Milzy Carrasco serves as the Director of the Department of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, leading transformative initiatives that foster civic pride, inclusivity, and accessibility. In her role, Milzy oversees the Office of Language Services, Bureau of Civic Engagement, and Bureau of Tourism and Promotions, guiding efforts that make Lancaster a welcoming city for all. Her journey is deeply rooted in community work, having developed her skills and passion for service through grassroots engagement with organizations like San Juan Bautista Church and the Emerald Foundation. These early experiences reinforced her commitment to Lancaster’s diverse communities, laying the foundation for her inclusive leadership style.
Born in Ephrata, PA, and raised in Lancaster, PA, Villalba, Puerto Rico, and Cambridge, MA, Milzy grew up in a bilingual, multicultural environment. This personal background shapes her dedication to initiatives that support Lancaster’s Latino, immigrant, and refugee communities. Milzy’s leadership includes involvement with the Global Mayor’s Mechanism on Migration, where she joined leaders in Geneva to support migration initiatives. She has also engaged in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and spearheaded the Block Strength Indicator, which measures community cohesion and resilience.
Milzy’s local initiatives include founding the Hispanic Business Owners Breakfast and the Women of Color Brunch through the City of Lancaster, providing support networks for minority entrepreneurs and women leaders. These efforts reflect her commitment to empowering underrepresented voices within Lancaster.
Milzy balances her public service with a close-knit Boricua and Dominican family life, sharing a home with her husband, three children, mother, and in-laws. Her deep-rooted values of family, resilience, and community guide her work, making Lancaster a city where every resident and visitor feels connected and valued. Through her leadership, Milzy is shaping Lancaster’s future as a vibrant, inclusive community.
