Y O U N G · B L A C K · F E M · I N · S T E M

Y  B  F  I  S

I’M A SCIENTIST, MEDICAL ACTIVIST, A CREATIVE, AND BUSINESS WOMAN

WELCOME TO YBFIS:

Hey there! My name is Mikaiele (Me-kai-elle) Hurd, and I use she/they

pronouns. Welcome to my website, ybfis.com. YBFIS stands for

Young, Black, Fem, In STEM. I’m thrilled to see you finally made it

here! If you’re tired, you’re in good company. Pour yourself a glass of

water while you settle in with me. Ahh refreshing! Despite it all, we’re

here together now. And guess what? That’s not even the best part—I can’t wait for you to see this

handful of resources, stories, and opportunities just waiting for

you! Now that you’re here, I’ll gladly hand them off. But wait, there’s a

catch—you have to promise to follow three simple rules. Don’t worry;

they’re not Fight Club-level intense or anything.

Alright, here they are:

  1. Stay true to who you are.

  2. open to receiving something new.

  3. Look at life with a growth mindset, listen with a protected ear, and f discerning ear. Channel that sweet mix of curiosity and wisdom.

  4. Pass it forward. If it’s not for you, it might be for someone else—but we’ll never know if we don’t keep it moving.

So, welcome again to the YBFIS website. Let’s build, share, and

grow together—because this is just the beginning of something

amazing.

DREAM: A REALITY THAT

HAS YET TO BE LIVED

Welcome to a space where aspirations take shape and imagination

bridges the gap between today and tomorrow. This is more than a

professional blog—it’s a reflection of the boundless potential that lies

within each of us. Here, I celebrate the beauty of dreams—not as

distant fantasies, but as realities waiting to be lived.

Whether through stories of personal growth, explorations of creativity,

or reflections on life's pivotal moments, this site is a sanctuary for

those who dare to dream boldly and live intentionally. Let’s journey

together, turning visions into tangible experiences and proving that

the life we dream of is only a step away from the life we create.

MEET THE ACHIEVER

If you’ve hung around this long, you’re probably thinking, “Who is

this person promising treasures and throwing rules at me?” Let

me share a bit about myself.

I was born and raised in Berkeley, CA—a city famous for its

vibrant history as a hub for freedom of speech during the 1960s.

Growing up in this environment shaped my appreciation for

change and resilience. Eventually, I ventured to Oakland when I

accepted a full scholarship to Mills College, where I earned my

degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Cellular Biology.

For me, school has always been more than just academics—it’s

been a sanctuary, a place where I found spiritual, emotional, and

physical nourishment. It filled the gaps that were missing at

home. In these safe spaces, I discovered the incredible power of

community. Its embrace provided me with more love, support,

and inspiration than I ever thought possible.

Through these experiences, I found my calling as a medical

activist, driven to help reshape an education system that

dismantles the school-to-prison pipeline. Ultimately, my passion is

to influence education reform. This plan includes inviting school

clinics across California.

My journey has been about turning dreams into realities through

resilience, connection, and an unshakable belief in the strength

we find when we come together.