February Millennial of the Month: Milica Cosic

MAP wants to amplify the voices of the most diverse and largest generation: millennials. Join us as we share important issues that impact young Americans and highlight noteworthy millennial movers and shakers.

This month we’re featuring Milica Cosic, who’s working to find bipartisan solutions to economic inequality as the Manager for Operations and Administration at the Economic Innovation Group. With a passion for economics and international security, Milica has spent her career researching and publishing for groups like the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the Brookings Institution. Check out our interview with Milica below:

MAP: Tell us a bit about yourself — what’s your background and how did you first get involved with Economic Innovation Group?

I joined the Economic Innovation Group (EIG) before we publicly launched in 2015. What attracted me to joining the EIG team was our mission — creating new ways to tackle inequality and build ladders to economic opportunity — and the innovative vision for carrying out that mission in a bipartisan way. EIG’s focus on bringing geographic inequality into the national conversation resonated deeply with my own experience growing up in California’s San Joaquin Valley, a largely agricultural area. I studied Political Science at the University of California at Santa Barbara and moved to Washington, DC after graduation where I worked on research at the intersection of economics and security in a few different capacities. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to work for an organization dedicated to publishing research that shines a light on geographic inequality and works to advance innovative, bipartisan, data-driven policy solutions to address America’s most pressing economic challenges.

What do you think is the best way for young people to engage in the political process?

MC: Let me lead with this — if you don’t think your voice matters in the political process, remember that Virginia’s 94th District election was just settled by a random tie-breaking drawing. It is so important to educate yourself and make your voice heard. There are many ways to engage in the political process and there is no one way that is “best” as long as you’re engaging. You can vote, attend town hall and city council meetings, join local political organizations, call your representatives in Congress, donate to causes and candidates that inspire you, knock on doors on their behalf, and start conversations with friends and family about topics you are passionate about.

What’s the current economic landscape for millennials?

MC: In 2016, EIG partnered with EY on a poll surveying millennial views of the economy. We found that millennials are deeply pessimistic about their economic future — they worry about healthcare affordability, retirement savings, and Social Security. And one of the most sobering findings from the survey was that a majority of millennials believe that they won’t be able to afford an unexpected $500 expense. The economic data sheds light on the roots of this anxiety: unemployment rates during the Great Recession hit millennials hard, many are saddled by student debt or other sources of long-term debt, they’re struggling with stagnant wages, and all of these factors undeniably contribute to millennials being the least entrepreneurial generation in our recent history.

What’s the biggest issue facing millennials economically and how can it be solved in a bipartisan manner?

MC: Millennials face a unique and daunting set of economic challenges that we chatted about briefly above. We also have a major opportunity before us, too, and it cuts across party lines. The composition of the electorate is changing and, as of this year, millennials are poised to pass baby boomers as the largest generation eligible to vote. As a cohort, we tend to expect pragmatic, collaborative solutions to these issues. Yet, a central challenge is translating voter eligibility to turnout at the ballot box and representation in Washington. Our best shot at addressing the unique economic issues our generation faces is making sure our voices are heard and we are represented in governing bodies.

What does bipartisanship mean to you?

MC: Growing up, my parents always said, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason” (cruel, I know!). This ancient Greek adage still rings true today — bipartisanship means proactively seeking out differing viewpoints and hearing them out in their entirety — this can make your convictions stronger or your viewpoint evolve, and I think that process is a healthy expression of bipartisanship.

What’s your go-to morning pump up song?

MC: Is it too embarrassing to admit that I still can’t get enough of Despacito?

Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?

MC: In 2014 I spent a month backpacking through Thailand with two of my closest friends.

From watching the sunset while hiking through Pai Canyon, and renting a motorbike and winding our way up Chiang Mai’s hills up to the temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, to getting our Open Water Diver Certification on Kata Beach, and dancing until sunrise at the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, there is absolutely no shortage of amazing experiences if you bring along a sense of adventure.

The coolest part of all? All you need is a backpack and a modest budget!

Best books you read in 2017?