Staff Members

Involvement: Mila Sandoval is an alumna of the Global Visionaries program, having traveled as a participant in 2007. Over the years, she has been deeply involved with the organization, serving in multiple capacities including trip leader for four years, member of the Board of Directors, and creator and facilitator of pre-departure trainings focused on supporting the social-emotional wellness of participants. Her involvement with GV has deeply shaped her passion for youth leadership and social justice. Now as the Executive Director, Mila is excited and deeply committed to continuing the organization’s mission of empowering youth to be changemakers our world. She is driven by the opportunity to foster youth voice, create spaces for self-discovery, and lead GV’s impactful initiatives.

Interests: Outside of work, Mila enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking with her Austrian Shepherd, Jasper. She loves traveling, paddleboarding, and camping, all of which allow her to connect with nature and recharge. Mila also values spending quality time with friends, building meaningful connections and enjoying shared experiences.

School & Prior Experience: Mila earned her Master’s in Multicultural Education from the University of California, Berkeley and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership at Seattle University. She began her academic journey at Seattle Central College, where she earned her AA with a focus on sociology. Mila then went on to Mount Holyoke College, where she double majored in English and Gender Studies for her BA. She has five years of experience as an educator with Seattle Public Schools, including three years as a Social Emotional Learning Consulting Teacher at the district’s central office.

Hometown: Mila is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she attended Seattle Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Seattle continues to be a significant place of connection and home for her, and it is where she has built her career in education and leadership.

Involvement: Shalina J. Akins joined Global Visionaries in September 2024! Since beginning her GV journey she has been amazed and inspired by the caliber of the staff, participants, and parents and guardians that are attracted to and connected to the GV community!! The participants past and present have an extraordinary grasp on the topics that matter to them and it is clear that these extraordinary up and coming leaders are deeply passionate and committed to helping make the world a better place!

Interests: Shalina is an enthusiastic foreign language learner, globe trotter, and a future entrepreneur hopeful. During her spare time, she loves to read, devour K-dramas, dance, and clean!

School & Prior Experience: Shalina began her academic career as a biology major at Ithaca college. She earned her Master’s in Education at Seattle University and spent over twenty years serving as a mental health counseling professional working with children and families in academic settings in Washington and California. She worked as a K-12 school counselor and as an English and preschool teacher in South Korea and in Thailand. During her tenure as a mental health counselor working with children and teens, she learned of the incredible connection between confidence, competent leadership, and great mental health! Fueled by this knowledge, Shalina is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership at Seattle University.

Hometown: Shalina was born in Maine and is a proud Air Force brat who spent her childhood alternating between living in the US and abroad. She was raised in communities and within cultures far different than her own and learned at a young age about diplomacy, global citizenship, and what it means to be a part of this tiny blue planet.

Involvement: I’ve worked with GV since 2023, and have had a lovely experience because I’ve been able to get to know and connect with youth.

Interests: I love to listen to music and play with my puppy.

School & Prior Experience: I studied at the Instituto Tecnológico Empresarial de Antigua Guatemala.

Hometown: I’m from Santa Catarina Barahona.

This bio was translated from Spanish. Swipe or tap the arrows to see the original.

Experiencia con GV: Trabajo con GV desde el año 2023, ha sido una experiencia muy linda porque he podido conocer y conectar más con los jóvenes.

Intereses: Me gusta mucho escuchar música y jugar con mi perrita.

Escuela y Experiencias Antes de GV: Estudié en el Instituto tecnológico Empresarial de Antigua Guatemala.

Hogar: Soy originaria de Santa Catarina Barahona.