biography

Emily Mills is passionate about her career in media, communications and special events. Through her work and volunteerism, she has contributed to exciting projects related to cultural diversity, youth and the music industry for over a decade.

Currently, Emily is the media relations and communications specialist for TRIEC, an organization that works to better include skilled immigrants into the local labour market. Her responsibilities range from handling media inquiries to enhancing strategic communications plans. Emily played a vital role in establishing TRIEC's media partnership with CBC Toronto, and she oversees projects including a special newspaper section published each year by the Toronto Star in partnership with TRIEC. Emily has handled all communications and event planning for TRIEC's annual Immigrant Success (IS) Awards sponsored by RBC, and she has coordinated launch events and installations of 20 Journeys, a traveling photo exhibit about skilled immigrants.

Prior to joining TRIEC, Emily was the assistant diversity producer at CTV News where she helped the network better reflect the diversity of Toronto by broadcasting stories about people of various ethnicities, faiths, abilities and sexual identities. Emily successfully pitched over 30 unique stories that aired on local and national programs; she added over 800 diverse experts to a speakers bureau used by journalists; and, she helped to coordinate editorial board meetings between CTV executives and community groups. She also worked as a chase producer and segment producer.

As a former freelance music journalist, Emily has interviewed R&B and hip hop stars such as Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, Kardinal Offishall, K'naan and Lil X. She's known for her insightful and in-depth coverage of major events from the East Coast Music Awards to the Essence Music Festival. She was also the marketing coordinator for the Urban Music Association of Canada, a national industry organization.

Emily has worked behind the scenes at the MuchMusic Video Awards, Toronto Street Festival, Honey Jam and many other signature events in the city. With this hands-on experience, she has organized corporate events, networking receptions and grassroots fundraisers.

Emily takes pride in giving back to the community: In 1999, she founded the Northern Secondary School Triumph Award which offers an annual bursary to a graduating high school student who has overcome personal hardships. She often volunteers with projects that benefit Caribbean and African-Canadian youth and she coordinated a summer drop-in for young women in Parkdale.

Emily is a frequent public speaker, event host and media commentator. She has been the MC for events across the city, from Hart House to Harbourfront Centre, and she has led media workshops in Toronto and Vancouver. She has been interviewed on various topics by CBC Radio and Television, Edmonton Journal, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, eye weekly, SUN TV and others. She also served on the executive board of the Canadian Association of Black Journalists and has strong relationships with ethnic media.

Emily has been honoured with a Canadian National Griot Award and was recently profiled in Luminato's Mille Femmes, a photo tribute to 1,000 artistic, creative and inspiring women from Toronto. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Ryerson University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree (specializing in music) from York University.  Emily is now completing part-time studies towards her public relations certificate.