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LifeStory

Mila Baker

We regret to announce that Dr. Mila Nevada Baker, PhD died on Friday, June 23rd, 2017, from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It was completely unexpected. She was 71.

Mila was the founder of PaperEgg Consulting and author of Peer-to-Peer Leadership: Why the Network is the Leader. An enthusiastic philanthropist who sought to cultivate young minds as well as organizations, she traveled and worked around the globe. Her most recent roles included serving on the Board of Directors for Berrett-Koehler Foundation, being a member of the adjunct faculty at Columbia University Teachers College, as well as a Principal Research Investigator at the Institute for Collaborative Workplaces, and Visiting Professor at Kuwait University. She was formerly the Academic Chair for the M.S. HRMD program at New York University. 

A professional with 20-plus years of experience in global leadership and change, workplace and business strategy, organizational design, and executive coaching, Mila's rich background made her a trusted advisor and partner in helping large organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF and Planned Parenthood achieve long-term success and growth. She was passionate about her work and passionate about giving back to the community. 

Early in her career, Mila was a puppeteer specializing in puppets with disabilities - a little boy in wheelchair with cerebral palsy, a teenager that was blind and a young lady who had mild mental retardation. She was known for her pioneering work and being “first” in designing and developing innovative solutions. Mila partnered with a real estate developer to design and manage an innovative 7,000-square-foot corporate childcare center for working professionals as part of a major downtown corporate development project in Cincinnati, OH. She and her team started the first sales management training and development department at Ethicon Endo Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson company; with her team, she designed and launched the first Pfizer Global Coaching Program, and with colleagues launched the first World Bank Fast Track Program for young finance professionals. You could usually catch up with her in NYC, San Francisco or playing with purple legos and assembling puzzles with her 4 year old granddaughter, one of her two granddaughters she adored. Mila loved her family, which includes her surviving husband of 50 years, Clarence Baker, a retired IBM executive, her two sons, Chuck, a software developer, and Darryl, an advertising creative director, and her two granddaughters. 


Mila Baker
Memorial
  • born

    Aug 24, 1945

  • died

    Jun 23, 2017

Lawrence Marquit
I worked with Mila as an ODN Board member in the 1990's. MIla always made positive contributions to the growth of ODN and to the Board. I am saddened that I have only just learned of her passing. I will miss you, Mila. I always considered you as a friend and a brilliant woman.
Shelly Deavy
On behalf of everyone at Mila's alma mater, University of Cincinnati, and the College of Arts and Sciences in particular, our deepest sympathies for this untimely loss. I was fortunate to meet Mila when she was awarded the college's distinguished alumni award in 2014 and to work with her as a member of our college advisory board. She was an incredibly kind and gracious person, full of the lifelong love of learning typical of liberal arts graduates. I only wish that we had all had a chance to get to know her better. May her family find peace and comfort in her memory.

Shelly Deavy
Sr. Director of Development, A&S
University of Cincinnati
Maya Townsend
I met Mila only once. We were at a conference and both excited about the power and promise of networks. She attended my session and I was grateful for how she showed up: she was gracious in supporting a younger colleague, she quietly helped subgroups have good conversations, and she encouraged my work. I'm so sorry that she will no longer be sharing her gifts with the world. I wish she were still here.
Sharon Jordan-Evans
Mila was a friend and treasured colleague. We served on two BK boards together and enjoyed "playtime" at author retreats and strategic planning adventures. I will so miss her curiosity, authenticity, interest in fun and willingness to dive into the serious stuff too. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends in this very tough time. Rest In Peace Mila.
Sharon Jordan-Evans
Emma Langman
Dear Clarence and family,
I met Mila in Kuwait. She changed my life for the better in so many ways. She was a wonderful woman and incredible friend. Thinking of you all this morning as you prepare for the funeral. Please know that she touched so many, many hearts and the ripples of her love for others will never leave the earth.
Emma
Mila Baker
Memorial
  • born

    Aug 24, 1945

  • died

    Jun 23, 2017