Today we’d like to introduce you to Akilah Miles
Hi Akilah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Family is the heart of everything I do. I am the proud daughter of Willie Ruth Miles and Larry Dulaney and the third of my mother’s eight children—affectionately known as the “8Miles.” Growing up in a large, loving family taught me the values of unity, perseverance, and purpose. Being an aunt to over 36 nieces and nephews has been one of life’s greatest joys, inspiring me to lead by example and sow seeds of hope for future generations.
Throughout my life, my family has supported and uplifted me, but my uncles, Chick and Nuke, were two of my greatest champions. They often told me—and anyone who would listen—that I was special, “the one” destined to help our family grow and thrive. While I once saw their belief in me as a heavy burden, I now embrace it as an honor. Their unwavering faith fuels my determination to live up to the vision they had for me and to be a source of strength for those I hold dear.
I was born in Chicago, we spent a few months in Atlanta, and eventually we moved to Jonestown, Mississippi. Adjusting to life in Jonestown was not easy. Having only visited during summers, I struggled with the transition to a slower pace of life, limited activities, and the challenges of fitting in. The kids were often unkind, teasing me for our humble beginnings and for living by my mother’s strict rules. Yet, in that adversity, I found my refuge: writing. Through my words, I created worlds beyond my surroundings, imagining lives filled with possibility and hope. Over time, I came to realize that Jonestown was not just a place of challenges but also a crucible that forged my resilience, creativity, and faith in finding joy no matter the circumstances. Jonestown helped me become a more braver and fearless person.
My journey took a pivotal turn in 2010 when I moved to Memphis to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. Three years later, I earned my Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Memphis. Memphis became a transformative chapter in my life. It was there that I rediscovered my passion for entrepreneurship, built lifelong relationships, and explored new paths for personal and professional growth.
In July 2016, I moved to Houston, Texas, with the confidence that I could thrive anywhere. Houston became the launching pad for many of my dreams. From the Southside of Houston, I published BrownEyes Vol. 1 – In My Lifetime in January 2020, an anthology that reached #1 on Amazon for over five weeks. I launched my online store, Love Allure, and created the podcast 30 Something and Verging, where I shared insights on education, entrepreneurship, and navigating life during a pandemic. These ventures allowed me to blend my love for storytelling with my commitment to helping others.
Education has been a constant thread in my life. Over the past 17 years, I’ve served as a teacher, grade level chair, mentor, assistant principal and consultant. My passion for helping others grow led me to serve as Vice President of RISE, a nonprofit in Coahoma County, Mississippi, founded by Dr. Adrienne Hudson. RISE focuses on supporting teachers in the Mississippi Delta by helping them prepare for the Praxis exam, refine classroom management skills, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders. Today, I remain a proud volunteer, working to transform education in the region.
As I look to the future, I am preparing to embrace new opportunities. In early 2025, I plan to publish more books, relaunch my consulting business(Miles Consulting and Media), and reintroduce 30 Something and Verging with fresh perspectives. January will bring a virtual Free Leadership Training designed to empower new and aspiring leaders, followed by an inspiring teachers’ conference in February 2025. My mission remains steadfast: to create meaningful change in the world around me.
You can follow my journey and explore upcoming ventures at akilahmiles.com, where I share updates, events, and new projects.
Faith, family, and purpose guide every step of my life. My goal is to build a legacy—not just for myself, but for my family and my community. I am determined to honor those who believed in me, including my late uncles, Chick and Nuke, who saw the potential in me long before I saw it in myself.
This piece is dedicated to their memory, as their love and encouragement remain the cornerstone of all that I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Looking back, I see my life as a beautiful tapestry woven with the influence of the many places I’ve called home: Chicago, Atlanta, Jonestown, Seattle, and Houston. Each city holds a special place in my heart and has shaped me in unique ways.
