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Contact UsFrom Downtown Denver to the World Stage: Leah Millis Captures History Through Her Lens
When Leah Millis ’11 arrived at MSU Denver, she was driven by curiosity, creativity and a desire to tell meaningful stories. What she could not have predicted was that her journalism degree would launch a global career documenting some of the most defining moments of the 21st century, from international protests to the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
A 2011 journalism graduate, Millis is now an award-winning photojournalist whose work with Reuters has shaped how the world understands breaking news.
A Campus That Opened Doors
At MSU Denver, Millis found an environment built for hands-on learning and close faculty mentorship, a hallmark of the university’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education.
The downtown Denver campus placed students directly in the heart of a major media market, creating opportunities to learn by doing. Millis sharpened her reporting and photography skills while working alongside professors who emphasized ethics, accuracy and real-world experience. Those foundations became critical in a career where split-second decisions can shape global narratives.
Turning Education Into Global Impact
After graduation, Millis built her career through newsrooms across the country, including the Casper Star-Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle, before joining Reuters.
Her work has since taken her around the world, documenting the Hong Kong democracy protests, covering presidential travel as part of the White House press pool and capturing powerful images during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
One of her photographs from that day showing a flashbang grenade exploding inside the Capitol became one of the most widely circulated images of the attack.
Millis was also part of the Reuters team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the Hong Kong protests.
Breaking Barriers in Journalism
In a field still dominated by men, Millis has become a trailblazer. She was the first woman to photograph the State of the Union address from the House floor, a milestone that reflects both her talent and perseverance.
Beyond her photography, she advocates for journalistic ethics, trauma awareness and mentorship for young women entering the profession.
Her career demonstrates how MSU Denver’s focus on equity and opportunity empowers students to lead in spaces where representation matters.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Today, Millis continues to use her platform to mentor aspiring journalists and encourage ethical storytelling in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Her story stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination and when a university commits to opening doors for students from all backgrounds.