Colleen Mier shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Colleen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to step into rooms I used to think were ‘for other people’—you know, the kind where everyone has perfect blazers and big titles. I used to be nervous I’d trip over my words… or my own feet. Now I walk in reminding myself: I belong here, I have something to say, and if I make them laugh along the way, even better.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Colleen Mier, Executive Director of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E. and a lifelong educator. I spent 20 years in the classroom before stepping into this role, and that experience shapes everything I do. I understand firsthand the challenges students face—both in and out of school—and I’m passionate about helping them navigate the path to success.
Our nonprofit breaks the cycle of poverty through one-on-one mentoring, life skills training, and college access for at-risk and first-generation students. We have both high school and college mentoring programs focused on career readiness—ensuring students are not only prepared to graduate but also equipped to step confidently into the workforce. What makes our work unique is our commitment to guiding students not just to succeed after high school, but to thrive as scholars in college. We make sure they have all the tools—academic, personal, and professional—to navigate life as a college student with confidence.
Our mentors, volunteers, and partners create a safe, uplifting culture where students can envision—and achieve—a future they once thought was out of reach. Right now, we’re expanding with cohort-style boot camps, scholarships, and new partnerships to make sure more students have the resources, networks, and encouragement they need. At our core, we believe mentorship is about more than advice—it’s about showing a young person, “You matter, your dreams are valid, and we’re here to help you get there.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people usually break when we stop talking—or worse, when we stop listening. Misunderstandings pile up, assumptions take over, and suddenly you’re on opposite sides without even realizing how you got there.
The good news? They can be restored. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up the phone, sharing a laugh, or working on something together. I’ve seen people reconnect in the middle of planning an event or volunteering—because focusing on a shared goal makes the walls come down. Add a little patience, a little grace, and maybe a cup of coffee, and you’d be surprised how quickly you can find your way back to each other.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, the fear that held me back the most was the fear of not being “enough.” Not experienced enough, not knowledgeable enough, not the “right” person to be in certain rooms. It kept me from speaking up or chasing opportunities I truly cared about.
Over time, I realized that no one starts out feeling 100% ready—and that growth comes from stepping into spaces that scare you a little. Now, when that old fear creeps in, I remind myself it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, learning, and making an impact anyway.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I believe that kindness is a strategy, not just a personality trait. Some people see it as “soft” or secondary to getting results, but I think it’s one of the most powerful tools for leadership, growth, and lasting impact. Kindness builds trust, lowers defenses, and opens doors that force or fear never could. It doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations—it means having them in a way that leaves people’s dignity intact. Not everyone sees kindness as a strength, but I’ve seen it change outcomes more times than I can count.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say, “She made big things happen, but she also made us laugh along the way.” That I was the person who could run thing, keep a room full of teenagers engaged, and still show up in a silly hat for spirit day without a second thought. Mostly, I hope they remember that being around me made them feel encouraged, included, and maybe just a little bit braver.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foundationforchoice.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e
- Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHOICE_org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForCHOICE
- Youtube: (channel ID) @foundationforc.h.o.i.c.e.3792
