Staff Spotlight: Mikayla Smith
November 9, 2021, Lori Dossett
It’s not surprising that Mikayla Smith is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) team. As a student at Como High School, she was a Big Sister to Little Brother, Johntae, back when BBBS offered a student mentoring program. “Mentoring has always been a big part of my life,” she reflects. “I’ve mentored my younger brother, Robert, and my Little, and also benefited from mentors who supported me in college and my career. Being a Big with BBBS taught me things about being a mentor that I still use today.”
In her first position at BBBS as an Enrollment & Match Coordinator, she worked with volunteers, children, and families to support the match relationship. Several months later, when a recruitment position opened up, several colleagues encouraged her to apply for it. Initially, Mikayla was reluctant to leave the job that brought her so much joy. What convinced her to apply was the opportunity to be out in the community, using her expertise in leadership and engagement. “I realized that, I would be able to utilize the skills I spent so many years learning in school all in one place.”
These skills didn’t come easily for Mikayla, however. She has dyslexia, a learning disorder that makes it difficult to read or interpret words. She couldn’t read on her own throughout grade school and participated in special education until high school. “I have an ‘invisible disability.’ I still struggle with it, but it makes me who I am. That’s why I’m so focused on making sure all kids have access to opportunities, especially those in marginalized communities.”
As an active member of BBBS’s JEDI committee, Mikayla is one of several employees focused on integrating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) into all aspects of the organization’s mission. “We are all impacted by JEDI, but some groups are impacted more than others,” Mikayla explains. “As a Black, bisexual, and dyslexic woman, I’ve personally experienced oppression as a member of these marginalized groups. So being a part of breaking down these barriers- fills my cup.”
Mikayla recognizes the responsibility of being an advocate for the children and families enrolled in BBBS’s youth mentoring programs. “We’re working with people who put their trust in us when they sign up,” she explains. “Parents, families, and caregivers trust us to make strong and safe matches for their children. This means not only giving children opportunities, but also elevating their voice. BBBS is positioning itself as a leader in this area and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
