We’re excited to introduce Kara Giudice, a Millsaps College alumna whose journey through college was marked by transformation, connection and discovery. Though she began her college journey with aspirations in law and political science, she soon discovered that those fields weren’t the right fit. It was through exploring different subjects that she found her true calling in communication studies—a field that allowed her to express herself, engage creatively and build meaningful skills.
Kara recalls the friendships she formed at Millsaps as one of the most valuable parts of her experience. As a matter of fact, she met her husband, Drew (Class of ’14), when they were students here. Surrounded by supportive peers and professors, she found a sense of belonging that made her four years truly special. Her decision to switch to communication studies opened the door to both academic and personal growth. With a passion for storytelling and connection, Kara embraced her new major with enthusiasm and built a strong foundation for the career that followed.
Campus involvement played a major role in Kara’s Millsaps journey. She was a proud member of the Kappa Delta sorority, where she made some of her closest friends and participated in a variety of events and service activities. Through Kappa Delta, Kara found both joy and purpose—balancing social life with opportunities to contribute to the community. She describes it as a great way to build leadership skills and form lasting bonds outside the classroom.
In addition to her sorority involvement, Kara joined The Purple and White, Millsaps’ student-run newspaper, during her junior and senior years. She also served on the college’s Publication Board, a role that gave her insight into how student publications are managed and produced. These experiences helped sharpen her writing and editorial abilities while also giving her a taste of leadership and decision-making in a collaborative setting. Kara credits these opportunities with preparing her for future challenges in communication-based roles.
One of Kara’s most memorable academic experiences was a class led by Dr. Curtis Coats on the history of media. She describes the course as incredibly engaging—not only for the content but also for the way it was taught. Students were encouraged to lead reading assignments and participate in rotating group discussions. This structure helped Kara grow more confident in public speaking, think critically and collaborate effectively with her peers. It was in this environment that she learned how powerful communication can be in shaping ideas and communities.
Kara’s Millsaps education also left a lasting impact on her professional life. She is currently the Influencer Partnerships Manager at IZEA Worldwide, Inc. As a project manager, she supports the team onboarding and sourcing of influencers for large-scale influencer marketing campaigns. IZEA is an influencer marketing company with a mission to make creator economy solutions for marketers. Since launching the industry’s first-ever influencer marketing platform in 2006, IZEA has facilitated nearly 4 million collaborations between brands and creators.
Kara also emphasizes that writing was an essential part of her experience from the beginning—both in terms of grammar and clarity of thought. The desire to excel in her classes taught her to communicate with intention, a skill that has continued to serve her well beyond college. Today, she sees effective communication as one of the most important tools in any field, especially when it comes to working with teams and clients.
Her advice for current students is simple yet powerful: take on as many internships as you can. Kara believes that real-world experience can help clarify your interests and prepare you for the demands of any career path. She also points out that while books and websites can be helpful, people are often the best resources. Connecting with individuals in your field can offer insights, mentorship and encouragement that no textbook can provide.
Kara has remained actively connected to the Millsaps community through the alumni network, especially on LinkedIn. She appreciates the openness of fellow alumni and their willingness to help or connect at any time. Whether it’s sharing job opportunities or offering guidance, the Millsaps network continues to be a source of support and inspiration in her life. She believes that this sense of connection is one of the things that makes the Millsaps experience so special.
Reflecting on her career so far, Kara is proud of the leadership style she has developed—grounded in strong communication, empathy and mutual respect. She credits her time at Millsaps for shaping the way she sees the world and the way she works with others. Those four years, she says, were more than just an education—they were a time of growth, learning and self-discovery.
For Kara, Millsaps wasn’t just the right choice, it was a life-changing experience she will always carry with her.
