This time of year inspires the best in all of us – encouraging us to find special ways to give back to our communities or to bring joy to those who might need it most. For Lakessa Wright, giving is something she makes a priority – no matter the season.

In this week’s associate spotlight, we explore how Lakessa’s commitment to supporting her community mirrors Milliken’s own dedication to our associates and the communities in which they reside. 

What does your daily role look like as Senior Sales Executive for Milliken Chemical?

My daily goal is to grow new and existing customer relationships in order to drive company growth within the consumer packaged goods market segment. Along with managing a significant customer for the company, I help drive key projects and develop long-term business strategies. In addition to working directly with our customers, I also work cross-functionally with our internal supply chain, manufacturing, customer service, and regulatory teams to ensure we are meeting their needs.

How important is it to you to work for a company who is community-minded?

It is extremely important for me to work for a company that plays a positive role in meeting community needs. I’ve always wanted to work for an organization that enhances daily life by contributing to our communities and our world – and those contributions could be creating innovative products or it could be investing in the communities in which we live.

As a Milliken associate, how does giving play a role within the company?  

Milliken & Company has a culture of giving back to the community. There are many ways to participate in giving within the company – spanning from volunteer opportunities and individual financial giving to corporate-sponsored fundraisers for organizations like the United Way of the Piedmont, Angel Tree, and Habitat for Humanity. Within the chemical division, we have bake sales, chili cook-offs, and various exciting activities to raise money for non-profit community organizations. (My award-winning Charleston Chili recipe is a division favorite and helps raise money each year!)

Milliken wants to provide meaningful and impactful ways to become involved in our communities, because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to giving back. Our company is great at meeting associates where they are and providing charitable outlets for anyone interested in participating.

What is the most encouraging part about seeing a company invested in the community in which it resides? 

It is encouraging to see Milliken invested in the community and to know the company is not only focused on its business, but that it also wants to create opportunities for success in our surrounding communities. Milliken understands that our success and the success of our communities are closely tied together.

How does giving manifest itself in your daily life?

I am currently serving a second term on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate. This organization provides youth mentoring services to children in need of a role model that can provide companionship, guidance, as well as moral, psychological and intellectual support. My role as a Board Member includes supporting fundraisers, special events, and serving on the Governance committee where I help recruit and maintain board membership. Because I grew up in an underprivileged community, I’ve always had a lifelong goal to share my professional success by giving back to my community and lifting up others in need. I find great joy in working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, affirming my belief that those who are the happiest are the ones who give back and do the most for others.

Looking to work for a company that continuously strives to invest in both you and the community? Visit our careers page to explore positions within our global community of innovators.