Turning Ideas Into Actionable Results
Project & Program Management | Operations & Process Improvement | Digital Strategy & Communication
I’m Carla Milton, a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over ten years of experience leading projects, streamlining operations, improving processes, and driving effective communication strategies across multiple industries. I hold a B.S. in Leadership and an M.A. in Lifespan and Digital Communication with a focus on Strategic Communication from Old Dominion University.
As a former military spouse of fifteen years, I bring adaptability, resilience, and a proven ability to manage cross-functional initiatives in diverse environments. My career has included work with military, healthcare, higher education, and nonprofit sectors aligning strategy with measurable outcomes while ensuring smooth operations and strong client and team relationships.
I am skilled at combining structured project execution with intrapreneurial agility, enabling me to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and deliver sustainable results.
Highlighting my diverse career journey, skills, and achievements across project management, strategic communication, and digital initiatives.
Below are some of Carla’s verified trainings, and licenses
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A showcase of strategic initiatives, digital campaigns, and capstone projects that demonstrate my approach to communication, leadership, and measurable results.
S.M.A.R.T. Goals Workshop
Facilitated a student-centered workshop at Old Dominion University, teaching emerging professionals how to set intentional, career-ready goals using the S.M.A.R.T. framework. Guided students in defining actionable objectives, strengthening their ePortfolio reflections, and translating internship experiences into measurable outcomes. The session included interactive exercises, insights from faculty, and real-world examples to enhance professional growth and internship success.
Interested in having a workshop for your team or organization? Let's connect!
Digital Marketing
My role as a Communications Project Manager with the Monarch Humanities Internship Academy (MHIA) focused on strategic communication and project coordination in a remote setting. I cross-collaborated with MHIA faculty, ODU’s ePortfolio team, and nonprofit partners like Validation Counseling Services to expand internship opportunities. I created outreach materials, internship templates, and streamlined communication between departments and partners.
Key Contributions
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Designed digital flyers and templates to promote internships
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Coordinated with ODU’s ePortfolio team on communication strategies
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Engaged nonprofit partners to explore placement opportunities
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Developed reusable internship templates for faculty and students
Hear Her: Amplifying Black Mothers’ Voices in Maternal Healthcare
A graduate qualitative research initiative shedding light on systemic racism and communication barriers in U.S. maternal healthcare. Through 20 in-depth interviews with Black mothers, the study uncovers preventable risks, highlights muted voices, and advocates for change by empowering patient advocacy and equitable care.
To give prospective employers a clear view of my experience and impact, I’ve included select recommendations from colleagues and mentors. These highlight my leadership, strategic thinking, and successful projects, providing a competitive edge in today’s job market.
I am pleased to recommend Carla Milton, a talented and results-driven professional I’ve had the pleasure of supervising through her work with the Monarch Humanities Internship Academy at Old Dominion University, a new unit funded by a $5 million Mellon Foundation grant designed to increased work-based learning for humanities students. In her role as a contracted project and communications lead, Carla has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a high level of professionalism.
Carla brings a unique blend of experience in strategic communication, marketing, and project management. During her time with us, she played a pivotal role in streamlining our operational processes, improving communication workflows, and elevating the visibility of our student-facing programs. For example, Carla created a series of catchy and informational flyers advertising work-based learning opportunities and worked closely with strategic communications specialists at ODU to promote and recruit students to such opportunities across campus. She also greatly enhanced the Academy’s ability to partner with non-profit organizations across the Hampton Roads area and beyond by crafting internship description templates that organizations use to establish their own high-quality internship programs. Her ability to turn complex ideas and processes into clear, actionable strategies is matched by her collaborative spirit and strong commitment to outcomes.
What truly sets Carla apart is her ability to adapt quickly and lead with confidence. Whether she is designing user-friendly program tools, managing communications across stakeholders, or mentoring student interns, she approaches every task with integrity and purpose. Carla recently planned and facilitated an Orientation over Zoom for student interns receiving Mellon Awards; her capacity to inspire student participation while utilizing interactive online platforms speaks to her unique ability to employ technologies to inspire student exchange and community building. Her blend of creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence has made her an invaluable asset to the Academy and will surely make her an asset to any team.
I have no doubt that Carla will bring the same level of excellence, initiative, and strategic insight to any organization she joins. I recommend her enthusiastically and without reservation.
Elizabeth Zanoni
Director, MHIA Internship Studio at Old Dominion University
I had the pleasure of learning and working alongside Carla during our master’s program, and she consistently stood out as someone deeply dedicated to her work. No matter the challenge, she approached every task with focus, perseverance, and a determination to see it through. Beyond her own excellence, what truly makes her special is how she encourages and uplifts those around her. Her positivity and drive make her not just a great teammate, but an inspiring one. Any team would be lucky to have her.
Lauren Winn
M.A. in Digital & Lifespan Communication from Old Dominion University
