Empowering Families, Educating Youth, Building Partnerships

Posted November 20, 2023December 15, 2024 in Alumni, International Students, Public Administration MPA & EMPA, Stories

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Two decades ago, Jigna Rao arrived in New Jersey as a newlywed, leaving behind her lifelong home in South India. Today, her journey stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and impact. Now the CEO of Millhill Child and Family Development, Rao has dedicated her life to empowering communities and transforming lives. Read on to uncover how her academic achievements, professional accolades, and bold leadership continue to shape a brighter future for countless families and children.

An Education That Sparked Change

Rao’s academic path reflects her passion for social change. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Public Health from The College of New Jersey, she completed an Executive Master of Public Administration at Rutgers University-Camden. Each step in her journey has been marked by a commitment to fostering equity and opportunity for underserved communities.

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A Legacy of Recognition and Advocacy

Jigna has received multiple recognitions for her community and professional involvement and for her advocacy work supporting minority health equity. Rao is the recipient of the Charles DeGraw Award for Tuberculosis Advocacy from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association, the Women of Achievement Award from the Women in Business Alliance, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber, and the Tribute to Women Award from the Princeton YWCA.

Leadership That Builds Futures

Prior to joining Millhill, Rao headed the Center for Continuing Education at Mercer County Community College and served as the Director of Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor’s Official Residence during the Corzine administration where she led operational management, and special initiatives to deepen community relationships. Having served as Millhill’s Director of Operations since 2021, in her new position as the CEO at Millhill she continues to create a lasting positive change with a ‘Focus on Educating Youth, Supporting Families and Building Partnerships’.

In her new role, Rao said she will continue to build upon the legacy of educating children, empowering youth, and supporting families, guided by the organization’s core values, and vision of building a thriving community where everyone has access to limitless possibilities.