Meet Myla Rae Duane | Graduate Student, Content Creator, & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Myla Rae Duane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Myla Rae, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Years ago I was discussing career goals with a close friend of mine who at the time was in medical school. We didn’t get to talk often, but when we did I was so amazed by all that he was accomplishing while in his program. One day he told me “grind in silence and let your success speak for itself.” This quote stuck with me ever since because it’s so easy to talk about “the grind” or how much work you put into something, but at the end of the day, what do you really have to show for it? Has your hard work positively impacted someone else, or are you spending more time talking about desired change instead of being an agent for that change?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently, I am finishing up my graduate program as I work towards becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP). It was not easy making it to this point, and I know that as I continue within this profession there will be more obstacles to overcome. However, I am really excited to see other students becoming more involved in mentorship opportunities, advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), and paving a way for other minority future SLPs. About 3.6% of speech-language pathologists identify as Black, so I feel blessed to know that I’ve been given the opportunity to become part of that demographic (and I hope to see that number continue to increase). I continue to overcome the obstacles that come with being a minority within this profession by surrounding myself with individuals who have been through similar experiences. I’ve learned that if there is ever a lack of community, create one. If there isn’t room for you to pull up your chair to a table, build a bigger table and invite others to sit with you. I want others to know that while my story is not one of ease, it is not unique to myself. I want others to hear my story and understand that no matter how unseen or unheard you may feel in a given space – your words, thoughts, and contributions are so needed. Find your community, build a bigger table.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I won’t name everyone who has supported me in getting to where I am today in order to respect their privacy. However, those within my small but mighty support system know exactly who they are. I honestly dedicate everything to them. If it wasn’t for their constant words of encouragement, patience, understanding, and strong belief in me – I don’t know where I would be. My support system consists of individuals who saw my potential in the moments that I questioned myself. These individuals have become the community and family that I’ve always wanted, and I am forever grateful to each and every one of them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechsleeprepeat/