KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 19, 2025 – Milly De La Cruz, assistant director of professional and executive business education in the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business, can add another distinction to a long list of impressive accomplishments that she’s amassed in her young career to date.

De La Cruz was recently honored by the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. The award recognizes an individual for their exemplary leadership and the contributions they have made throughout Rhode Island to advance equity.

For the Providence native, the recognition came as a surprise.

“I remember it was just a normal day and I all of a sudden get an email that says congratulations,” De La Cruz said. “And I just remember feeling so proud in that moment.”

RIBBA is a nonprofit that aims to close the wealth gap in Rhode Island by empowering people to thrive by fostering equitable opportunities for future generations. The organization also provides education and access to opportunities for people throughout their academic and professional careers.

De La Cruz’s involvement with RIBBA and the award signify far more than just a recognition. The award represents a culmination of the hard work De La Cruz–a RIBBA member for close to three years–has put in.

While browsing LinkedIn, De La Cruz found an advertisement for RIBBA’s free Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway Mentorship and Training Program. Her acceptance into the program, and completion of it last year, marked a pivotal moment in De La Cruz’s trajectory. 

The program offered De La Cruz the opportunity to pursue what she values most—connecting with people and expanding her network. Emphasizing leadership development, the program also sharpened her skills in guiding others.

“I just thought that it was very appealing and that motivated me to apply,” says De La Cruz.

She credits the organization, in part, for her current role at URI. At the 2024 RIBBA Annual Awards Gala, while networking, she met Jackie Christophe-Hayot, Executive Director of Professional and Executive Business Education at URI’s College of Business who encouraged De La Cruz to apply for the position she now holds.

“Jackie and I struck up a conversation that night and she mentioned that there was going to be an opening at URI’s College of Business and that’s how I actually ended up coming to URI,” De La Cruz said. 

In her role as assistant director, De La Cruz promotes the graduate programs offered by URI’s College of Business, facilitates professional development workshops to employees, and creates strong partnerships between organizations and the business. 

After one year on the job, De La Cruz feels very fortunate to be a part of the University community. 

“From the staff and faculty to all of the students, URI’s College of Business will forever hold a special place in my heart,” she said.