Five Young Women: For Mila Mullin, 'it all comes back to the community'
If you come across a brightly-painted crosswalk in front of a Leon County School, chances are good that Mila Mullin, a junior at Leon High School, was part of the creative energy behind it.
Mila served as a lead volunteer to help improve safety for Leon County citizens by working with Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI) to pilot the Crosswalks to Classroom's initiative where crosswalks near schools are painted vibrant colors to make the crosswalk stand out more.
“I’m passionate about being a leader in the betterment of our community,” she says. “No matter what I do, I place an emphasis on service. It all comes back to the community.”
Her positive energy, optimistic nature, and willingness to serve are just a few reasons why Mila is one of Tallahassee 5 Young Women to Watch, a designation that encourages her to contribute even more through volunteerism. “This recognition tells me that Tallahassee values community service and ultimately the betterment of our city and for the people who live here,” she says. “It means that my generation is making a difference that people can see, feel, and appreciate.”
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Mila is an out-of-the-box thinker, gently pushing barriers for the success of the students and her community. As a student ambassador for KCCI’s 4th Annual Placemaking Week projects, Mila collaborated with Leon County officials, school administrators, and other students to organize volunteers and paint the crosswalks outside Cobb Middle School and Kate Sullivan Elementary School to improve safety.
And, it's working. Research conducted at Florida State University found that the crosswalk mural reduced stop sign violations by nearly 30% and increased the rate of drivers stopping before the crosswalks, both of which had been major problems prior to the painting. With stop sign violations being one of the leading causes of accidents on the road, these findings suggest that artful solutions could lead the charge in the creation of more walkable and unique communities.
She has an eye to safety in all areas of life. This year, Mila was awarded the Salvation Army Scholarship for her research on homelessness and human trafficking in the Big Bend, and she can envision better living conditions for everyone. “I plan to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science and my graduate degree in industrial and organizational psychology,” she says. “I want to help improve workplaces for individuals.”
Mila makes time for fun through service, as well, serving as Leon Dance Marathon Captain, regularly volunteering at a kickboxing class for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and leading the Yarn Club at Leon High School. “Crocheting, volunteering, knitting, baking, and exercising are just some of the hobbies I love to spend my free time doing. I love to feel productive, even when I am watching TV, I will be crocheting something,” she laughs.
In her junior year at Leon High School, Mila is the Volunteer Coordinator for both National Honors Society and Rho Kappa, a member of Leon Student Government, a Longest Table 2022 Committee member, and is a member of the Pierian Honor Society, Model UN, Key Club, and Interact Service Club.
She credits her parents for encouraging her volunteerism. “Both of my parents have had such a positive influence on my life,” she says. “By promoting my independence, they have allowed me to become my own person and realize my own goals.”
Her enthusiastic spirit, giving nature, and no-limits attitude means that regardless of where Mila Mullin spends her time, things will be better. And, she looks forward to more collaboration in Tallahassee. “This is a great honor and I’m excited about future opportunities to work with others in the community.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 5 Young Women: Mila Mullin is 'passionate about being a leader'
