Mileiry "Milly" De La Cruz, M.Ed.
Mileiry “Milly” De La Cruz, M.Ed., is a higher education professional dedicated to empowering students and working professionals to achieve their fullest potential. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Professional and Executive Business Education at the College of Business, University of Rhode Island. In this role, Milly promotes graduate programs, facilitates professional development workshops for employees, and organizes benefit fairs, all with the practical goal of helping individuals pursue graduate degrees and advance their careers. She is also the founder of Milly’s Career Services, providing career counseling, professional development guidance, and mentorship to help clients identify and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Milly centers her work on expanding access to graduate education and creating clearer salary and career pathways, with a particular focus on supporting women returning to or entering graduate study. Her leadership and impact have been recognized through prestigious honors, including the RIBBA Emerging Leader Award in 2025 and the CCRI Outstanding Alumni Award in 2024. She is an alumna of RIBBA’s LEAP Mentorship and Training Program and College Leadership Rhode Island. Milly holds an Associate of Arts in General Studies from the Community College of Rhode Island, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Rhode Island College, a Master of Education in Higher Education from Providence College, and completed the Spring 2023 Adjunct Certification Program at Bristol Community College.
With six years of experience in higher education, including approximately one year in her current leadership role, Milly brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and strategic insight to her work. Fluent in English and Spanish, she emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to education in all that she does. A first-generation Dominican-American, Milly draws inspiration from her own journey from growing up in Providence to becoming a recognized leader in higher education, serving as a voice and advocate for students and professionals striving to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with friends and engaging in self-care activities such as spa visits, which help her maintain balance and well-being.
• Class of 2019 Cohort
• EAP Mentorship and Training Program Participant
• NABITA Certification: Case Management Advanced Interventions
• Adjunct Certification Program
• Providence College - MEd, Higher Education
• Rhode Island College - BA, Communication, Public and Professional Studies
• Community College of Rhode Island - AA, General Studies
• 2025 RIBBA Emerging Leader Award Recipient
• 2024 CCRI Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient - Emerging Squire
• 2024 American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network Massachusetts Emerging Leader Award Recipient
• Monahan Coccia Graduate Student Scholarship
• Campus Spirit Award
• Access Achiever Award
• Access to Opportunity Scholarship
• Student Commencement Speaker Finalist
• Cooperative Education Scholarship
• Bilingual Top Performer - Santander Bank, N.A
• Outstanding Alumni Award, Community College of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Education Comittee
• Community
• Volunteering/Outreach
• RIBBA
• Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School
• New England Council
• Community College of Rhode Island
• NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
• Bristol Community College
• Providence College
• Rhode Island College
• Quisqueya In Action (QIA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being compassionate and dedicated to helping as many students as possible, always striving to make a meaningful impact in their growth and learning. My commitment to excellence has been recognized through honors such as the Emerging Leadership Award and the Outstanding Educational Award. Beyond my professional endeavors, I have a strong interest in beauty, fashion, and fitness, and I value carving out time for self-care and personal well-being.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep pushing forward, always strive for excellence, and be a great mentor to others, guiding and supporting them as they grow professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to stay true to themselves, remain motivated and goal-driven, and focus on becoming strong leaders by setting a positive example for others to follow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the ability to continually expand my knowledge and connect with others, which allows me to provide greater support and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives each day.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are showing respect to others, remaining open to learning new things, and taking pride in the quality and impact of my work.