Mialisa Bonta
LitLab
Oakland, CA USA
"Don’t say ‘no’ until you absolutely have to. Always say ‘yes.’ If someone is asking you to get involved in something, it probably means it is a good place to go."
Career Roadmap
Mialisa's work combines: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I was told to apply for the AT&T accelerator for entrepreneurs, my initial gut reaction was that there was no way I could get this. I'd tried before with other programs and either didn't get it or had to turn it down because the schedule didn't mesh with mine as a working mother. After being told over and over to apply, I eventually decided to put aside my doubts and go for it and I got it!
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology, General
Yale University
Graduate Degree
Administrative Planning and Social Policy
Harvard University
Doctorate
Law
Yale University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Early in my life, I made a commitment to doing something in education in order to help low-income families and children of color.
2.
Attended Yale University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology.
3.
I began working as a city director for the nonprofit LEAP, which was run by young leaders who implemented year-round, after-school, community-based programming for underserved children.
4.
Decided to go back to school and attend Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
5.
I later earned my law degree from Yale University where my studies were focused on youth advocacy.
6.
I have served as the CEO and executive director of two nonprofits: Breakthrough Collaborative and Bring Me A Book Foundation.
7.
In 2014, I founded my own nonprofit, LitLab, which creates interactive early learning environments for under-resourced children, their caregivers, and educators.
8.
In 2017, LitLab was selected to participate in the AT&T Aspire Accelerator, helping us develop effective partnerships, maximize our impact, and align with the industry.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I've already applied for other accelerators and haven't gotten anything. This opportunity won't be any different.
How I responded:
When I was told to apply for the AT&T accelerator for entrepreneurs, my initial gut reaction was that there was no way I could get this. I'd tried before with other programs and either didn't get it or had to turn it down because the schedule didn't mesh with mine as a working mother. After being told over and over to apply, I eventually decided to put aside my doubts and go for it and I got it!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I am a mom of three children and working full-time. A majority of the opportunities for advancement available to entrepreneurs often conflict with my schedule, so I have to pursue different avenues and be mindful about how I go about things.