Meet Mia L. Mcdonald

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Mia L. Mcdonald again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Mia L. , thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
I’m excited to reconnect and share how my journey has evolved! During my first interview, I was balancing multiple roles—serving as a Communications Specialist for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners by day, the Director of Talent Development for Acting Up LLC by night, and the Service Committee Chairwoman for the Tri-Cities High School Alumni Association. While so much has changed in the past five years, one thing remains constant: my love for community and service.

My path has taken unexpected turns, but each detour has been purposeful. Through soul-searching, shadow work, therapy, and deep self-awareness, I’ve grown into a more intentional and aligned version of myself. Today, I continue to lead and serve in new capacities, always staying true to my calling as a communicator, mentor, and advocate. My journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, faith, and unwavering commitment to making an impact.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
New year, same purpose—just a different path.

Since our last conversation, my journey has continued to evolve in ways that reinforce my calling as a servant leader. I’m still a government communicator, but I serve with a different entity, and my commitment to community engagement has only deepened. As a graduate student specializing in Management, I’m sharpening my expertise while staying rooted in my mission to serve with greater intention and impact.

Faith has been the driving force behind it all. My belief in God has grown stronger, shaping how I navigate challenges and victories. I often say, “God got my attention.” During this season, I’ve learned to be specific with my goals, intentional with my prayers, and unwavering in my trust. When things don’t go as planned, I don’t see setbacks—I see plot twists, knowing that every redirection is leading me to something greater.

Beyond my career, I’ve expanded my leadership roles. I now serve as a board member for The L-Life Foundation, Vice President of Reigning Hope Foundation, Inc., an active member of GRLS ATL (Centennial Chapter), and the newly appointed 2025 President of Young Government Leaders (YGL) Atlanta Chapter. Each role is another opportunity to pour into others, uplift my community, and walk boldly in my purpose.

Everything is unfolding one step at a time, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Crooklyn and 1994 Lion King

Favorite Book: The Skin I’m In, A Wrinkle in Time

Favorite TV Show: A Different World, Veronica Mars, and Insecure

Favorite Band or Artist: The elements, Earth Wind & Fire!

Sweet or Savory: Depends on my mood.

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): College Basketball and Gymnastics

Favorite Sport (to play): Badminton and extreme napping lol

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Not at all. I have not one athletic bone in my body lol.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: First, a teacher, then an entertainer, then a videographer/photographer, then a thespian, then a hip hop journalist/a writer. Some, I’ve already dabbled in; there’s still time to achieved the others and add to the list, lol.

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: I’m sorry, who?

Favorite Cartoon growing up: As Told by Ginger, Pepper Ann, and Recess

Favorite Childhood movie: A Goofy Movie and Troop Beverly Hills

Favorite Breakfast Food: Cheese grits with salt, pepper, and butter.

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want to be remembered as someone who lived with purpose, faith, and a heart for serving others. A person who uplifted, inspired, and encouraged those around me with kindness, resilience, and grace. My brand is a reflection of that—rooted in faith, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change.

What makes my journey unique is the willingness to pivot, to evolve, and to trust that every redirection is part of God’s greater plan. I never want to be so set in my ways that I miss an opportunity to grow or serve in new ways. Like Erma Bombeck expressed, I want to stand before God one day knowing that I used every talent, every opportunity, and every lesson He gave me. If my life and work can inspire others to walk boldly in their purpose, to embrace change with faith, and to pour into the world with love, then I will have lived well.

Instagram: @nowstarringmia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-mcdonald-33563559/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowstarringmia