Milagros “Milly” Arbaje-Thomas, deputy director of field operations and director of the Action for Boston Community Development Parker Hill/Fenway and Mattapan neighborhood centers, received an honorary degree from Emmanuel College in recognition of her commitment to and achievements for low-income residents of Boston neighborhoods.
For the past 15 years, Arbaje-Thomas has worked closely with Fenway-area institutions, including Emmanuel College, to provide the area’s low-income families and individuals with services, resources and tools to help improve their lives.
ABCD President and CEO John J. Drew said that the entire ABCD family is very proud of Arbaje-Thomas. “This is a very significant tribute,” he said. “We feel she is a great role model for students starting out on their life’s work and for all those who care about people who are less fortunate.”
Under her leadership, the ABCD Parker Hill/Fenway center has doubled the number of people served to 2,600 low-income residents annually.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Arbaje-Thomas first worked at ABCD as a youth counselor as well as a GED instructor and program coordinator. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston College, including a master’s in social work. She now lives in Hyde Park with her husband William and daughters Gabriella and Juliana.
