30 Years of Impact Generational Change Support Inspiration
MIYA McCLAIN
TTIP | Class of 2002
SVP of Product Management
SūmerSports
Discovering What Was Possible
Before Miya McClain joined TAF's Technical Teens Internship Program (TTIP) as a high school freshman, she thought she wanted to become a teacher. Her mother was a teacher, and while technology was interesting, she had never considered it as a career. That changed the moment she walked into TAF.
One of her earliest memories is taking apart a computer and putting it back together again.
That forever stands out in my head as something that helped me fall in love with technology.
Through TTIP, Miya learned HTML, JavaScript, and software development fundamentals while discovering the power of technology as a tool for solving real-world problems. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion.
Building Skills and Confidence
Miya’s experience at TTIP taught her much more than coding.
During her four years in the program, Miya completed multiple internships, worked at startup companies, and ultimately returned to TAF as a student intern managing a team of other students. In that role, she helped build a database solution for TAF while growing her leadership experience.
TAF gave her opportunities to speak in front of executives, present projects to community leaders, and develop the confidence to share her ideas. Long before entering the workforce, she learned how to communicate, lead, and advocate for herself.
One of these presentations changed her life. After showcasing a project she built for TAF, Miya found herself presenting alongside Steve Ballmer, who offered her an internship at Microsoft. That opportunity put her on a path that shaped the rest of her career.
From TAF Student to Technology Executive
Miya attended Mills College in California, where she earned a degree in Computer Science. Because of the experience she received through TTIP, many of her introductory courses felt more familiar to her than her peers.
She interned at Microsoft while earning her bachelor’s degree and joined the company full-time after graduation, staying for nearly eight years there. From Microsoft, she moved to Nordstrom, a transition made possible through connections she built while serving on TAF's Board of Directors.
Her career advanced from software engineering to product leadership and executive roles. Today, she serves as a senior technology executive, helping shape the future of sports technology while leading teams, product development, and business strategy.
Leading the Next Generation
If the face of decision makers never changes, then you're never going to create the change you need.
As a Black woman in technology leadership, Miya understands the importance of representation. For Miya, leadership is about creating opportunities for others in the same way TAF created opportunities for her.
Throughout her career, she has focused not only on growing her own success, but on helping others navigate the path to leadership. Today, she mentors emerging technologists, supports future leaders, and invests significant time helping diverse talent advance into management and executive positions.
What Drives Her Today
How do I create a better world and show them they can do whatever they want?
Much of Miya's motivation comes from her family. As the mother of four children, she thinks deeply about the world they will inherit and the example she wants to set.
She continues to draw inspiration from mentors who have supported her throughout her journey, especially Trish Millines Dziko, whose example showed her early on what was possible.
Generational Change in Action
Miya's story is a testament to the long-term impact of investing in young people. Through TAF, she gained technical skills, leadership experience, industry exposure, and lifelong mentorship that helped transform her future.
Today, she is paying those opportunities forward by creating pathways for others and helping reshape what technology leadership looks like for the next generation, including her own children.
