Mina's professional journey began in education. She studied drama, English, and voice at the Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in 1988. For 15 years, she worked as a dedicated drama teacher, nurturing young minds and inspiring creativity. By 2005, she had risen to become the assistant principal of John Kelly Girls' Technology College.

Despite her success, Mina faced persistent challenges rooted in misogyny and racism. She often spoke about how privileged white men questioned her right to leadership roles, experiences that fueled her determination to break barriers.