Eva A. Millona was appointed as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant   Secretary for Partnership and Engagement on May 26, 2021. In this role, she serves as the   Secretary’s primary advisor on the impact of the Department’s policies, regulations, processes,   and actions on state, local, tribal, 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 joining DHS, Ms. Millona was President and Chief Executive Officer for over 12 years   at the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest organization   in New England promoting and enhancing integration for new Americans. She held multiple   leadership positions with MIRA for over 20 years. During her tenure, she led the organization   through multiple policy advancements, built a vision of inclusion and the fabric of trusted   relationships. Ms. Millona is co-founder of and co-chaired the Massachusetts Business   Immigration Coalition in 2018. In 2010, she was co-founder of and co-chaired for 11 years the   National Partnership for New Americans, a National organization focused on immigrant   integration at the local, state, and federal levels. Ms. Millona 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 immigrating 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. Ms. Millona taught Global Policy as an adjunct professor of  practice at Boston College School of Social Work. Today Ms. Millona is recognized both nationally and internationally as an expert and leader on   immigration policy and immigrant and refugee integration. She has received numerous awards   for her leadership and impact, including the prestigious U.S. Citizenship and Immigration   Services 2009 Outstanding American by Choice Award and the 2010 Wainwright Bank Social  Justice Award.  Ms. Millona is a graduate of Clark University where she obtained a Master of Arts in Political   Science. She also holds a law degree from the University of Tirana.