Milena Tayah, LSW
Milena Tayah, LSW, is a dedicated Policy Advocate at the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, where she focuses on advancing social justice, equity, and systemic reform. With a robust background in social work and policy, Milena specializes in legislative advocacy, mental and behavioral health, diversity and inclusion, Indigenous rights, and community engagement. She combines her hands-on experience in case management with policy expertise to address structural inequities and improve access to essential services for marginalized communities across Colorado.
Milena earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) in Health, Equity, and Wellness from the University of Denver and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. She holds a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential and has completed the CITI Program at the University of Denver. Her professional journey spans roles in direct care, policy fellowships, and advocacy work, providing her with a unique perspective on how legislation and policy intersect with real-world social service delivery.
Passionate about community empowerment and systemic change, Milena actively engages in volunteer initiatives and student leadership. She has served as a Land Grant Acknowledgement Speaker for the Task Force for Native Initiatives and as a Senator for the Native American Cultural Center at Colorado State University. Beyond her professional commitments, she values family, culture, and lifelong learning, embracing her husband Aaron’s Navaho heritage and sharing meaningful experiences with their two cats and dog.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• CITI Program
• University of Denver – Master of Social Work (MSW), Health, Equity, and Wellness
• Colorado State University – Bachelor’s degree, Social Work
• American Friends Service Committee
• Land Grant Acknowledgement Speaker/Member, Task Force for Native Initiatives
• Senator, Native American Cultural Center, The Associated Students of Colorado State University
What do you attribute your success to?
I am most proud of leading the Colorado State legislation bill for Robin Alerts, which requires utility companies to report both planned and unplanned power outages. Experiences like this, along with my work across mental health, immigration, and equity policy at multiple levels, have shaped my ability to drive meaningful change and achieve tangible results for the communities I serve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from my mentors and colleagues. Bethany Pray, my supervisor, has encouraged me to focus my energy and channel my efforts effectively toward our shared mission. Ani Martinez, a trusted coworker, has provided invaluable, authentic guidance and support that has helped me navigate challenges and grow as a professional.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Social workers are not limited to therapy and counseling roles—we have the skills to make real-world change across a wide range of industries. I would encourage young women entering this field to embrace the versatility of their degree and pursue opportunities that allow them to create meaningful impact wherever their interests lead.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my professional and personal life, I prioritize family, community, and cultural awareness. I cherish spending quality time with my husband and our pets, and I deeply value the opportunity to engage with my husband’s Navajo family, learning from their traditions and embracing diverse cultural perspectives. These experiences reinforce my commitment to inclusion, empathy, and respect in all aspects of my work and life.