I’ve dreamt of being invited to the White House since third grade. Not only is receiving this award a realization of a childhood wish; it’s also a sparkling validation that the work I do as a public school teacher matters. I am the teacher I am today because of the teachers who invested in me, and my students who drive me to hone my craft. This award fuels my advocacy for equity, access, and inclusivity in education, and inspires me to continue using my passion to help my students find theirs.

Sarah Milianta-Laffin Ewa Beach, HI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin has been a public school educator for more than 17 years, and for the past seven years has taught Computer Science (CS), and STE(A)M at Ilima Intermediate School. Previously, she was a Science and Technology Curriculum Specialist, a Gifted Education Specialist, and a Third Grade Teacher at Alexander Elementary, in Houston, TX where she was placed by the Teach for America program in 2006. In her current position, Mili teaches Introductory CS and STE(A)M classes, with the goal of getting students excited about the topics in order to grow the pipeline of girls and traditionally under-represented students pursuing these programs in high school and beyond. Mili is a fierce advocate for gender equity and inclusivity, and finds learning opportunities to encourage both. Her innovative methods of teaching have earned her multiple recognitions including the Code.org CS Leaders Prize, the National Education Association’s (NEA) Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Civil Rights Award, and International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) “Making IT Happen” Award. Mili thrives in active learning communities and participates in many, including Hawaii’s Tri-Level CS Planning Team, the NEA Leaders for Just Schools, the HI Society for Technology in Education (HSTE), and Hawaii State Teacher Fellowship. She’s certified to teach Code.org and Project Lead the Way courses, and has presented at state and national education conferences. Mili received her B.A. in political science with minors in human sexuality and sociology from Indiana University. Mili is certified in career and technical education K-12, elementary education kindergarten through sixth grade, science sixth through eighth grade, social studies 6-12, and Teacher Leadership.

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