Mika Leonard
“If we don’t tell our story, someone else will tell it for us.” Reflecting on her experiences as a Myaamia Citizen and Japanese American, Mika Leonard empowers students to create spaces of belonging where we celebrate identity and foster unity.
TOPICS
- Native American Heritage
- AAPI Heritage
- Storyteller
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
- Belonging
- Leadership
KEYNOTES
Getting to know
Mika Leonard
Mika Leonard, waapimaankoohkwa, a white loon woman, is an enrolled member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (Myaamia). Born to a Japanese mother and Myaamia father in Oxford, Ohio, (the ancestral homelands of her own tribe), Mika has always been aware of her multicultural identity. Childhood Saturdays were spent at a Japanese Language school, while summers were spent attending public school in Japan living with her maternal family, and countless holidays and Gatherings spent with her Myaamia family.
After receiving a degree in Linguistics from Miami University of Ohio, Mika began her career working as a federal employee for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Since then, spanning nearly two decades, she has devoted the majority of her professional life to working for, with, and in support of Tribal nations.
As a Native American woman, who was gifted a happy childhood and ability to pursue her educational and professional pursuits, Mika has always had a passion for promoting Tribal sovereignty and working to support the economic independence of Tribal nations. She proudly now holds the position of Vice President of Operations at the Miami Nation Enterprises, the economic arm of her member Tribe, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.
Mika lives with her family in Denver, Colorado.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
To help you promote your event with Mika, CAMPUSPEAK has created promotional templates you can use. In this folder, you will find resources for social media, a promotional poster for printing, and press photos you can use for your event.
Link to Promotional Materials.
LOGISTICAL MATERIALS
Below you will find logistical resources for the day of your event with Mika.
In-Person Event AV Needs (PDF)
Speaking Introduction (PDF)
KEYNOTES
The Power of Perspective: Shaping Leadership Through Personal Experiences
Women’s leadership has shaped history, from groundbreaking political figures to pioneering entrepreneurs. Yet, even today, the highest levels of leadership in both government and corporate sectors remain predominantly male. Mika Leonard, a woman of both Japanese and Native American (Myaamia) heritage, brings a unique perspective to the discussion of leadership. Her diverse cultural background has profoundly influenced her leadership style, offering valuable insights into the strength of multicultural identities in navigating complex environments.
Drawing from her broad experience in government and corporate America, Mika reflects on how being a Japanese and Native American woman has shaped her leadership journey. She’ll explore the resilience, empathy, and adaptability that come from navigating multiple cultural worlds and how these traits translate into leadership qualities. Through this program, attendees will understand how embracing diverse identities not only enhances personal growth but also contributes to stronger, more inclusive leadership in all spaces.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending the program, students will:
- Explore the history of women’s leadership and the trailblazing women who have paved the way for greater inclusion and equality in leadership roles
- Understand how multicultural identities shape leadership approaches, resilience, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives
- Gain insight into how diversity of background, culture, and identity can strengthen leadership and foster more inclusive environments
- Reflect on the importance of advocating for inclusivity and how to support the advancement of women from diverse cultural backgrounds in leadership roles
The Modern Native American
Across college campuses, efforts are underway to honor the wide range of cultures and histories that shape our world today. Understanding the past is key to recognizing the complexities of modern society and the many different communities that contribute to it.
Mika Leonard, a citizen of the Miami Nation, brings a wealth of experience working with various cultural groups, including Tribal Nations. In this engaging presentation, Mika shares personal stories, key historical events, and insights from her work to explore how we can all learn from and honor different cultural traditions. Through her perspective, students will discover the value of cultural heritage and how to integrate its lessons into their everyday lives, while celebrating the unique identities that make up our shared world.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending the program, students will:
- Develop a foundational understanding of cultural history and its role in shaping the modern world
- Learn how to approach cultural differences with respect and become better allies to diverse communities
- Appreciate the importance of cultural heritage as part of the broader human experience
What if I’m not (blank) enough?
Many people face the challenge of navigating multiple cultural identities, and for some, that journey can feel isolating. Mika Leonard, who identifies as both Myaamia (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) and Japanese American, knows firsthand the complexities of balancing and embracing multiple cultural backgrounds. Growing up in a predominantly white community, Mika often struggled with feelings of not fully belonging to either of her cultures, and this sense of “otherness” shaped her perspective on identity and inclusion.
In this keynote, Mika shares her personal experiences of feeling marginalized, both as a child and an adult, and how she turned those experiences into a source of strength. She discusses the impact of microaggressions and the power of stereotypes, offering practical strategies for becoming a more thoughtful ally and advocate for people from diverse backgrounds. Through personal stories and cultural insights, Mika highlights the everyday interactions that can perpetuate marginalization, and how we can all work toward more inclusive and respectful environments.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending the program, students will:
- Understand the emotional and psychological impact of exclusion and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals
- Learn how to recognize and address microaggressions, and how these subtle actions can undermine belonging in both personal and group settings
- Explore the role of cultural diversity in creating stronger, more inclusive communities and how belonging is integral to personal and collective well-being
- Gain practical tools for advocating for inclusion and creating environments where people from all backgrounds can feel truly accepted and valued
- Reflect on their own experiences of belonging and how to support others in navigating their own cultural identities
