Urban College of Boston Launches Executive in Residence Program with Dr. Aisha Miller and Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas
At Urban College of Boston, we’re always looking for ways to expand opportunities for our students and provide them with real-world experiences that will propel them into successful careers. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Executive in Residence (EIR) Program, an exciting initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world.
Our inaugural Executives in Residence, Dr. Aisha Miller and Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas, are two outstanding leaders with diverse experiences and a deep commitment to uplifting others. They will bring their wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide our students through experiential learning projects and offer mentorship that will help them build social capital, improve professional networks, and navigate their career paths.
Meet Dr. Aisha Miller: A Leader in Community Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility
Dr. Aisha Miller is a force for positive change in both the public and private sectors. As Vice President of Permitting, Community, and Corporate Engagement at Related Beal, she has spent years creating opportunities for communities to thrive while fostering strong, meaningful relationships between businesses and the people they serve. Dr. Miller has a remarkable background, including serving as Chief of Civic Engagement for the City of Boston and holding leadership roles with organizations like the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Miller has received numerous accolades, including the Champion Award from the Boston Arts Academy Foundation for her commitment to arts, scholarship, and global citizenship. Her wealth of knowledge in civic engagement and her passion for advancing equity and inclusion will provide invaluable insights to our students.
Dr. Miller said, “Urban College’s dedication to serving historically marginalized populations and creating inclusive educational opportunities is deeply aligned with my vision for equity. It’s critical to consider community when pursuing business endeavors, and I’m excited to help students build trusting relationships that will serve them throughout their careers.”
Meet Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas: A Trailblazer in Executive Coaching and Leadership Development
Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas is a recognized thought leader and executive coach who has spent over 30 years empowering professionals to unlock their full potential. As the founder of PHDouglas & Associates, she has worked with individuals and teams across multiple industries, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and government. Notably, Dr. Douglas made history as the first Black woman to serve in the Massachusetts cabinet as Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Her leadership, coaching expertise, and ability to drive transformation have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Boston’s top ten executive coaches and one of the 150 Most Influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine. As a board member of several prestigious organizations, including Leader Bank and the Museum of Science, Dr. Douglas is committed to fostering leadership and change in every aspect of her work.
Dr. Douglas shared her excitement about joining Urban College: “Urban College is more than an institution of higher education – it provides a sense of belonging and supports students in achieving their dreams at any stage of life. I look forward to helping students foster mindfulness, curiosity, and collaborative thinking as they pursue both their personal and professional goals.”
What Students Can Expect from the Executive in Residence Program
Both Dr. Miller and Dr. Douglas will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of business leaders. As part of their time at Urban College, they will teach courses focused on refining strategic thinking, enhancing business communication skills, and developing leadership abilities. Students will gain hands-on experience with critical topics like navigating workplace dynamics, understanding artificial intelligence in business, building personal brands, and cultivating sponsors.
Designed for highly motivated students, the Executive in Residence Program will provide an opportunity for participants to learn directly from these distinguished leaders. The inaugural cohort of EIR students will be announced later this semester, and we can’t wait to see how they grow through this incredible mentorship.
Why This Matters to Urban College of Boston
At Urban College of Boston, we are committed to preparing diverse learners for career advancement. Our new Executive in Residence Program is just one more way we are helping students bridge academic learning with real-world success. By bringing in professionals like Dr. Miller and Dr. Douglas, we’re empowering our students to think strategically, act decisively, and approach challenges with confidence.
The program is aligned with our mission to serve historically marginalized populations by creating accessible, inclusive educational opportunities. We believe that mentorship, networking, and real-world experience are key to opening doors for our students, and this program will do just that.
We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with Dr. Miller and Dr. Douglas and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our students and community.
About Urban College of Boston
Founded in 1993 by the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Urban College of Boston is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to serving diverse learners through affordable, flexible, and multilingual education. Offering programs in early childhood education, human services, and general education, Urban College is a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Urban College opens pathways to opportunity by empowering students to pursue career advancement and transform their lives.