We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Amanda Gerhardt, a talented Millsaps College alumna who has made remarkable strides in the field of commercial real estate. Amanda’s journey reflects the value of a well-rounded education, perseverance and the lasting impact of the Millsaps community on her career.
Amanda majored in business administration because she sought a solid understanding of the core principles of business. She knew that regardless of the career path she pursued, the strategic insights and knowledge she would gain would be invaluable in navigating its complexities.
Beyond the classroom, Amanda was an active participant in campus life. As a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, she formed lifelong friendships that have become a central part of her life. She was also a dedicated athlete on the women’s lacrosse team and actively engaged in Millsaps’ community through Wesley Connection and the Wellspring program.
While Amanda’s college experience was filled with many influential moments, none stands out more than the impact of Professor Susan Taylor. Taking one of Susan’s classes sparked Amanda’s interest in economics, which led her to pursue a minor in the field.
But beyond academics, Susan became a trusted mentor and personal support system, especially when Amanda was diagnosed with idiopathic hearing loss. Susan’s compassion and encouragement helped Amanda develop a renewed sense of resilience—a strength that continues to guide her today.
Amanda’s professional journey took an exciting turn in 2019 when she began her career with Cushman & Wakefield’s alliance office in Memphis. Despite having no prior experience in commercial real estate, Amanda quickly immersed herself in the industry, training under the region’s top brokers.
She also earned her Tennessee real estate license shortly after joining the firm. However, when COVID-19 hit, Amanda recognized that Memphis was not where she wanted to settle long-term. In a bold move, she relocated to New York City, where she connected with a new team specializing in logistics and industrial services in the outer boroughs. Today, Amanda is thriving in the fast-paced world of commercial real estate, building a strong network and developing valuable industry expertise.
Millsaps helped Amanda develop critical skills that she continues to use in her career. “Millsaps offers students the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and build meaningful relationships,” Amanda reflected.
These experiences have been essential for her in a client-facing industry like real estate, where the ability to understand differing viewpoints and nurture professional relationships is key. Additionally, the time management skills Amanda honed at Millsaps have been invaluable in balancing the many responsibilities she juggles in her daily work.
For students or recent graduates entering the commercial real estate field, Amanda has some great advice: “Focus on building a strong network and gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. Real estate is a relationship-driven industry, so developing connections with mentors, colleagues and clients is key.”
She also stresses the importance of learning the ins and outs of the market, understanding the financial aspects and staying updated on industry trends. “Don’t be afraid to start from the ground up—every experience is an opportunity to learn!”
Reflecting on her professional journey, Amanda is most proud of successfully transitioning from Memphis to New York City and establishing herself in the industrial real estate market. Starting with no experience, she worked diligently to earn her real estate licenses in both Tennessee and New York.
Amanda believes it’s essential to give back to an institution that played such a pivotal role in shaping her success. As a scholarship recipient, she is committed to ensuring that other students have the opportunity to attend Millsaps and receive the same enriching education that she did. “Millsaps helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I want to give others the chance to experience that,” Amanda shared.
Though Amanda acknowledges she hasn’t been as involved in the alumni network as she would like, she is eager to engage more in the future. “It’s never too late to start,” she says. As she continues to advance in her career, Amanda remains deeply connected to the values and relationships she built during her time at Millsaps.
We are incredibly proud of Amanda’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing her continued success in the commercial real estate industry!
For alumni looking for how they can engage, visit this link: https://millsaps.edu/engage/