From Student Leader to Global Advocate: Mikaila’s Journey

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In 2008, Mikaila Way received her first scholarship from Bootstraps, marking the start of a journey that would take her from the small mountain town of Conifer, Colorado, to a global stage. A Conifer High School graduate, Mikaila was deeply involved in student life—a leader in Student Government for four years, playing multiple sports, and helping launch the school’s first women’s lacrosse team. She was vice president of the National Honor Society, helped plan and execute the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, helped establish Make-a-Difference Week, and was part of the World Issues Club, which traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to provide hands-on support after Hurricane Rita.

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Mikaila’s path led her to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and a minor in Peace and Social Justice. Though the transition from high school to college was a bit difficult because she missed Conifer and her family, she found her way through sports, outdoor education, and civic engagement. Playing D-3 lacrosse, joining the university’s Outdoor Pursuits program, and volunteering with the Center for Civic Engagement helped her find her community and passion. She particularly loved the Outdoor Pursuits program. Her first voyage was a sea kayaking trip and that led her to training so she could lead other outdoor experiences for students. She loved being outdoors and meeting other like-minded people.

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Initially dreaming of becoming a doctor and joining Doctors Without Borders, Mikaila’s academic focus shifted toward environmental science and food systems. Her volunteer work with the Center for Civic Engagement focused on social and environmental justice. In her studies, she became captivated by restoration ecology, the impact of agriculture on the planet, and Indigenous Peoples’ leadership for change in North America and globally. These interests set her on a path to a remarkable career.

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Today, Mikaila serves as the Indigenous Peoples’ Liaison Officer for North America and International Indigenous Youth Focal Point for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit and Indigenous leaders globally, she works for the recognition, preservation, and promotion of Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems. “It can be overwhelming,” she says, “but the people I work with make it a huge blessing. I’m always learning—I’ll never know enough, it’s about being humble and respectful.”

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Mikaila credits her scholarship from Bootstraps as an essential part of her success. “Pacific was an expensive school, and receiving the scholarship contributed significantly to the financial confidence that we could make it work.” Mikaila also said that receiving the scholarship was like getting a hug from the community and a message that said, “You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.” That sense of support stayed with her and fueled her drive to give back on a global scale.

 

Mikaila offers a big thank-you to Bootstraps and everyone who supports its mission: “It’s heartwarming to know this work is still going strong. Thank you for believing in students like me.”