Page 2 - MILA_2024 Annual Report

A Year Of Inspiration

Dear Esteemed Friends and Valued Members of the MILA Family,

As we close the chapter on 2024, I am filled with profound gratitude and inspiration. This past year at
Mirror Image Leadership Academy (MILA) has been a journey of growth, innovation, and unwavering
commitment to our mission. Serving as MILA’s Executive Director continues to be an extraordinary
honor, and witnessing the transformative impact of our work remains the highlight of my tenure.

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and milestones. We welcomed 26 new scholars into our
growing MILA family, each bringing boundless enthusiasm and potential. We also proudly hosted
our inaugural gala, a momentous evening that brought together 300 attendees in celebration of
our first graduating cohort. This event not only honored our scholars and their families but also
underscored the collective efforts that have propelled MILA forward.

In addition to growing our scholar base, we deepened the scope of our programs. A defining moment
of the year was the successful pilot of the Evolving Leaders Academy, our innovative touchpoint
program designed to support MILA graduates as they matriculate through high school and beyond.
This initiative ensures that our scholars continue to receive guidance, leadership development, and
exposure opportunities for growth throughout their academic and professional journeys.
Our commitment to experiential learning remained steadfast,as we sustained our progressive exposure
model of local, national, and international exposure trips. Most notably, 2024 marked our second
international trip to Ghana, West Africa—an immersive experience that expanded our scholars’ worldviews,
deepening their understanding of diverse cultures, histories, and global leadership.
A particularly proud moment came when the Mayor of Gainesville officially proclaimed May 2,
2024, as Mirror Image Leadership Academy Day. This recognition celebrated the achievements of
our inaugural graduating class and affirmed MILA’s role as a vital force in shaping the leaders of
tomorrow. This milestone, alongside our continued growth, is a testament to the vision set forth by
our founder, Greg Bradley, in 2021.

Our progress would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of our expanding
team. This year, we welcomed Mayah Baptiste as our new Program Director, along with a dynamic
group of staff, volunteers, and board members whose expertise and passion have strengthened
our ability to serve our scholars effectively. The unwavering support of our staff, volunteers, board
members, donors, and community partners continues to be the foundation of our success.

As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with excitement and determination. We eagerly anticipate
celebrating the graduation of our second cohort of scholars—a momentous occasion that marks
both the completion of their MILA journey and the beginning of their lifelong impact as leaders and
changemakers.

Your continued support, dedication, and belief in our mission have been instrumental in our progress.
Whether you have been with us from the beginning or are just joining our journey, we invite you to be
part of the next chapter. Together, we are shaping the future, one leader at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude and commitment,

James H. Miller
Executive Director
Mirror Image Leadership Academy