Legends Among Us: Alumni Spotlight - Don Mills

Alumni Spotlight

Don Mills, AIESEC Alabama '72

AIESEC Life recently had the opportunity to talk with Don Mills, AIESEC Alabama ’69-‘72.  Don not only served as the reception officer and LCP there but went on to work on the AUS National team as its financial director.   

Don Mills' journey with AIESEC began with the AIESEC-Alabama Local Committee in 1969.

"Almost instantly I became aware that AIESEC offered me unlimited opportunities to become engaged with students from around the world and expand my appreciation of our cultural differences" - Don Mills

While at AIESEC Alabama, they had 18 TNs (incoming traineeships), most of which were in Birmingham.  Don says some trainees were sometimes apprehensive about going to Alabama, but were pleasantly surprised and found business in Birmingham to be progressive.  Don recounted one time, after picking up trainees at the Atlanta airport, driving them to Alabama, and stopping at a Waffle House.  Waffle House alone is a cultural experience, but he remembers especially having to “translate” between the English the Waffle House employees spoke, with their strong southern accents, and the English the trainees spoke.    

Once he left Alabama, Don embarked on a dynamic journey that led him through diverse roles both internationally and domestically. His tenure with AIESEC US as the Financial Director opened doors to traineeships in The Hague (Rotterdam LC) and Zurich. His time in the Netherlands was marked by memorable experiences, such as witnessing the queen’s parade and enjoying a delightful reception sailing event on the Zuider See. Interestingly, on his last visit, he discovered that the once-familiar See had been developed over, no longer part of the landscape. Switzerland, which he referred to as "heaven on earth," captivated him during his stint there.

Pictures Submitted by Don Mills: Photos taken at Versailles Palace, Central Park and an AIESEC Alabama party.

Building upon his experiences, Don ventured into a career at PWC, kickstarting in Zurich before relocating to NYC. His role at Duracell Inc. as the International Finance Manager had him traversing the globe extensively. Notably, he delved into a Sanjo JV, spending an enriching six months in Tatori, Japan. At Kraft Foods, Don played a pivotal role in consolidating 46 entities. Transitioning to Coca-Cola USA, his focus shifted more toward domestic operations. Presently in a semi-retired phase, Don engages in consultancy work, collaborating with a family-owned private essential oil company. His trajectory embodies a rich tapestry of international exposure and multifaceted professional roles.

Don attributes AIESEC especially for giving him international exposure and for teaching him how to deal with and work with other cultures.  What about the AIESEC romance we mentioned?  AIESEC is also where Don and his wife Pam met while working reception at AIESEC Alabama.  Pam has her own AIESEC story, including living in Europe with Don and working at Holland America and Swiss Air.  Both Don and Pam were amongst the almost 200 attendees at the 75th Celebration in Atlanta last month.   You can read more about both, as well as others, in the 75th Celebration Scrapbook here.