Mildred J. Mills’ transformative journey from her childhood in Alabama to where she is now has been filled with growth, healing and inspiration. Let’s meet her…
Before your IT career and before being an Author/Coach/Speaker-who was Mildred at her core? In your early years, how did you envision your future?
Before embarking on my career in IT and later transitioning into roles as an author, coach, and speaker, I was a young girl deeply rooted in the rich soil of Wetumpka, Alabama. As the third of seventeen children, I spent my early years on our family’s sixty-acre farm, where picking cotton was a daily ritual. This upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and determination. From a tender age, I was imbued with a belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, a lesson imparted by my father through his unwavering work ethic and resourcefulness. While I may not have had a clear vision of my future during those early years, the experiences on the farm and the lessons learned from my parents laid a strong foundation. These formative years cultivated a passion for storytelling and a desire to rise above my circumstances, ultimately guiding me toward a path of personal and professional fulfillment.
You grew up in a large family on a farm in the small town of Wetumpka, Alabama. What life lesson stands out the most to you know when you look back? What traits did you gain during this time that have carried and evolved you right up to the present day? How did your family dynamic direct or influence your path through life?
Growing up I was immersed in a life that demanded hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of family unity. One of the most profound lessons I carry from those days is the value of perseverance. Working alongside my siblings in the cotton fields, we learned that dedication and tenacity were essential to overcome the challenges we faced.
This upbringing instilled in me traits such as a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and an unwavering determination to rise above circumstances. These qualities have been the cornerstone of my journey from the fields of Alabama to becoming a corporate executive and author.
Our family dynamic, rooted in mutual support and shared responsibilities, profoundly influenced my path. The collective effort required to maintain the farm taught me the importance of collaboration and community. These experiences not only shaped my personal values but also guided my professional endeavors, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and resilience in achieving success.
You share your gifts via various avenues, from poetry to writing to public speaking and podcasts. When you did you recognize that your own journey could inspire others and how does your very own journey continue to motivate you today?
From a young age, I was instilled with the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, a lesson imparted by my father through his actions rather than words. This upbringing fostered a strong work ethic and a sense of determination that became the foundation of my character.
In my early years, I envisioned a future beyond the confines of the farm. I aspired to explore opportunities that would allow me to grow and make a meaningful impact. This vision propelled me to leave the South, pursue technical education, and eventually rise from humble beginnings in the cotton fields to executive suites in corporate America. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief that one’s beginnings do not define one’s destiny.
What has been the most impactful challenge you have encountered and how did you overcome it? Did it change you? If so, how?
Reflecting on my journey, the most impactful challenge I’ve faced was the sudden and unexpected turn in my corporate career. After more than 30 years of breaking barriers in a male-dominated IT industry, my career, which had survived the worst of racial and gender discrimination, suddenly crumbled. This swift and shocking turn of events, marked by a flurry of racist comments, led to a race discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful demotion lawsuit. This experience was a stark reminder that no matter how talented or successful you are, there are no guarantees in the corporate world. It taught me the importance of resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up. This challenge not only changed the trajectory of my professional life but also ignited a passion within me to share my story, leading to the creation of my memoir, “Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots.” Through this process, I discovered the strength of vulnerability and the healing power of sharing one’s truth.
Tell our readers about your book, “Daddy’s House,”.
“Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots” is a deeply personal account of my journey from the cotton fields of Wetumpka, Alabama, to the executive suites of corporate America. In this memoir, I candidly share the highs of becoming a fashion model, beauty pageant winner, and corporate executive, alongside the lows of enduring traumatic experiences, including a harrowing assault. Through these narratives, I aim to convey the resilience, faith, and unwavering determination that propelled me beyond the limitations of my upbringing. My hope is that readers find inspiration to confront their own adversities and recognize the power within themselves to rise above life’s challenges.
What made you put your story on paper and share with the world?
Writing “Daddy’s House” wasn’t just about telling my story—it was about finding the courage to heal, reflect, and share moments that shaped me. I wanted to help others embrace their truth, foster resilience, and create environments that promote a sense of belonging. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire readers to confront their own challenges and recognize the power within themselves to rise above adversity.
Did the writing process offer any benefits to you as far as healing or closure?
