Apr 24, 2025 A LEAP Towards Destiny – Milly De La Cruz
As Milly De La Cruz prepared for RIBBA’s Annual Awards Gala, she felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. This moment marked not just a glamorous occasion but a turning point in her professional journey—one defined by resilience and profound growth.
A year earlier, Milly experienced an unexpected setback when her role as Associate Director of Academic Support & Care at Clark University was eliminated. She had devoted herself to uplifting students and driving meaningful change, making the sudden loss particularly challenging. In the wake of the announcement, self-doubt crept in, leading her to question her path and purpose. Perhaps it was time to return to her roots in Rhode Island, reconnecting with the community that had shaped her.
Enrolling in the Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) Mentorship & Training Program became a pivotal decision fueled by her commitment to personal and professional development. The program was designed to cultivate future leaders through mentorship and connectivity, providing her with essential guidance during some of her most challenging days. Within this supportive environment, Milly refined her leadership skills, learned to advocate for herself, and established valuable connections with others who shared similar professional hurdles.
Her journey took a significant turn when she connected with Dr. Jackie Christophe-Hayot at the gala, who would soon become her mentor and boss. Their conversations sparked new possibilities for Milly, as she expressed her desire to contribute to the vibrant community of Rhode Island. In a moment of inspiration, she inquired about openings in Jackie’s office, igniting a spark that led to her application submission.
Today, Milly serves as the Assistant Director of Professional & Executive Business Education at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business. This role is more than just a job; it embodies the culmination of her perseverance and hard work, as well as the relationships built through experiences like LEAP.
Milly’s passion for mentoring others deepened as she reflected on her own life, raised by a single mother in Manton Heights. Understanding the struggles faced by first-generation college students, she dreamed of becoming a college president—an aspiration driven by a desire to be a role model for individuals with similar backgrounds. Every successful connection made, every networking event participated in, and every piece of knowledge shared brings her closer to this goal.
The LEAP Mentorship & Training Program played a crucial role in her development. Exploring her CliftonStrengths was not merely an exercise; it became an empowering tool for gaining self-awareness and navigating challenges. Each strength resonated with her journey, highlighting the transformation she had undergone from uncertainty to achievement.
Milly’s empathetic servant leadership became a hallmark of her professional identity. She actively sought to uplift those around her by sharing opportunities and providing references to help others pave their paths to success. Her mission is to reflect the same kindness and support she received from mentors like Jackie.
As she embraced her role at URI, Milly recognized that her work extended beyond the confines of her office. It was about fostering connections, bridging divides, and empowering individuals to find their voices. Traveling to new countries became a personal journey of exploration and realization, fulfilling dreams she had nurtured since childhood. Each step she took was a reminder of the boundless possibilities life had to offer.
Reflecting on her journey—from the shock of losing her position to embracing the transformative experiences of the LEAP Program—Milly understood that every chapter had molded her into an empowered leader. With her heart set on inspiring others, she carried the unwavering belief that anyone, regardless of their background, could overcome challenges and create a path toward their dreams, just as she had done.