Mialisa Bonta
Founder & CEO
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.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMialisa Bonta
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Early in my life, I made a commitment to doing something in education in order to help low-income families and children of color.
Attended Yale University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology.
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.
Decided to go back to school and attend Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
I later earned my law degree from Yale University where my studies were focused on youth advocacy.
I have served as the CEO and executive director of two nonprofits: Breakthrough Collaborative and Bring Me A Book Foundation.
In 2014, I founded my own nonprofit, LitLab, which creates interactive early learning environments for under-resourced children, their caregivers, and educators.
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.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Graduate
Administrative Planning and Social Policy
Harvard University
Administrative Planning and Social Policy
Harvard University
Career
Founder & CEO
I ensure that underserved children have the early learning resources they need for lifelong success.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Entrepreneurship
Helping People
Day to Day
LitLab’s mission is to create connected and interactive early learning environments by deploying books, digital content, and blended learning solutions for under-resourced children, their caregivers, and educators. I start my day typically at about 4 am and do some reading on the industry, schools, or my particular product. Internally, I work with my team on product development, fundraising, organizational culture, etc. Externally, I meet with funders, market our product, and hustle!
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Have a loose life plan, but be open to accepting the 'yes's' that come along and following wherever they may lead you.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I've already applied for other accelerators and haven't gotten anything. This opportunity won't be any different. "
Challenges I Overcame
Working Parent
Interviewed By
Venture Forward
Tech entrepreneurship’s next generation
