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Overcoming the Odds: She grew up on a cotton farm as one of 17 children and overcame domestic violence, and poverty.
About this Episode
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills.
Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots
Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
- Promote her memoir and its message of overcoming adversity.
- Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners with her story of resilience and reinvention.
- Highlight the importance of storytelling as a healing and motivational tool.
- Encourage faith over fear in personal and professional growth.
🔑 Key Takeaways 🌾 Humble Beginnings
- Grew up on a 60-acre cotton farm in Whitaker, Alabama.
- Picking cotton was physically brutal and emotionally taxing.
“You’re bent at a 90-degree angle all day picking cotton… it hurts.”
📚 Writing the Memoir
- Wrote the book after age 60 to heal and share wisdom.
- Did not consult her husband before publishing — it was her story to tell.
“I didn’t want anybody telling me… ‘Why didn’t you do it this way?’ It is my story.”
💪 Resilience Defined
- Resilience means getting up after being knocked down.
- She credits her mother’s wisdom and her own determination.
“Failure is not an option… I wasn’t going back to that cotton field.”
🧠 Faith Over Fear
- Her guiding principle is faith over fear — trusting in the journey despite uncertainty.
“Fear sits on your shoulder and says you’re not good enough. Faith says walk through the door.”
🏫 Education & Mentorship
- A white teacher saw potential in her and helped her escape the cotton fields by recommending a tech school.
- Her father, despite initial hesitation, paid for her education in cash.
“He paid \$500 in 1969 — a lot of money for a farmer.”
👩💻 Career & Independence
- Became an IT executive, starting in 1969 as a computer programmer.
- Advocates for women’s financial independence and self-worth.
“God gave me gifts that I must share… I’m not going to depend on somebody else.”
📖 Future Projects
- Upcoming book: The Hope Club — explores the impact of incarceration on families, especially children.
“I’ve seen what such a life can do to children… it breaks up families.”
💬 Memorable Quotes
- “Do the best you can with what you have.” — Her mother’s mantra.
- “Don’t expect someone else to pay for your dreams.”
- “I’m no victim. I’ve never been a victim.”
- “We’re not dreaming big enough.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Hosts & Guests
No transcript available for this episode.
