Brilliance isn't rare. It's everywhere when we choose to see it.
Brilliance isn't rare. It's everywhere when we choose to see it.
Our Compass
Where Culturally Grounded Brilliance Thrives
Our Mission
We dismantle deficit narratives by pairing high expectations with even higher love. Brilliance isn’t rare. It’s everywhere when we choose to see it. From student and family support to college, career and even organizational coaching, we walk alongside those we serve to unlock their full potential.
Our Vision
Liberation looks like joy, feels like belonging, and delivers results that matter. We envision a world where success and fulfillment are not privileges but shared realities for students, families and communities.
Our Core Values
We lead with purpose and center people. Always.
Culturally Responsive: Honor identity, human centered
Whole-Person Centered: Care for more than the metrics
Results Driven: Act with urgency on what matters most
Equity Rooted: Build bridges, close gaps
Liberatory: Create systems where people thrive
Community Powered: Rise by lifting others up
The Founders
The McKenzie Institute for Liberating Excellence (MILE) was built on a shared conviction: brilliance exists everywhere, but it flourishes when we nurture it together
Co-founded by Dr. Zion Gezaw and Sean McKenzie, MILE blends expertise in education, equity, sustainability and strategy to create spaces where learners, families and organizations thrive.
At its core, MILE is about Mentorship, Inspiration, Learning, and Equity - unlocking excellence that is recognized, supported and shared.
Scroll down to learn more about Zion and Sean including their journey, expertise, and why they founded MILE to build a movement where excellence is not rare, but everywhere.
Rooted in Legacy & Liberation
Daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, first generation college graduate and Daniels Scholar
Twice exceptional learner (gifted + neurodivergent)
Passion for dismantling deficit narratives and building spaces rooted in joy, rigor and student voice
Proven Leadership & Impact
Earned Doctorate in Education, as well as two Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, as well as Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
A decade of experience working in education leading classrooms and schools across the nation
Denver Public Schools District Accountability Committee Member
Our Purpose
Empowering every learner to shine, thrive and be their true self
Journey of Resilience
Found direction through 5,000 Role Models of Excellence
Community college Honors program became his launchpad
Navigated 10 institutions, including Ivy League campuses
Lifelong commitment: systems need fixing, not people
Leader in Strategy & Sustainability
Decade of experience as strategist, educator and sustainability leader
Postgraduate at University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Academic contributions across 10+ universities, including top global programs
Advised Fortune 500 executives on ESG & decarbonization
Chair of Broomfield’s Environmental Sustainability Committee & City Council candidate
Our Purpose
Closing the gap between potential and opportunity - building spaces where excellence is expected and supported
