What is the Innovation Theme Community?

We at optiMize are so grateful to be partnered with the Innovation Theme Community (ITC)! Since 2022, this partnership has given us the chance to connect specifically with first-year students who are curious about innovation and community. Together, we’ve been building a community that’s inclusive, sustainable, and, most importantly, exciting to be part of.

This year, we’re especially thrilled to welcome our new Graduate Student Intern, Destiny Williams. Destiny is stepping in and stepping up as the Student Engagement Coordinator for the ITC, and she’s already bringing so much energy and creativity to every discussion. When we asked her what drew her to this role, she shared that optiMize felt different from her past experiences. “I got to see the different projects people did through optiMize. I felt like I could be inspired,” she said. What stood out to her most about the ITC is the kind of students it attracts, those who show up ready to learn and contribute. “They don’t just come for the free food. They want to learn how they can do a project and learn about pitching.” Mindsets like this are in abundance in the ITC.

One thing Destiny said that really stuck with us was how impressed she is with the students who join. “I feel like the people that come in are more qualified than me to be in the room—they’re amazing,” she admitted, her pride and love for her position and these students palpable in her words. Her advice for future ITC students is simple but powerful: be confident, and don’t sell yourself short. “You’re already doing amazing because you’re here, you are enough.”

We also had the opportunity to have a conversation with Matthew Matola. Matthew is an ITC alum, who reflected on how the community shaped his first year. He told us East Quad was the perfect home base, close to everything and full of opportunities to connect. More importantly, it’s where he met some of his closest friends. “Some of my best friends at U-M lived on my floor in the Innovation Theme Community and I still hang out with them almost every day,” he said. Today, Matthew continues to give back by serving the optiMize community as a facilitator for the ITC.

Hearing from both Destiny and Matthew reminds us what makes the ITC so special, it’s not just a place to live, it’s a place to grow, to connect, and to feel inspired by the people around you. The Innovation Theme Community has inspired and will continue to inspire students and we are so thankful to be apart of that journey. We are excited to continue and grow this partnership for the years to come!