In 2019, I had the privilege of returning to my alma mater, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), to accept the Alumni Volunteer Service Award. As an MBA graduate of the Class of 2011, being recognized by the Institute for my service and contributions was a deeply meaningful milestone.
Recognizing Service and Leadership
The Alumni Achievement Awards program, launched in 2011, highlights alumni who exemplify professional success, volunteer service, and global impact, values that MIIS has instilled in its graduates for decades. I was honored to be recognized alongside other alumni whose careers reflect a commitment to leadership and community engagement.
2019 Alumni Achievement Award recipients with Middlebury President Laurie Patton and Dean Jeff Dayton-Johnson.
Service Beyond the Uniform
As a Special Operations Marine, my career has spanned more than 25 years of global service in Cuba, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the Middle East and Europe. At the time of the award, I was serving as the senior enlisted advisor for the West Coast Readiness Support Program, ensuring force readiness in the event of a national emergency, as well as a foreign area officer providing cultural and operational expertise for forward-deployed missions.
Sean Brownlee speaking before a private group prior to the MIIS graduation ceremony.
From Global Missions to Building Businesses
After returning from revolutionary Cairo, I worked with the MIIS Frontier Market Scout program, supporting entrepreneurs and startups around the world. This experience directly inspired me to launch several international retail companies and ultimately found Ravenox, a U.S.-based manufacturer of ropes, cords, and hardware.
Since then, I have continued to advocate for retail on both the local and national levels. My work has been recognized by the National Retail Federation, Amazon, and Silicon Valley business organizations for its impact on public policy, small business, and veteran-owned entrepreneurship.
Sean Brownlee receives the 2019 Alumni Volunteer Service Award from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Giving Back to Communities
In addition to my business and military commitments, I serve on the board of directors for the Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) in Monterey County. This nonprofit supports FEMA’s emergency preparedness initiatives and assists victims of wildfires and disasters across California.
I also remain closely engaged with the Middlebury Institute, mentoring students in courses ranging from Lean Startup Methods to Frontier Market Scout programs, as well as supporting student recruiting initiatives.
Sean Brownlee with MIIS Dean Jeff Dayton-Johnson and California Senator Bill Monning at the 2019 Alumni Awards.
Continuing the Mission
The Alumni Volunteer Service Award was not just recognition of past service, it was an affirmation of my mission to combine military leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service to create lasting impact. Whether through Ravenox, volunteer work, or advocacy, I remain committed to building stronger businesses and communities at home and abroad.
To learn more about my work, visit: www.seanbrownlee.com