Civic and nonprofit leader and lawyer brings decades of experience promoting and enhancing opportunity for new Americans

Eastern Bank Foundation is pleased to announce Eva A. Millona has joined its team as a Foundation Fellow focused on the design, implementation, and promotion of a new Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative (CFEPI) that will further the Foundation's work to support economic inclusion and mobility across the region. Eastern Bank Foundation Fellows bring deep expertise to the Foundation’s efforts to increase economic mobility and prosperity, especially for those who have not historically benefited from a robust regional economy.

According to a 2022 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, Massachusetts communities are losing a significant percentage of the workforce due to an aging population. The workforce population (aged 20 – 64) peaked in 2018 at 4.18 million, and is projected to fall 180,000 by 2030. “Replacing these workers will require a large infusion of qualified people to fill the jobs, and we are committed to helping our communities avoid the painful, economic consequences of labor shortages,” said Turahn Dorsey, President and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. “Our Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative is primed with a $10 million commitment over three years from the Eastern Bank Foundation, in partnership with strategic stakeholders in the space, that will create a career-focused, English learning system. Eva Millona is deeply experienced in bringing bold visions to scale and we are thrilled to welcome her as an Eastern Bank Foundation Fellow to lead this initiative. Eva joins Jerry Rubin, Foundation Fellow and former CEO of Jewish Vocational Service, the largest provider of contextual ESOL in the Commonwealth, who will remain a key partner in this effort.”

Recognized locally, nationally and internationally as an expert on immigration and integration policy, Ms. Millona is a highly accomplished leader in public policy, advocacy and national security in the non-profit and public sectors. She most recently served as a presidential appointee for four years in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as Chief of the inaugural Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement, as well as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Partnership and Engagement. She advised on the impact of the Department’s policies, regulations, processes and actions on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, SLTT elected officials, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the academic community, ensuring a unified approach to external engagement.

Prior to her role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Millona was President & CEO for 13 years of Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest organization in New England promoting and enhancing integration for new Americans. During her more than 20-year tenure, she led the organization through multiple policy and legislative achievements. Under Ms. Millona’s leadership, MIRA became a high-profile player at local, state and national levels. She co-founded and co-chaired the Massachusetts Business Immigration Coalition in 2018. From 2010-2021, she served as a founding co-chair for the National Partnership for New Americans, an organization focused on immigrant integration at the local, state and federal levels. She also chaired the 2020 U.S. Census Statewide Complete Count Committee in Massachusetts.

A native of Albania, Ms. Millona practiced civil and criminal law before becoming the youngest district judge ever appointed to Tirana’s District Court, where she served from 1989 to 1992. After emigrating to the U.S., she directed the refugee resettlement program in Central Massachusetts. She served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants under four governors, the Attorney General’s Council for New Americans, and the Advisory Board for the Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and impact.

“Acquiring a high level of English proficiency is crucial for seeking career growth and achieving greater economic success but the path to obtain it is not always easy,” said Eva A. Millona. “I am thrilled to join the Eastern Bank Foundation, picking up on the tremendous leadership and groundwork put in place by Nancy Huntington Stager to launch this career- and workplace-focused English Proficiency Initiative, and to now help advance it working with Rahn Dorsey and the Eastern Bank Foundation team as well as the many partners in the communities we serve.”

The Foundation’s philanthropic investments, volunteerism and advocacy in promoting workforce development are dedicated to addressing barriers to employment and advancement in employment for adults. Efforts include enhancing programming in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), preparing adult workers for the jobs and careers of the future, expanding hiring criteria beyond traditional credentials to build deep talent pools, and strengthening the Massachusetts workforce.

About Eastern Bank Foundation

Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Eastern Bank, collaborates with businesses and community partners in the nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors to advance thriving communities. Through philanthropy, employee volunteerism, advocacy and collaboration, Eastern Bank Foundation responds to community needs and supports sustainable solutions to our communities’ most vexing challenges across eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire, and Rhode Island including advancing the small business ecosystem, enriching early childhood development, securing safe and affordable housing, and promoting workforce development for adults. Learn more at www.easternbank.com/foundation.

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