How Mackenzie Culver Redefined the Ambassador Role
When (Bus, Mktg ’26) first stepped onto campus, she already knew she loved entrepreneurship. in high school had introduced her to business plans and creative problem-solving, and she arrived eager to build something of her own.
Four years later, that excitement has only evolved.Ìý

Now a business analytics and marketing double major with a minor in creative technologies and design, Culver has balanced the creative and analytical sides of business while serving as a Deming Center Ambassador. Though she doesn’t currently run a startup of her own, her impact on ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has been unmistakable.Ìý
As graduation approaches and a role in data analytics at Fisher Investments awaits her in the Pacific Northwest, she’s still certain that entrepreneurship is very much part of her future.Ìý
Positioning Herself for Opportunity
Long before she became a Deming Center Ambassador, Culver made it clear she wasn’t going to sit on sidelines throughout her time at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä.
She quickly immersed herself in campus life, including joining Alpha Kappa Psi, ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä’s professional business fraternity. The fraternity has honed her leadership skills, giving her a fantastic opportunity to expand her professional network. She’s also built long-term relationships with her peers through business practices and a friendship-oriented culture.
At the same time, she took on a role with ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä’s Career Development Office, where she interacted directly with employers visiting campus. It initially seemed like a small operational position, involving greeting recruiters and coordinating logistics. However, she took advantage, gaining firsthand access to companies which ultimately helped her secure the post-graduation position she’ll begin this year.
She’s also been involved in the classroom. She understands the importance behind creating relationships with her professors. By majoring in both marketing and business analytics, she’s able to develop both hard and soft skills.Ìý
Business analytics has given her opportunities to develop personal number-skills and access to specific analytics certifications, strengthening her resume. On the flipside, marketing exercises her creativity every day, creating the perfect balance. It’s a common double-major for Leeds students, and it’s clear as to why through Culver’s story.
“I like the balance, because I like the creative, I like the analytical, so I like to be able to do both.â€
Shaping the Ambassador Role
Culver’s path to becoming a Deming Center Ambassador began through connection. A friend introduced her to the opportunity during her freshman year, and she jumped at the chance. Then, it was a way for her to just get involved. Now, it’s much more.
Over the years, she has witnessed multiple iterations of the Deming Center, working alongside different leadership teams and helping shape what the ambassador role could be. Some of her most memorable moments came in the lead-up to events like Shark Tank. Her and other ambassadors would spend hours blowing up balloons and finalizing details. Through the Deming center’s trust and their creativity, Shark Tank was just one of the many events that occurred through Culver’s tenure.

Not every event unfolded perfectly, but that didn’t stop her from turning it into triumph. When her and other former Deming Ambassador (Bus, Entr’25) had an event go array, they didn’t quit. They turned it into a success story, handing out leftover pizza and spreading the word about Deming, creating one of her best memories.
“It ended up being so much fun… and we would have never considered that as an opportunity until we had to pivot on the spot.â€
Being an ambassador has given Culver intangible but invaluable skills. It gave her confidence to take initiative and see how meaningful impact can happen behind the scenes. Now, Culver was learning and putting her leadership skills to work.
A Vision Taking Shape
If there’s one thing Culver has learned about entrepreneurship during her time at Deming, it’s that there is no single mold.
“There’s no mold for an entrepreneur, it’s just people who care.â€
Every student who walks into the center brings a different perspective. Some arrive with fully developed ventures. Others simply have a spark of curiosity. Watching those sparks turn into action has consistently re-inspired her.
While she doesn’t currently run a venture, Culver’s entrepreneurial interests remain clear. Fashion and sustainability have long been central to her identity. As a lifelong thrifter, she's always been drawn to the idea of taking what others discard and transforming it into something valuable. That future possibility is still very much in the cards.
Just Getting Started
As she prepares to begin her career at Fisher Investments, Culver is comfortable stepping into the corporate world - for now. She values the culture she found there, prioritizing balance and people-first leadership. But long-term, she envisions building something of her own.
To her, entrepreneurship is not limited to startup headlines or venture capital pitches. It’s about recognizing a problem and caring enough to solve it. It’s about being fearless enough to act, and self-assured enough to trust your approach.
“I think every day, everyone has their business idea in their back pocket, but it’s the people that are actually ignited enough and passionate enough and kind of fearless enough to make it happen.â€
Her journey at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä has culminated in confidence in her ability to create, and now lead. And wherever she lands next, that entrepreneurial mindset is going with her.





