For Aaron Miller ’17, a single conversation at GFA’s Symposium helped set something in motion. What began as a moment of curiosity became a path toward public service—one shaped by curiosity, meaningful connection, and a deep commitment to the community around him.
In 2016, the Symposium keynote speaker was Tony Banbury, a senior United Nations official. Inspired by Banbury’s message, Aaron introduced himself after the talk. That conversation opened the door to Aaron’s first hands-on experience in politics: volunteering with the Clinton presidential campaign, where he spent time making campaign calls from a warehouse in Stamford, Connecticut. While there, he worked alongside the deputy campaign manager for Congressman Jim Himes, who invited Aaron to intern on the Himes campaign that summer.
As the Himes race wound down, Aaron wasn’t ready to step away. He began looking for ways to stay connected closer to home, and became involved in local campaigns, including that of then–State Representative Caroline Simmons, who was running for reelection. The connection proved formative: Simmons later wrote one of Aaron’s college letters of recommendation and the two remained in touch over the years as his interest in public service deepened. Aaron went on to work on her 2020 campaign, and during the spring semester of his senior year of college, he reached out looking for career advice. Simmons ultimately offered him a role on her mayoral campaign, which Aaron began before graduating.
Today, Aaron serves as Special Assistant to the Mayor for the City of Stamford and Arts and Culture Program Manager, a role that reflects both his wide-ranging interests and his commitment to public service. No two days look the same. One moment, he may be helping a resident navigate a neighborhood infrastructure concern and the next, he’s supporting the distribution of $200,000 in arts and culture grants to local organizations. One recent project he’s especially proud of is organizing a citywide holiday market at Stamford’s Government Center, an effort designed to spotlight and support local small businesses. “You never know what the day will bring,” Aaron says. “But that’s the best part—it’s hands-on, it’s real, and it matters.”
Some of Aaron’s work has taken him beyond city limits. One standout experience included meeting with the Finnish Consul General at his New York City residence to discuss international partnerships and economic development opportunities for Stamford. The conversation also touched on politics in the Nordic region and the war in Ukraine. “I remember thinking, how many 25-year-olds get to do this?” Aaron recalls. “It was incredible.”
Aaron traces much of his passion for service back to his time at GFA, where courses in history, government, international relations, and environmental science encouraged him to think critically about leadership and global responsibility. Teachers including Ms. O’Grady, Mr. Guffin, Mr. Llanque, and Mr. Abel left a lasting impression, helping him sharpen his analytical skills and broaden his perspective. “Those classes absolutely helped shape who I am today,” he says.
After graduating from GFA, Aaron studied government at Bowdoin College with a concentration in international relations, a field that has long fascinated him. He was recently appointed Deputy International Affairs Officer for the Young Democrats of America, a role that allows him to collaborate with youth political organizations around the world on issues ranging from sustainability to global conflict.
Despite opportunities that could take him elsewhere, Aaron remains deeply rooted in Stamford. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he says. “I love this city, and I want to make a difference here.” While he hopes to one day run for office himself, for now he is focused on learning the work from the inside, making the most of every opportunity to serve the community that first sparked his interest in public life.
When asked what advice he would offer current GFA students interested in public service, Aaron’s answer is simple: get involved. “There’s always an election, always an issue, always a way to help,” he says. “Reach out, volunteer, and don’t give up if the first door doesn’t open.”