Miya Angelou Walker is a registered Democrat, a passionate public servant, and a leader. Raised in Los Angeles, Miya has been a homeowner and Inglewood resident for seven years and has witnessed the City of Champions transform into a gold mine for developers. Now, she believes it is time to enrich the daily lives of Inglewood residents in the same way. As Inglewood’s new mayor, she is prepared to do just that.

Named after the famed civil rights activist and poet, Dr. Maya Angelou, Inglewood’s Miya was encouraged by her mother to read the acclaimed book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings at a very young age. It was that gripping tale of courage and triumph in the face of tragedy and struggle that became a mantra she has followed her entire life. Dr. Angelou was born on April 4 – Miya was born on April 6. Her mother never knew this fact when she chose her daughter’s name. Some would call it coincidence – her mother called it destiny.

Education & Leadership.

A graduate of the University of Southern California (MA), California State University, Northridge (BA), and University High School, Miya has spent two decades working in leadership roles, including in the public sector.

Known for her award-winning strategies, Miya is part of the president’s office and works as the Director of College Relations, Public Affairs, and Governmental Relations at Cerritos College. Miya serves as the District’s Chief Legislative Advocate and helps the College to secure policy and financial support. She coordinates community and college-related activities for the Board of Trustees, the District’s Executive Council, and the management team. Miya leads planning efforts, executes the District’s action plans, and provides direction to employees to implement strategies to advocate for the District. She also serves as a spokesperson for the College.

Miya’s recent work includes advocacy for local and statewide transportation projects. She played a key role in securing funds for the College from the California Assembly for the campus’s free student transit program. She also continues to advocate for Fareless Transit Passes for SoCal’s low-income residents and the West Santa Ana Branch transit project for the District. These efforts require Miya to work closely with the County Board of Supervisors, and in partnership with elected officials from the California Senate and Assembly, and the city councils in the cities of Artesia and Norwalk.

Miya was also instrumental in developing the District’s winning strategy to secure $16 million for a construction project. To meet this objective, she worked in partnership with the College president and the Board of Trustees to identify the right channels to secure these funds through the California Legislature.

Before that, Miya was the Public Information Officer at L.A. Southwest College. Before moving into the public sector, Miya was a Senior Account Executive for Lagrant Communications working with clients such as Deloitte & Touche, LLP where she specialized in diversity planning and executive platform development. She also helped to raise awareness about the L.A. Community College District’s Bond Construction program, serving as the day-to-day account director at then-MWW Group. Miya’s portfolio also includes her PR work to promote black-owned small businesses.

Miya has always thrived in leadership roles. Her previous executive positions have prepared her to serve the people of Inglewood. Over her career, Miya has been an important part of the C-suite, guiding smart decision-making and organizational policy. She has a proven track record for securing state funding for key projects and completing complicated projects through consensus. Her deep experience of working across complex systems and building coalitions between staff and communities earned Miya a reputation for getting things done.

Local. Dedicated.

As a resident, Miya believes Inglewood’s improving profile among developers, investors, and visitors should be a boon, not a detriment to the residents who live in this amazing community. She wants to ensure small businesses are not ignored and Inglewood’s diverse communities benefit and grow from city development. Miya believes we can create an Inglewood where people are the priority, and the government works for them.

Miya attends Center of Hope in Inglewood, is part of the PLAN4Hope social justice ministry, and is also an alumna of the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI). Miya mentors underserved students through the EST College Access Program.