Julianna Dawson: Co-Founder, The Dawson Chess Academy
"As we teach kids chess, we're teaching them how to behave within your community — your pawns are partners, you create a pawn chain and work together. We want to share that approach with as many people as possible. And our students, as they grow, may come back and teach the next generation. We want to make sure they're providers, that we’re supporting them and they’re giving back.”
Holly E. Mulrenan: Chief of Staff, Milford Mayor’s Office
“Being a teacher and a nurse, you have to be a problem solver – quick on your feet, with options and solutions at hand. And in Milford you can actually make a difference; you can actually solve a problem, or you can at least listen to somebody to hear what their concern is. I’ve lived here my whole life…this work is kinetic, it’s challenging, and there’s never a dull moment.”
Sabrina Flaig: VP, Corporate FP&A and Investor Relations, Gartner, Inc.
“I always considered Milford the ‘city’ when I lived in Monroe during my childhood, so it’s funny to have settled down here as an adult with my family. Since moving here in 2021, we have loved becoming part of the community. Through town sports for our two children, fundraiser events, the Network of Executive Women, or even just taking advantage of the shoreline and great restaurants – we love Milford!”
Tarah Pinsince: Director of Marketing, Medtronic
“I’m a homegrown Milford mom, attempting to ‘balance’ it all every day! I grew up in Milford attending the same elementary, middle, and high school as my husband. We’ve loved raising our three kids in our hometown alongside each set of grandparents, who enjoy living in both the Gulf and Wildemere Beach communities. As a family we take full advantage of all the recreational sports, social events, and incredible school systems (both private and public) that Milford has to offer!”
Leonora Rodriguez: Executive Director, Milford Senior Citizens Center
“What I learned through the senior center is that we're actually community health — we have wellness programs, fall prevention, strength building — all part of the preventative piece. And senior centers are also part of the lifelong learning contingency. Lifelong learning is so valuable, and as a society, we don't often look at older age as an opportunity to continue learning. But this is a place where it’s possible.”
Linda Ball: Onsite Program Manager, Milford Community Garden
"The last 15 years, there's been a huge influx of people who want to grow their own food — they know what's in it, they know where it's from, and they want to socialize, relax, and just enjoy. In my work, I try to replicate all the senses: sound, smell, sight, taste, touch. We have a scent garden, and last year we worked with Yale engineering students to build a zen garden that faces the sunset. The whole experience can be really rejuvenating and beneficial for community mental health.”
Jennifer Paradis: Executive Director, Beth-El Center
“It’s a privilege to work in a community that’s so committed. Although we work through really difficult challenges together, I know that we have trust in one another and we’re going to have fun doing our work together.”
Tracy Bonosconi: President, Downtown Milford Business Association
“Everything we do at the DMBA, we are always thinking of the broader community. Everybody benefits. Our events our for Milford families and Milford business owners, and it’s been such a pleasure getting to know everyone in town. We’re going to keep working at it, keep putting on events, keep making a small budget work. Because that’s what Milford is all about.”
Megan Altomare: CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Milford
"It's never ever the same, which is why I love my job. Whether I'm raising money, planning a special event, helping a kid, or working with my staff — I have an amazing team that gets to make kids' lives better every single day. My favorite thing is obviously being with the children. But looking forward, I just hope to make sure that every kid in Milford has a place to go where they know they're welcome, accepted, and want to be."
Paige Miglio: Executive Director, Milford Arts Council
“We serve the community. It is a community organization of the people by the people, and it is our responsibility to stretch the minds and experiences of the patrons as well as the artists involved. In my thirteen years with the MAC, we’ve been seeing the growth of the organization, and the acknowledgement of how essential we are in the community, how essential the arts are. But the most fulfilling part of our work will always be the individual story – of a performer, or a patron. We’re honored to share those.”