Alumni Hall of Fame - Ebony T. Miller

Ebony T. Miller ’98, MBA
Director, Center for Urban Entrepreneurship,
Rochester Institute of Technology

Nominated by LaShana Boose & Gladys Pedraza Burgos

“As a first-generation college student from one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods, I didn’t come from privilege or wealth. My mother relied on programs that opened doors she couldn’t open alone, first the Urban-Suburban Program, and then MCC’s Minority High School Apprenticeship Program. At MCC, I found a strong foundation that prepared me for a four-year education and beyond. Surrounded by peers focused on higher education, college wasn’t just an option, it was my path. I carry deep gratitude for where I started and how far I’ve come, and I’ll never forget the role MCC played in that journey.”

Ebony Miller is a true force for change in Rochester, a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate whose work has consistently transformed lives, neighborhoods, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth, mentoring the next generation of leaders and advancing economic development is not just a job, it’s her life’s work.

A graduate of Monroe Community College’s Business Administration program, Ebony went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master’s Degree in Informatics from the University at Buffalo, as well as an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Today, Ebony serves as director of the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (CUE) at RIT and as an adjunct instructor in MCC’s Business program, continuing to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. When Ebony took on the challenge of leading CUE, there was no blueprint for success. Relying on the strength of her network and vision, she built a thriving center that has secured over $1 million in programmatic support, helping countless low-to no-tech businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Ebony is deeply engaged in her community, serving on the boards of the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers, the Business Incubator Association of New York State, the Rochester Downtown Partnership, the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, and the Rochester Prep Board of Trustees. She has been recognized as a 2025 Rochester Business Journal Women of Excellence Honoree, a 2024 City & State New York Trailblazer in Economic Development and a 2016 Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree.

With a passion for cooking, traveling, bowling and playing games, Ebony lives in Greece, NY, with her daughter Amaya, who is proudly continuing the family legacy as she completes her degree at MCC.