Atlanta’s Transportation Hero: Amia Mize Innovates School Commutes
Atlanta has always been known for its vibrant culture and bustling spirit, but navigating the city’s transportation can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially for families with school-age children. Enter Amia Mize, a former corporate leader who transformed her personal challenges into a thriving solution for countless households.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurial Journey
For many years, Amia built a successful career working at Comcast, holding the position of Production Agent Supervisor. Balancing family life while climbing the corporate ladder was no small feat. However, everything took an unexpected turn due to a school redistricting policy that left her without a dedicated bus route for her daughter. Suddenly, she found herself grappling with the challenge of handling after-school pickups herself.
During these pickups, Amia witnessed a troubling scene that changed her life forever. She noticed numerous children waiting outside their school, desperately searching for a ride home. Some even approached her, asking, “Are you my Uber?” or “Can you take me home?” The alarming reality struck her – these kids didn’t know her, yet they were without safe transportation options. This experience ignited a flame of determination within Amia.
Launching Takes A Village Transportation
With a mission to provide safe and reliable transportation for children, Amia launched Takes A Village Transportation in 2015. Fast forward to today, and this startup has become a beacon of hope for families in the Atlanta area. Running a fleet of 15-passenger vans, the company facilitates door-to-door transportation for students attending both public and private schools across the metropolitan region.
It’s simple to enroll your child in Takes A Village. Parents can register for either a semester or an entire school year, with round-trip rates starting at $145 per week. The beauty of the service lies in its flexibility; a new route can be created as soon as twelve students express interest. This model has made it easier for parents to ensure their children have safe and consistent transportation options.
Expanding Services for College Students
In a fantastic leap forward, Takes A Village has recently expanded its services to accommodate college students residing off-campus. The company now operates a looped route servicing notable institutions such as Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. This means that transportation is not just left to high school students but includes those pursuing higher education, ensuring they can access mentorship and after-school programs that were previously out of reach.
Commitment to Safety
Safety is a top priority for Takes A Village. Every driver, affectionately known as “transportation agents,” undergoes meticulous background checks, driving record evaluations, and drug screenings. These agents are also trained in CPR and first aid, ensuring that parents can feel confident sending their kids off for a ride. Amia emphasizes that these drivers must deeply care for the community and possess a genuine love for children.
Tools for Growth and Empowerment
Amia credits resources like the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship (RICE) for helping her navigate the terrain of entrepreneurship. RICE has been instrumental in providing skills and resources essential for her growth as a leader. Amia participates in programs like the SaaS Saturday School to sharpen her technical expertise, skills she’ll leverage for launching Takes A Village’s upcoming digital platform, designed to streamline safe transportation searches for parents.
A Heartfelt Journey
Amia’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She was recently selected as a recipient of the Comcast RISE program, which aims to foster the development of small businesses while promoting diversity and inclusion. Reflecting on her journey, Amia joyfully shares, “I stepped out on faith to build Takes A Village, even when Comcast encouraged me to stay. Now being supported by Comcast RISE is mind-blowing.”
Looking Ahead
With continued support from organizations like RICE and Comcast RISE, Amia is eager to revolutionize transportation in Atlanta, one van ride at a time. “If we can give children the opportunity to access better education, it can change the trajectory of their future.” This mission drives her forward, as she reshapes how students access education and community resources in their bustling city.
