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Some of Mia’s favorite SWSG memories

“Reading a particular journal entry from one of my girls my freshman year that read, ‘I don't just love you. I SOOOOOO love you,’ and then she signed, ‘your friend.’ There was something incredibly touching about this desire that she had for me to be more than just a person dipping in and out of her life once a week.”


"Dancing in front of my girls on our overnight field trip. A troupe called "Expressions" was teaching us a hip-hop routine, and the only move I could master was this kind of aggressive motion where you stepped forward with your arms crossed in front of you, and then you jumped back and opened up your arms really wide. I made a SUPER serious face when I did it, and just really committed to it. There was about a second of shock, and then all my girls were rolling on the floor, laughing. When I came to mentor the next week, they told me they'd been talking about it all weekend. It's kind of become my signature."

Mia's favorite parts of SWSG

My girls. They've challenged me in ways I didn't know were possible. I got into this thinking it would be an easy, feel-good community service program with sweet, demure little girls. Thank goodness I was wrong. Every site I've mentored has consistently been full of feisty, sassy firecrackers (some of them taller than me!) that have made me earn their respect and admiration.”

She went on to say that her other favorite part about SWSG is working with her co-mentors: “In the past two years I have met some of the most incredible, genuine, driven, strong women through SWSG,” she said. “They're such a joy to be around. For example, two of our new board members, Tish and Lianna, went to Panera Bread at like 3 in the morning to pick up free leftover baked goods for our mentor appreciation event.”

Our first Spotlight Mentor is Mia, who has been a SWSG mentor for the past two years. From leading Peaks and Valleys, to coming up with new games right on the spot, to leading our cheer, Mia brings passion, pride, and her kind heart to everything she does at SWSG . Her experience makes her an excellent leader with her fellow mentors and with the girls. Mikki, one of the Program Managers, had nothing but praise for our Spotlight Mentor: "Mia is an energetic, enthusiastic, funny, down-to-earth, AMAZING mentor. She connects with the girls so naturally and brings a real spark to our group. The girls love learning about her Alabaman roots and eating her delicious cupcakes! I have learned a lot from her this summer about how to engage the girls, keep things fun, and stay on track. Mia is a phenomenal mentor and a truly strong woman!"

SPOTLIGHT MENTOR

​Meet MIA

Love from Fellow Mentors

Mia is a fantastic mentor because she knows just how to talk with the girls,” Catie explains. “I admire how well she explains things to our mentees and facilitates discussions. When Mia talks, the girls definitely listen.”


“I heard great things about Mia before I even met her! On the way to my first day mentoring, one of my fellow mentors told me just how amazing she was," fellow mentor Lucy said. "As soon as I walked in the door of our site, I knew instantly who Mia was. She had a huge smile on her face and was already prepping the classroom and getting everything together for the girls. It is clear that she loves SWSG, and she is a priceless member of the team.”

Ever been really proud of a co-mentor for something? Ever wished you could share it with all of SWSG? Here is a special spotlight for mentors doing big things. 

            ​Thank you, Mia! 

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