We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Shakea Miller and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Shakea, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for us at 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College is filled with students who are determined to change their lives. We see individuals walking through our doors who simply want more out of life, whether that’s a second chance, a fresh start, or the opportunity to finally accomplish a long-held goal. Each day, our focus is on creating an environment where those dreams can take shape, providing not only education but also encouragement, support, and the belief that success is within reach.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shakea Miller, and I am the Founder and Dean of 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College. Education has always been a part of my story, but what makes my journey unique is that I built a degree-granting institution designed to give people second chances and new beginnings. Many of our students come to us looking for more out of life, they want an opportunity to accomplish something they once thought was out of reach.
What makes my work special is that our college isn’t just about courses; it’s about transformation. We provide flexible, affordable programs that meet students where they are, whether they’re a young adult just starting out or someone returning to school later in life. Beyond education, I’m also deeply involved in nonprofit and community work through my own non profit, Fight for Our Children. I also serve in leadership roles with the NAACP, Junior League, and Urban League of the River Valley Young Professionals.
Right now, I’m focused on scaling the college, expanding our new high school program, and building partnerships that will create pathways to careers and entrepreneurship. My story is really about resilience, purpose, and pouring into others so they, too, can rise.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before I started following who God told me I had to be, I was simply a girl with big dreams, a deep faith, and a heart for helping others. I didn’t grow up with everything handed to me, but I always had determination and vision. Life gave me its share of challenges, setbacks, losses, and moments that could have broken me? but those experiences shaped me into a fighter. A pregnant teen just wanting to not stay a statistic.
I learned early that my purpose wasn’t just about me, it was about creating opportunities for others. That’s why I built 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College, why I pour into my nonprofit, and why I continue to look forward to starting law school, January 2026. I know what it feels like to want a second chance, to want more out of life, and to believe you’re destined for something greater even when the world says otherwise.
My story is unique because it’s rooted in transformation and determination. I lost over 185 pounds, I built a degree granting institution from the ground up, with the help of my support system, and I’ve continued to lead in organizations that fight for equality, justice, and community empowerment. All of these things takes hard work and determination. But at the core, I’m still that girl who believes in faith and who wants to see others win, and who knows that faith and perseverance can turn the impossible into reality.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and empathy in ways success never could. It showed me how to sit in the silence of pain and still believe in the promise of tomorrow. It forced me to strip away pride and self-sufficiency and learn the power of leaning on faith and community. Suffering taught me how to listen with compassion, how to lead with understanding, and how to find strength even in my weakest moments. Success may celebrate the outcome, but suffering built the character that made success possible.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is people, seeing others grow, succeed, and feel supported. They know I’m driven by purpose, faith, and service, and that no matter how busy I get, I always find a way to pour into others. They’d tell you that I care deeply about family, community, and leaving a legacy that proves you can overcome anything with determination and heart.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy will be that it is about money. In reality, it has never been about dollars or titles, it has always been about impact. My true legacy is about creating opportunities for people who were told they couldn’t, building pathways where doors were once closed, and showing others that transformation is possible. The money will come and go, but the lives touched and the hope restored will be what endures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1on1tntc.com
- Instagram: 1_on_1TNTC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1on1tntc
- Other: TikTok 1on1tntc
Image Credits
Images:
DV Foreman
Brian Jackson
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