Chicago gave me my roots and reminded me that there was so much more to see and do in the world. Atlanta expanded my perspective and broadened my horizons. Jonestown introduced me to the ebbs and flows of life and revealed the profound joy found in simplicity and community. Seattle opened my eyes to new possibilities and gave me hope for the future. Houston deepened my faith and became the launching pad for so many of my dreams.
Attending both Alcorn State University, an HBCU, and The University of Memphis, a PWI, allowed me to experience the richness of diversity in education. These experiences introduced me to an incredible array of people, each of whom taught me something valuable about myself and the world around me. Through these interactions, I learned to better understand others, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and see the beauty in every story.
Living in these places and being immersed in such diverse environments revealed the vastness of the world and the common threads that connect us all—love, resilience, and the desire to grow. Each step of the journey has been a reminder to cherish life, embrace joy, and share that joy with others. These experiences have shaped my purpose: to serve, to love, and to celebrate the beauty of life, with all its challenges and triumphs.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a multifaceted professional, I wear many hats that reflect my passion for education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. With over 17 years of experience in education, I’ve served as an ELA teacher, Grade Level Chair, Curriculum Lead, interventionist, and Assistant Principal. My expertise lies in teacher development, classroom management, and literacy advocacy, but I also have a thriving entrepreneurial spirit that fuels everything I do.
I’m the founder of a consulting business that offers business planning and development, teacher mentorship, professional development, and tailored classroom strategies. I’m also an accomplished writer and dabble in the world of content creation through writing and podcasting. At the top of the year I will be release a book for teachers designed to provide practical tools for creating engaging and effective classrooms, while my podcast, 30 Something and Verging (tentatively being changed to Sustaining You or In the Midst), focuses on personal growth, resilience, and inspiration—perfect for educators and anyone striving to thrive in their journey.
What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach. I combine years of leadership experience with a deep understanding of what it takes to foster growth in individuals and teams. Whether I’m consulting, writing, podcasting, or leading professional developments or conferences like my upcoming Novice Teacher Conference, my mission is to uplift and inspire others to reach their fullest potential.
I’m most proud of my ability to blend strategy, heart, and creativity into everything I do. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about sparking transformation and building a legacy that empowers educators and learners alike.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My success and the growth of my journey—both personally and professionally—are deeply rooted in the unwavering support and encouragement of an incredible community of mentors, family, and friends. First and foremost, my parents have been my constant anchors, providing the foundation that keeps me grounded and motivated. My siblings—Carlos, Savene, Christopher, Preston, Eric, Mica, and Shannon—have each played pivotal roles, offering encouragement, perspective, and a sense of family unity that fuels my determination.
I’m also immensely grateful to my uncles, Nuke and Chick, for their wisdom and guidance. My tribe of close friends—Marquita Perry, Amesha Gross, Nikki Williams, Lakisha White, Dr. Adrienne Hudson, Anthony Edwards, LeKesha Mullins, Keitasha Kennedy, Shania Clark, Mashyrah Rayson, Royal Black, Christopher Stokes, Tyanna Horton, Terrance Holmes, and Torrance Holmes—have pushed and pulled me through every challenge and milestone. Their belief in me has been a driving force in everything I do.
Special recognition goes to three incredible women who shaped my early journey: Sr. Teresa Shields and Sr. Kay Burton, who nurtured my growth through the after-school programs I attended as a child. Their dedication and kindness taught me the importance of community and giving back. Joan Duffell, who opened her home and heart to me during my internship at Committee for Children in Seattle, exposed me to a world of possibilities and nonprofit leadership. The lessons I learned from these women continue to inspire my commitment to making a difference.
Together, these individuals form the fabric of my support system, each contributing uniquely to my growth as an educator, entrepreneur, writer, and content creator. Their belief in my vision and unwavering encouragement remind me that success is never a solo journey—it’s built on the shoulders of those who uplift, challenge, and inspire you. For that, I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akilahmiles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/www_akilah_miles_com/profilecard/?igsh=OXQ4YmI5M3AzajVz
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thirtysomething03
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@30somethingandverging37
