July Volunteer of the Month - Mili Patel
Written by: Danielle Jackson, Community Engagement VISTA
We are so excited to honor and celebrate our July Volunteer of the Month: Mili Patel.
“Mili began volunteering with Girls Empowerment Network in 2019 and has been a phenomenal champion and supporter of our work since then! Mili consistently engages in our Volunteer Nights and Power Chats, and was a huge source of support during COVID when we launched Spark Kits. Additionally, Mili is a longtime member of Girl Advocacy League and has selflessly given her time, talent, and treasure to support our organization. Mili is an absolute joy to know and work alongside, and I'm so excited for her to continue to grow her leadership and impact at Girls Empowerment Network. I feel so incredibly grateful to have Mili in our community!” - Brittany Yelverton, Director of Community Engagement.
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Looking back, what advice did you need to hear as a young girl?
Learning and practicing to give yourself grace as you grow and evolve into the person you want to be. Discover your own identity and embrace who you are. Don't let societal expectations or others' opinions define you. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning. Knowledge opens doors and empowers you to make informed decisions throughout your life.
What is one word you would use to describe your sixth-grade self?
Awkward.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
Indra Nooyi is an Indian-American business executive and former CEO of PepsiCo, Under her leadership, PepsiCo experienced significant growth and expanded its product portfolio to include healthier options. She focused on diversifying the company's offerings to meet changing consumer demands, emphasizing nutrition and sustainability. She is also involved in philanthropic activities and has been an advocate for women's empowerment and leadership development. Her leadership have made her a prominent figure in the business world, particularly as a trailblazing woman in corporate leadership.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Girls Empowerment Network?
I would say, don't consider it, just start volunteering. Girls Empower Network, is a great organization that is helping girls across Texas, to be able to recognize their true potential in this world.
If you had $1,000,000 to donate to any social justice issue, which one would it be?
I would split the $1,000,000 between two efforts I feel passionate about. They are Gender Equality: supporting initiatives that empower women and girls, promote gender equity, women's education and economic opportunities, period poverty and reproductive wellness rights. And Human Rights: organizations that work to protect and promote human rights globally, including issues such as freedom of speech, combating human trafficking, refugees' rights, and supporting marginalized groups.