Michelle Venice Mekeliah Mills

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“From the humble beginnings of the homeless street program in Jamaica, West Indies to the development of a non-profit organization in the United States, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of underprivileged and disenfranchised people of society.”

  • Program: 2010 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Pompano Beach, FL
  • Hometown: Spanish Town, Jamaica
  • Age: 23

Biography

 

PROFILE: Prior to relocating with her family to America, Michelle Mills persevered through early struggles with illness, poverty and crime. Michelle’s kind spirit and dedication to her family helped her overcome the financial and medical roadblocks. In two ways she dedicated herself to righting the wrongs she had seen and experienced in the Caribbean. First, she worked tirelessly to succeed in the classroom. Second, she volunteered every chance she got to help people who shared her plight. Her efforts continue daily as she progresses through law school at historic Howard University in Washington, DC. 

INSPIRATION: Michelle had a profoundly positive experience in 2008 when she audited the law class of Professor Aziza Naa-Kaa Botchway at the University of Miami. Dr. Botchway, a renowned civil rights attorney who worked with the Florida ACLU’s Racial Justice/Voting Rights Project, is also a children’s rights advocate. Michelle hopes to follow in her footsteps.

ASPIRATION: Once Michelle earns her law degree with a concentration in public interest, she wants to provide legal services to non-profit organizations, and become a defender for victimized individuals. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: While at the University of Miami, Michelle and her mother founded the non-profit organization Please Save a Life Ministries, and worked with South Florida attorneys to register the organization. The ministry works to aid the disenfranchised. For Michelle, it represents coming full-circle: as a youth in Jamaica she collected clothes and food for people poorer than herself. 

ACCOLADES: Michelle earned recognition as a member of the National Dean’s List while in community college, and in 2006 was named Florida Regional Service President of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She’s also a member of the All-Florida USA Academic Team.

INTERESTING FACT: Michelle learned sign language so she could communicate with the deaf community.
 

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