Her Story
About Esther
Esther Mulili is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Group Home Academy, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She has more than a decade of experience in the adult group home sector, providing residential services to adults living with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Through her leadership, she is dedicated to creating supportive, structured environments that promote dignity, stability, independence, and improved outcomes for the individuals entrusted to her organization’s care.
In addition to leading Group Home Academy, Mulili brings more than five years of consulting experience, helping group home owners, operators, and managers strengthen their organizations through effective leadership, team motivation, and operational excellence. Her expertise includes strategies designed to reduce employee turnover, improve team performance, and enhance the quality of services delivered to residents. She also provides coaching for women seeking greater personal and professional fulfillment. Her earlier career as a chemist and laboratory technologist, together with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry from Western Michigan University, provides a strong scientific and analytical foundation for her work.
Mulili credits her success to her willingness to commit fully to her goals and remain persistent through challenges. She is passionate about leadership, professional development, and helping others recognize and reach their potential. Beyond her work with Group Home Academy, she demonstrates her commitment to community service as Board Chair of the Kalamazoo chapter of Girls on the Run, contributing her leadership to an organization focused on empowering young girls through confidence, healthy development, and positive mentorship.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Esther
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to go all in and give my goals my full commitment. When things become difficult, I do not give up; instead, I remain persistent, put in the hard work, and continue moving forward. I believe that resilience, consistency, and a willingness to do the difficult work are essential to achieving meaningful and lasting success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to jump all in and figure things out as I go. I’ve learned that waiting until everything is perfectly planned or fully understood can hold you back from opportunities. Instead, I believe in taking the leap, embracing the learning process, and trusting myself to navigate challenges along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to just start, even if you’re afraid. You do not have to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Be willing to learn as you go, collect information and data along the way, and use each experience to improve your approach. Most importantly, put in the work, get the reps, and be willing to take action rather than waiting for the perfect moment or for everything to be completely clear.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith and family. My faith is at the center of everything I do; it guides my decisions, shapes my priorities, and influences how I approach both my personal relationships and professional responsibilities. Family is equally important to me, and I strive to lead and live in a way that reflects the values, principles, and purpose that matter most to me.
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