The Impact of Community - Nate Miles
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Community and service have both always been a huge part of my life. In my earlier years, my community gifted me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of a higher education and from then on, I knew I was meant to do the same. Since experiencing the fruits of community service myself, I have made it my mission to help others in any way that I can.
I spoke with The Seattle Medium magazine on my story to becoming a philanthropist.
“Miles, a Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for a large pharmaceutical company, was emotional as he began to describe the pivotal and significant moments in his life that helped shape the man he would become.
“For Miles it wasn’t until a teacher suggested he join DECA, a high school leadership program that he began to see and understand the importance of education and ultimately two episodes of generosity that would change his trajectory.
“When Miles was a senior at Pasco High School, where he graduated in 1977, his mother went into one of her two jobs, as a domestic worker and in his mother’s private moments at work she prayed for God’s help in getting her son into college. This was after hearing her son express interest in continuing his education in which she knew nothing about, how to get him into college, how to pay for college, she had no idea.
“But, the one thing she did know was the power of prayer, God was going to make it happen and she got on her knees and prayed. Her boss overheard the heartfelt prayers Mrs. Miles laid before her faith and decided to help. The woman called Miles’ mother to come over along with Nate to discuss something.
“Miles not knowing what was going on felt the kind of unease a child feels when they think they’re in trouble, but as the meeting took place his mother’s faith and persistence in prayer paid off as the woman announced she and her husband were going to pay for Miles’ college tuition and lent his family the money.
“That is when Miles knew that no matter what or who he became giving back was going to be the foundation of his life’s work.
“’I was one of those kids that thanked God,’ says Miles. ‘One of those kids where the church took up a little collection for me, gave me a little scholarship, everybody cooked a little something, I’ll never forget and I thanked those people when they saw me off.’
“Being the first generation in his family to go to college, Miles carried the hopes, prayers and dreams of his family and his community, whether it was the Porters, The Black Elks or the NAACP who also provided scholarships, it was important that he carry this notion of giving with him.
“Miles says that when people ask him how he became successful or how did he make it, he tells them that it’s because of the love his community showed him.
“Community service is about the energy and the work one puts in to better your community and Miles because of his upbringing, his blessings and the opportunities that were bestowed upon him never forgot that.
“For over thirty-five years, Miles has left an indelible footprint within his community as a leader, philanthropist and mentor. Miles has raised millions of dollars as both a community leader and a lobbyist to help better the communities within the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Black community.
“The former Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and former King County Executive Ron Sims states, ‘I don’t know where he gets his energy but he spreads it to everyone, he loves doing for others.’
“’Very few people possess the energy and compassion it takes for community services but Nate Miles delivers,’ said Sims. ‘You can bet if Nate Miles is on your side you will win.’”
About Nate Miles: Nate is a visionary leader with expertise in transforming businesses. He has extensive experience with running boards, fundraising, strategic planning, and program development. Nate operates on his personal strategy ‘Total Engaged Teamwork.’ He strives to create unity and collaboration to close gaps that separate groups of people, ultimately hoping to better society and the organizations he is involved in. He currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and State Government Affairs for Eli and Lilly Company and holds several board positions.
