Mila Garcia, a Passionate Advocate for Speech Equity, Joins the One Voice Arkansas Junior Board

For Mila Garcia, compassion runs deep—and it begins at home. A sophomore at Baptist Preparatory School in Little Rock, Mila was inspired to join the One Voice Arkansas Junior Board after watching her little cousin, Rowen, face challenges with her speech. Seeing Rowen’s determination sparked something within Mila: a desire to help children who struggle to communicate find their voices and the confidence that comes with them.

At just sixteen, Mila already embodies what it means to be a servant leader. She has volunteered at Easter Seals and Baptist Prep Lower School, where she helped create inclusive, encouraging environments for children with varying needs. Her ability to connect with others—especially younger kids—makes her a natural advocate for the mission of One Voice Arkansas: empowering families impacted by Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).

Beyond her volunteer work, Mila leads by example in her school community. As junior varsity volleyball captain, she’s learned how to motivate others, foster teamwork, and lead with empathy. Those same leadership qualities now guide her as she steps into a new role on the Junior Board, where she’ll help plan events, assist with fundraisers, and represent youth voices in statewide advocacy efforts.

Mila’s strengths—especially in event planning, peer outreach, and social media engagement—align perfectly with the Junior Board’s goals of raising awareness and funds for children with CAS. Her enthusiasm, combined with her personal connection to the cause, ensures that her contributions go beyond participation; they’re rooted in purpose.

When asked why she wanted to join the Junior Board, Mila’s answer was simple but powerful: “Because my little cousin Rowen struggles with her speech.” Those few words reflect the heart of One Voice Arkansas—turning personal stories into platforms for advocacy and change.

As Mila begins her journey with the Junior Board, she’s not just supporting her cousin; she’s standing up for countless other children whose voices deserve to be heard. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping others remind us that even the youngest leaders can make the biggest difference—one voice at a time.