Her Story
About Mylee
Mylee Star Hawk, MAED, is the founder of Mama Star’s Healing Circle, LLC, an educational and community-based organization she formally established several years ago after decades of supporting individuals and families through education, creative expression, and personal development. With more than 25 years of experience in education and community support, Hawk specializes in helping individuals affected by generational trauma reconnect with themselves and their sense of purpose through art, nature, farm-to-table culinary experiences, and spiritual and educational practices. Based in Eatonville, Washington, her work emphasizes the importance of connection, creativity, healthy living, and supportive environments in fostering resilience and personal growth.
Hawk brings a diverse professional background spanning education, expressive arts, culinary arts, coaching, community building, and ministry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Expressive Art Therapy and Education and earned a master’s degree in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction in 2010. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, where her academic interests further explore the relationship between environment, creativity, spirituality, community, and human wellbeing. An ordained minister for 15 years, Hawk also works as an author and artist, with one book published and additional projects in development, including a cookbook and children’s book. Through her work as a master chef, she incorporates fresh, healthy food preparation and shared culinary experiences as tools for strengthening community and reducing isolation.
Hawk attributes her success to hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system. Her leadership philosophy is guided by the Six C’s of Business communication, caring, community, cooperation, creativity, and customer service along with a deep commitment to respect and dignity. She believes meaningful change occurs when people feel valued, supported, and connected, and she is dedicated to creating environments where individuals and communities can learn, heal, and thrive. Her contributions to education and wellbeing have also been recognized through a nomination for the Student Wellbeing Award at the World Education Summit. Through Mama Star’s Healing Circle, Hawk continues to combine education, creativity, culinary arts, nature, and community-building to create meaningful opportunities for personal growth and collective wellbeing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mylee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and having a strong support system. I am deeply grateful for the wonderful person in my life who has supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. As a survivor of 40 years of domestic violence, I know firsthand the strength it takes to keep moving forward. My resilience, determination, and refusal to give up, combined with the support of someone who believed in me, have been instrumental in helping me overcome adversity and build a stronger, more fulfilling life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my grandfather, who taught me the importance of confidence, respect, and integrity in every professional interaction. He advised me that when entering a business meeting, I should look people in the eye, shake their hand, sit down, and have a direct and respectful conversation. When the meeting is finished, I should again look them in the eye, shake their hand, and conclude the business professionally. His guidance taught me to treat everyone with respect, communicate confidently, and value honesty and transparency in every relationship. I have carried those principles with me throughout my career and continue to believe that trust and integrity are the foundation of strong professional relationships.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to believe in yourself and never give up, even when the path becomes challenging. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support and encourage your growth, while still maintaining your independence and making your own decisions. Stand your ground, continue learning and developing new skills, and never feel the need to make yourself smaller to fit into someone else’s expectations. Most importantly, recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Stand tall, trust your abilities, and never be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is learning how to care deeply about the people I work with while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries so that their experiences do not negatively affect my own well-being. I believe compassion is an important part of what I do, but I have also learned the importance of protecting my emotional energy and recognizing when I need to step back. At this stage in my life, I have also decided to put my nonprofit work on hold because I have had too much on my plate. This has given me an opportunity to prioritize what matters most, create greater balance, and focus my energy where I can make the greatest impact.
05What 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 reflected in the Six C’s of Business: communication, caring, community, cooperation, creativity, and customer service. I believe in being open, honest, and respectful in every interaction; leading with compassion and genuinely caring for others; and building a strong sense of community through cooperation and collaboration. I also value creativity and innovation, always looking for new ways to improve and create meaningful experiences for the people I serve. Above all, I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect, and I strive to carry these values into every relationship and professional opportunity.
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