Dress, Daysha’s own.
Daysha Palacio-Miller: Business Coach and Owner of Palacio-Miller Agency
Written by Dawn Anderson, Rocko Jerome and Taylor Riley | Photographed on location at the Frazier History Museum by Kylene White | Styled by Christine Fellingham and Melissa Gagliardi | Hair and makeup by Sarah Allen, Kassandra Cazares Aldana, Kayla Greenwell, Breanna Peters and Michaela Reeves
The field narrowed from over 400 nominations to 89 nominees and finally to the 16 award winners you will meet on the following pages. Representing each of their categories with distinction, your 2023 Most Admired Women bring humility, grace and a great capacity for change to their roles as leaders in our community. We asked each of them to reflect on how they got to this moment, what your votes and this award means to them and where their journeys might take them from here.
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Daysha Palacio-Miller dedicates her life to empowering herself and those around her. As an insurance agent for the last 15 years, she is focused on her customer’s happiness and protecting their family and assets. Along with owning two offices–in Louisville and Memphis, which serve three other states, Daysha has recently turned her attention to growing others’ businesses as a coach who helps those hoping to get to “the next level,” she says. Daysha is originally from Panama, making Kentucky her home after choosing to study in the area 20 years ago. Now, Louisville is her “second home” where she lives with her husband of 17 years, Dale Miller, along with a 16-year-old daughter, step children, and two “fur babies.”
“My whole life has been about empowering myself and those around me. Recognition is important … It’s emotional.”
Daysha says she owes her success to the community who rallied behind her. “My whole life has been about empowering myself and those around me,” she says. “Recognition is important…. It’s emotional.” That recognition was made possible by the many people in which she has had personal and professional partnerships, and those relationships were “based on trust.” Personally, her husband Dale is her biggest supporter. “We bring out the best in each other and give the best of ourselves every day,” she says. Professionally, her customers have a large impact on her career trajectory. “If they grow, we grow,” she says. “We help people grow and support businesses in their journey.”
As with many successful people, Daysha has trouble trying to relax. She attempts to disconnect from work and be present with family and friends, making sure work and life are balanced. She says it’s important to set goals that are measurable and not overwhelming. “I have others to hold me accountable,” she says. Daysha’s “genuine and strong” grandmother who always did the right thing” was an inspirational person in her life, and she says she tries to embody those characteristics in her personal and professional career.
The people that come into Daysha’s life and office are constantly inspiring her. “Everyone has a story, a struggle in how they show up every day,” she says. “It takes courage to overcome challenges.” Professionally, she hopes to grow her business by providing even better service to her clients and “staying ahead of the industry.” But. moving forward is important in her personal life, too. “I want to continue to be the best person for my family,” she says. “I’m so blessed.” — Taylor Riley-Geiser
