Hadiyah Kimberly Miller

Hadiyah Kimberly Dawn Miller was born in Vancouver, WA on September 13, 1955, to John Wesley Miller and Lola Belle Jones. She was the oldest of 5 siblings. Hadiyah received a BA from Mills College as well as a master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College. Hadiyah is survived by her two children, Robert and Lola Ciu and 5 grandchildren, Jordynn, Justyss, Julian, Naomi, and Uriyah.

Hadiyah dedicated her life to a 50-year career in the field of Early Childhood Education for college-level students, community providers, parents, and children in a variety of Early Learning settings. The focus of this work, as well as volunteer experience, was on advocating for anti-bias practice, equity, and access to quality early childhood education for all children and families. She was both a preschool teacher and a Director of Preschool Programs along with many years on the ECE Faculty at Portland Community College. Hadiyah also was a trainer, consultant, and coach. She was a founding member of the Threads of Justice Collective and President of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children. She served on the Advisory Board for the Preschool for All Program. She helped start the Portland Chapter of the National Black Child Development Institute, where she co-chaired the Early Care and Education Initiative focusing Black preschool age boys and girls in Multnomah County and Co-chaired the Expulsion Committee. Hadiyah was the Coaching Coordinator for Mt. Hood Community College Child Care Resource and Referral. 

When Hadiyah wasn’t in the classroom her greatest love was spending time on the ball field, watching her kids play and eventually her grandkids as well. A close second were Damian Lillard and Denzel Washington. Hadiyah will be remembered for laughter, her wisdom, her dedication to justice and her unwavering stand for children.

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