Class of 2024 Spotlight: Public Policy and Administration
Antoinette Miller – Master of Public Administration
During her time at 91Ƭ, Antoinette Miller worked full time in Homeless services and volunteered for various non-profits. She is a Guardian Scholar and is graduating with her MPA degree after a long, difficult journey to get to graduation including her adoptive mother passing away and several health issues of her own, as well as having extreme financial hardship.
“I think I was able to push through and still succeed in the program because I am innately resilient,” Antoinette said. “I also have a strong foundation in a faith of a higher power. I actively sought support through mental health therapy and leaned into the support of mentors at 91Ƭ and personal mentors who kept reminding me of who I was as a person, even when I doubted myself. I also kept fighting because having a formal education lends power to my voice as a Black woman in America, whose voice is often silenced or minimized.”
Antoinette chose her career path because she wants to help vulnerable populations and advocate for people who are trying to overcome their circumstances as she did herself.
“I have a voice that resonates with them because I have lived the journey myself. I am now that voice [and] look forward to helping to lead the charge for systematic change.”
Antoinette says she herself has had many mentors along the way who have helped her get to where she is today.
“I am truly grateful for all of them; my internal mentors at 91Ƭ in the Guardian Scholars office – I would like to thank Oneida, Candi and Cheryl for their tireless support throughout my time at 91Ƭ. In the PPA program, I would be remiss not to give the fullness of my gratitude to Kathy Allen and Melissa Matthews for their graciousness, encouragement, and support. My personal mentor Martel Okonji, a man who is a ‘king among kings’ in social services. He guided me and supported me both personally and professionally, and I cannot express how grateful I am to have learned from such an exemplary human being. I would like to thank my partner LaShana for always being there for me, through good and bad, and telling me to keep going. I also want to thank my niece Nylah, who never let me lower my standards by reminding me I am her role model and 2nd mother (since I raised her). My best friends, Tamra, Stephanie, and Josué, thank you for keeping me centered and giving me an ear during my most vulnerable times!”
