R. Shay Miles

R. Shay Miles is a social entrepreneur, supercommunity™ developer, and community investment strategist. Through Miles McNeal & Powell LLC, she connects policy, capital, and partnerships to strengthen local economies, expand ownership opportunities, and revitalize community spaces.


Her work draws on more than 20 years of corporate, nonprofit, and civic leadership. Grounded in community insight and ethical leadership, she helps institutions and partners turn complex challenges into practical strategies with clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes.

R. Shay Miles

Principal of Social Innovation & Community Investment Strategy


  • Bay Area Native | Vallejoan:  Vallejo, California
  • Founder | Chairwoman | Chief Executive Officer of Miles McNeal & Powell LLC
  • Founder | Co-Chair of 707 Community Development Action Committee, advancing economic vitality, civic engagement, and cultural connection through initiatives including 707 Week™
  • Supercommunity™ Developer, focused on community regeneration, social purpose real estate, and neighborhood revitalization
  • Social Innovator & Systems Strategist, connecting policy, capital, and partnerships to advance community investment

 

  • 20+ years of strategic leadership strategy across community and economic development, values-based marketing, and civic initiatives
  • 10+ years supporting Fortune 500 brands with corporate strategy, digital innovation, and social responsibility
  • Workforce Development Board of Solano County, Microbusiness of the Year Honoree
  • Brand Innovators, 40 Under 40 Award
  • Leadership Vallejo, Outstanding Achievement Award



>>>>Education & Certifications 

  • University of Phoenix, Bachelor’s in Business Administration/Marketing
  • OZ Pros, COZA™ Certification (Certified Opportunity Zone Advisor)
  • Center for Community Investment, California Climate Leaders Fellow, 2026–2027
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business, Professional Certificate for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Harvard Business School, Certificate of Completion for Entrepreneurship Essentials
  • Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, Certificate of Completion for Emerging Developers Program



>>>>Additional Leadership + Professional Development 

  • Leadership California, Class of 2025 
  • Leadership Vallejo, Year 15, Class of 2023
  • Urban Habitat, Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) Fellow
  • California State University East Bay, Global Innovators Program
  • Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Milestone Circle 35 Graduate + Cornerstone Mentor 
  • The Center for Global Enterprise, USA Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative Fellowship

 


Appointments & Civic Leadership

  • Community Advisory Councilmember, Metropolitan Transportation Commission / Association of Bay Area Governments (MTC-ABAG), 2026-2029
  • Committee Member, Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Surplus Property Advisory Committee (7-11 Committee), 2025
  • Community Advisory Working Group (CAWG) Member, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Community Action Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Program, 2025
  • Commissioner, City of Vallejo Economic Development Commission, 2023
  • Capacity Building Grant Implementation Advisor, Vallejo Arts Fund, 2024
  • Delegate, Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition, 2022–
  • Facilitator, Invest for Better’s Impact Investing Circle Leader, 2022
  • California Volunteer, DiscoverE Future City®, 2022

Governance & Institutional Leadership

  • Board Treasurer, House of Acts
  • Board Member & Marketing Chair, Mira Theatre Guild 
  • Board Member, Vallejo Main Street
  • Board Member, 4th Second
  • Founding Board Member, Cultivate Community Food Co-op
  • Founding Board Member, BRIDGEGOOD (formerly Oakland Digital Arts & literacy Center)
  • Program Ambassador, VF Corporation’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action)