grant recipients—45 organizations awarded grants totaling more than $800,000—is just one of many programs that bring critical dollars to nonprofits in our communities.

But numbers only tell part of the story. The true impact of corporate philanthropy is in the lives changed, the communities uplifted, and the hope ignited.

And that’s why we’re proud to support the organizations that are helping to lead the charge – those who believe that their intentions, efforts, and accomplishments make a difference in the lives of their fellow community members.

In today’s world, corporate giving is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. And not just because it benefits the company. By making a positive impact in your community and forging strong relationships, companies help grow vibrant communities, and also build goodwill and loyalty that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

Creating such strong community ties goes beyond monetary benefits. It’s about helping to establish a substantial, lasting impact.

For me, philanthropy is about feeling a pull to be part of something that’s bigger than just myself. It’s about finding a cause that clicks with my values, connects me with humanity, and inspires me to act—it sparks the desire to change the world.

I found this by coming home, and joining a company that empowers me to make the world around me a better place. And every day, I wake up feeling confident that I’m a part of a team that’s making a positive impact that will last generations.

So, tell me (and yes, I really want to know!): What are you doing to change the world for the better?

Join us in our mission, whether you're an associate at Milliken & Company, part of a non-profit organization, or just someone looking to make a difference. Apply for a community grant if your organization aligns with our mission or support our efforts in any way you can.

Visit milliken.com/foundation to learn more about the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and to apply for community grants during the application window. Together, we can create a better, healthier, and more equitable future for all.