Christy (Yerga) Miller '99

Christy (Yerga) Miller

Class Year

’99

Current home

Milwaukee, Wis.

Major(s)

Business, Management, and Marketing

Current Position

Director of Development at PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc.

Christy Miller ’99 is the Director of Development at PEARLS for Teen Girls, Inc.

The Milwaukee-based company is a leadership development program helping teenage girls learn and live important values including empathy, respect, responsibility, and leadership, among others.

In her role, Ms. Miller oversees fundraising and works directly with donors to support PEARLS, which relies heavily on philanthropy. She says Carthage’s mission of “Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together” outlines values that are prominent in both her personal and professional life.

“Inspiring Service is especially important to me,” says Ms. Miller. “I work in an industry driven by serving others and I strive to carry that same approach in my personal life as a Christian, wife, mom, and friend to others.”

“I developed confidence in myself while at Carthage — confidence that has carried me through the peaks and valleys of my life and career.”

Christy (Yerga) Miller, ’99

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

“I’ve spent almost my entire career in the nonprofit sector. I started out in direct service work, moved into managing operations, and naturally found myself wanting to share stories with funders. I love developing meaningful relationships with people–which is key to successful fundraising. It becomes less about “asking for money” and more about listening and aligning people’s passions with the work of the nonprofit you represent. The fact that I am so personally passionate about PEARLS for Teen Girls’ mission makes this a dream job for me.”

How did Carthage prepare you?

“I developed confidence in myself while at Carthage–confidence that has carried me through the peaks and valleys of my life and career. I remember my time at Carthage as some of the best years of my life. Carthage was a place where I found the real Christy, warts and all.”

How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?

“The small class sizes allowed me to develop personal relationships with my classmates and professors, making it safe for me to fail my way to success at times.”

What's your favorite Carthage memory?

“Some of my closest friendships today were rooted at Carthage. Living in such close proximity to your very best friends is something I’ll always cherish.”

Tips for current Carthage students?

“Soak in every moment — the academic moments, the social moments, the moments you may have to yourself with that beautiful view. The time goes so fast and most of us will never have lake view property!”


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