We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mia Douglas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mia below.

Mia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

In fourth-grade, I vividly remember watching CNN Student News. Usually, I would use this time as social hour with friends but something powerfully grasped my attention that day. On October 9th, 2012 the story of Malala Yousafzai being shot by the Taliban is one that I will never forget. In the coming days, I became glued to the TV at home anxiously awaiting an update on her condition. When I learned how Malala was an activist for women’s right to education and a fearless leader I instantly became inspired. Since that day on I’ve posed the question to myself, what am I doing to be an active and fearless leader in my community?

Malala Yousafzai has deeply inspired me to look beyond my borders and examine the plights of those abroad. This constant act of examination has led me to find my passion in journalism, international affairs, and advocacy. I’ve come to realize what made Malala stick with me from the age of 10 to now being 22 is her courage and purpose. When I ponder who do I want to become, it’s always a person who is living in their purpose– even if that means to die by it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Mia Douglas, a woman passionate about international affairs, human rights, and changing lives through news. In a more traditional sense I am a graduate of Benedict College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a minor in Political Science. Also, I am an incoming Master of Foreign Service student at Georgetown University.

My business Let Mia Tell It, is one forged on making world news conversational! I found that many of my friends–even family– were confused about what was happening abroad which deterred them from consuming international news stories. So, I thought to myself how can I make world news fun, conversational, and understandable for everyone. My solution was to start a series dubbed, “What in the World News Wednesday” where each week I will choose a news story happening abroad and dedicate a full episode to it. From the series I have discussed, the Tigray War, Alexei Navalny, Peng Shuai, China’s missing tennis star, and much more.

I am most proud of the feedback and response I have gotten from the series. For example, people have reached out to me requesting that I cover certain topics that they are confused on. Most astonishing to me, is people have expressed their excitement for future episodes and shared words of encouragement. This is my goal, for people to become excited about hearing and learning about the world around them.

Let Mia Tell It is a hub for all things world news and all things to make sure others understand it! The series What in the World News Wednesday is just the beginning. Currently, it is an independent Instagram page but, I look forward to expanding it in the future.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom to choose. I love that I can create things that I love and fit the aesthetic or vision I have. This is gratifying because when I look back at my work it is something that I am proud of. Also, the creativity expressed allows my work to be an extension of myself.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the art of playing it “safe”. Originally, I used my personal instagram as a hub for my online news series however, I craved separation between personal and professional. I knew that creating “Let Mia Tell It” would require branding, extensive time structuring the posts, and more commitment. Also, I was afraid that “Let Mia Tell It” would not produce the same amount of engagement as my personal page. But, I decided to do it afraid and create the page anyway. Once creating the page, I promoted it on my personal instagram. I am so much happier to have done so, because it has allowed me to become freer on both pages in regards to content. The page has so far produced positive results, substantial engagement, and a lot of support.

The lesson found was to do it afraid and trust that everything will work out with time, consistency, and dedication.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmiatellit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-douglas-9332a6210/

Image Credits
Boris Williams and Mia Douglas