Milayo Garner, an alumna of our Sage Homes Wellington Club, is forging ahead toward a career in pediatric medicine. She credits her time at BGCLC for helping to prepare her for what it takes.
In Milayo’s six years at Club, she took an active role, participating in community projects and Torch Club, a small-group leadership and service club for youth ages 10-13. In 2020, she won the Boys & Girls Clubs Larimer County Youth of the Year competition. Although the COVID pandemic ended her Club experience early, she left well equipped for her post high school journey.
According to Milayo, the skills she learned at Club impacted both her educational and professional careers.
“Club programs gave me a lot of professional experience, which has prepared me for the jobs I’ve had since then. I also learned how to present myself professionally, and how to speak in front of a crowd.”
Inspired by her experience working with younger Club members, Milayo plans to fulfill her childhood dream of practicing pediatric medicine. Currently, she is studying biomedical sciences with a concentration in anatomy and physiology at Colorado State University (CSU).
“I met many people who inspired me on my journey into high school, college, and beyond. I learned that I had an impact in my community, and I could be the change that I wanted to see. ” she said.
She is also a part of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers program at CSU. Currently, she is researching canine cancers with CAR-T cell therapy, which, according to Milayo, can translate to treating human cancers.
“Competing in the Youth of the Year competition gave me the courage to apply for a research grant that had a similar selection process, and I was able to use that grant to begin working on cancer research,” she said.
Milayo will continue her research and graduate from CSU in 2026. She plans to further her education and enter a combined MD/PhD program.
“I hope to go into either pediatric cardiology or oncology and give back to the community that’s given so much to me.”
Milayo says that each day brings her one step closer to being the person she always wanted to be. Outside of work and school, she values time with family and friends. She enjoys writing, drawing, and reading.
“I’m proud of the person I am, and who I’m growing into. I’m proud to look back on all of the trials and challenges and be able to say “I did it!”