It was a transformative journey for me. Putting my experiences on paper allowed me to confront and process long-buried memories, leading to profound healing and closure. Sharing my story not only liberated me from past traumas but also empowered me to connect with others facing similar challenges. Through this process, I discovered the strength in vulnerability and the importance of embracing one’s truth.
Are there any moments/achievements in your career or life reel that you hold close to your heart even now?
Reflecting on my journey, several moments and achievements hold a special place in my heart. One such milestone was purchasing my first home independently. After leaving the divorce court, discouraged by my failed marriage, I longed to provide a backyard for my five-year-old daughter. Despite societal disbelief that a single Black woman could succeed in such an endeavor, I was determined to prove otherwise. This accomplishment not only provided a home for my family but also set a precedent for women’s independence during a time when homeownership for single women was rare.
Another significant achievement was my rise from a keypunch operator to an executive role in corporate America. Working in a predominantly white, male-dominated IT industry during a time when racial and gender discrimination were rampant, I faced numerous challenges. However, through resilience and determination, I earned respect and support from my peers and management, achieving equal compensation and breaking barriers for Black women in the industry.
Additionally, writing and publishing my memoir, “Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots,” has been profoundly impactful. Sharing my story, including the highs of becoming a fashion model and corporate executive, as well as the lows of personal trauma, has been both challenging and healing. The positive reception and the knowledge that my story resonates with and inspires others bring me immense fulfillment.
These milestones, among others, have shaped my journey and continue to inspire me to persevere and uplift others facing similar challenges.
Tell us what family life looks like today.
My family remains the cornerstone of my life. Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, my husband, Darryl, and I cherish our blended family of three children. Our home is often filled with the laughter and energy of our grandchildren, whose visits bring immense joy and keep us youthful. Balancing my professional endeavors with family time is essential; whether it’s sharing stories over dinner, exploring local parks, or attending community events together, these moments enrich our lives and strengthen our bonds. The values of hard work, resilience, and unity that I embraced during my upbringing continue to guide our family dynamics today, fostering an environment of love, support, and mutual respect.
Who is your ideal client (Coaching)?
As a coach, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to rise above challenges and discover their authentic selves. My ideal clients are those who are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. They are individuals who seek to overcome setbacks, embrace their vulnerabilities, and transform their lives with determination and faith. Together, we work towards unlocking their full potential, enabling them to lead fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.
As a public speaker, what is your favorite topic to reference and why?
As a public speaker, I am deeply passionate about addressing the topics of overcoming fear and the power of belonging. Drawing from my personal experiences, I understand that fear can be powerful, but faith is stronger. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, it’s our faith that keeps us moving forward. Embracing vulnerability and sharing our stories can be challenging, but it’s through this openness that we find healing and inspire others. By confronting fear head-on, we unlock our true potential and pave the way for personal growth and transformation.
Equally important to me is the concept of belonging. I know what it feels like to question where you fit in or if you even do at all. That search for connection and community is something many of us experience, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others find spaces where they feel seen, valued, and heard. Belonging isn’t just about being part of something—it’s about feeling rooted in your truth while being embraced by others. This message continues to guide my work and my voice on every stage I step onto.
How can our readers connect with you? (include all preferred urls/social media etc.)
Readers can connect with me through multiple avenues!
Visit my website at https://www.mildredjmills.com for more on my coaching services, and speaking engagements, and to grab a copy of my book, Daddy’s House.
You can also follow me on social media for daily inspiration and updates:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredjmills
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mildred.j.mills
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredjmills/
Want to tune into my podcast, My Cotton Patch Moment? Listen here: https://sites.libsyn.com/455796
And if you’re ready to dive deeper—whether it’s through coaching, booking me for a speaking event, or simply sharing your own story—reach out directly through my website. I’d love to hear from you!
What do you want your legacy to be?
Reflecting on my journey, I aspire for my legacy to be one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. Through my memoir, “Daddy’s House,” and my work as a speaker and coach, I aim to encourage individuals to confront their fears, embrace their authentic selves, and recognize that their beginnings do not define their destinies. I hope to leave a lasting impact that motivates others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
But most importantly, I want people to know they belong. We all carry stories of pain, triumph, and growth, and my hope is that my journey serves as a beacon for others seeking healing and purpose. If I can help even one person feel seen, heard, and empowered to rewrite their story, then I’ve done what I was called to do.
