Meet Maia Butler, Last Mile's Student Recruitment Specialist
Serving as the Student Recruitment Specialist for Last Mile Education Fund is more than just a job for me—it’s a direct reflection of the values I’ve carried with me throughout my personal and professional journey. My guiding principle, “serve for a cause greater than self,” is something I adopted during my time as a fellow with City Year Jacksonville, and it continues to shape the way I approach my work and interactions.
Like most kids, I cycled through countless career aspirations—at one point, I dreamed of being a veterinarian, then an artist, then a fashion designer. I was drawn to different paths because I had a wide range of interests and talents, but nothing quite stuck. It wasn’t until I was on the brink of beginning my freshman year at Hampton University that I finally found my true calling: public relations. I realized that while I was capable of many things, my greatest strengths lay in my ability to connect with people on a meaningful level and to think creatively about solutions. I wanted a career that would allow me to uplift and empower others while also challenging me to think outside the box.
Attending Hampton University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Beyond the lifelong friendships I formed, I still hold strong personal connections with faculty and staff members who played a pivotal role in my growth. Hampton instilled in me a sense of resilience, purpose, and dedication to service—values that have guided me in every professional role I’ve taken on.
“ I don’t believe in giving up on people or opportunities, because I’ve seen firsthand how one conversation, one resource, or one helping hand can change the course of someone’s life. ”
Continuing on the theme of service and leaving a lasting impact, it was essential for me to align myself with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. In November 2011, I became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. My sorority’s mission to “cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards” resonates deeply with me, and it has influenced my career in campus recruitment. Being in this field not only allows me to engage with students across the country but also enables me to uphold the values of mentorship, education, and empowerment.
Before joining Last Mile, I served as the HBCU Recruitment Manager for Urban Teachers, where I actively sought out students passionate about transforming education in high-need K-12 schools. That role reinforced my belief in the power of representation and mentorship, as I worked to connect future educators with opportunities that would allow them to impact young lives. Now, as a Student Recruitment Specialist for Last Mile Education Fund, my focus has shifted to helping students stay on course toward academic and career success. Through my work, I educate students about the financial resources available to them, ensuring that unexpected financial obstacles don’t derail their futures. The work I do on a weekly basis isn’t just a job—it’s an extension of who I am at my core.
I am someone who believes in perseverance, even when things get difficult. I don’t believe in giving up on people or opportunities, because I’ve seen firsthand how one conversation, one resource, or one helping hand can change the course of someone’s life. Hampton taught me the power of resilience, but Alpha Kappa Alpha reinforced the truth that support is often closer than we think—sometimes, all we have to do is ask.
My journey into campus outreach and engagement was anything but conventional, yet I know with certainty that it is my calling. Every day, I have the privilege of making a difference in the lives of students who will become the leaders of today and tomorrow. There’s no greater fulfillment than knowing that the work I do helps others move forward, persist, and ultimately succeed.
Maia donning her pinks and greens for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Boule in Dallas, Texas