Story & Lesson Highlights with Dr. Shakea Miller of Phenix City

Dr. Shakea Miller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Shakea, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are about alignment and execution. I start with prayer, quiet time to center my mindset while walking on my treadmill, then start my work day by review my top three priorities for the day. I scan my calendar, check urgent emails, and block time for deep work before distractions set in. I also use this time to strategize, whether it’s content planning, reviewing business metrics, or preparing for key meetings. By the time that first 90 minutes is over, I’ve already set the tone for a productive day.

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 as well as the newly launched 1 on 1 Technical High School. What makes my journey unique is that I started with just a vision to create opportunities for people who felt overlooked or counted out, and that 2019 vision has grown into a degree-granting institution in 2024 and now a high school division in 2025 that had opened doors for both teens and adults.

This brand is special because it’s built on resilience and faith. It’s guide by Gods guidance. I was a pregnant teen who refused to let my circumstances define me. I took my challenges and turned them into a platform to help others build brighter futures through education. In just a 5 short years, we’ve graduated thousands of students who are now working in healthcare, business, and other career fields.

Right now, I’m working on scaling the college nationally, strengthening our college trades, enrolling students in our new high school program, and preparing myself for law school so I can continue to be an advocate for education and opportunity. My story is proof that with determination, faith, and hard work, you can create something that not only changes your life but transforms the lives of countless others.

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 the world told me who I had to be, I was a dreamer with big visions and a heart to help others. I was that little girl who believed anything was possible, even when the odds were stacked against me. I didn’t see limits, I only saw opportunities to create, to build, and to make a difference. Life experiences, challenges, and expectations tried to shape me into something smaller, but deep down I’ve always been that same bold, fearless, and faith-driven girl who believed she could change her story, and now I use that same belief to help others change theirs.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the deepest wounds of my life has been betrayal by people I trusted. It cut the deepest because it often came from those I poured into, supported, or believed would be in my corner for the long haul. Betrayal has a way of shaking your confidence, making you question yourself, and even hardening your heart if you let it.

But I’ve learned that healing doesn’t come from getting an apology, it comes from releasing the weight of what was done and choosing not to let it define me. I leaned heavily on my faith, prayer, and reminding myself that God sees and restores. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to forgive without necessarily giving people the same access to me again, and to focus on the genuine relationships that lift me up instead of drain me.

Betrayal hurt me, but it also taught me discernment, wisdom, and resilience. It taught me how to recognize authentic love and loyalty, and to never let someone else’s actions stop me from walking in my purpose. No one is perfect, not even me, but we all must learn from our mistakes. I want to see everyone win and even if it’s not at the same table God has me sitting.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what really matters to me is faith, family, and impact. They know I’m deeply rooted in my relationship with God and that I make decisions through prayer and purpose. They’d also say my heart is always with my family, especially my husband, son, and making sure I leave a legacy that inspires him. And beyond that, they’d tell you I care about making a real difference in people’s lives, whether it’s through education, mentoring, or community work. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is helping others believe in themselves and see what’s possible. I love watching the smiles of our students when they complete their class, walk the stage at graduation, pass their national exam and/or get employed in their new field.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would immediately stop wasting time on things and people that don’t align with my purpose. I’d end every one-sided relationship, yes, with anyone, and stop making excuses for bad behavior. I’d stop pouring into cups that never seem to fill, no matter how much you give.

Life is too short to shrink yourself for the comfort of others. I would focus only on what brings peace, joy, and impact, pouring into my family, my students, my community, and my faith. Every decision would be intentional, because the time left would be about legacy, not distractions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1on1tntc.com

Image Credits
Brian Jackson
DV Foreman