APLU Staff Profile: Milan Ephraim

Name: Milan Ephraim
Department: Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement
Title: Program Assistant
Date you joined APLU: April 1, 2018

What was your first real job? Sales Associate at Torrid, a trendy plus-size clothing store. It was amazing to be a part of a store opening that gave young plus-sized women the cute clothes we couldn’t find at other retailers.

What education or work experience had the greatest impact on you? During undergrad, I interned at the Monterey County Weekly, a free weekly magazine that covered politics, art, and local events. This experience taught me how to conduct interviews, write more concisely, and find remarkable stories – no matter where I go.

What current APLU project or initiative are you most excited about? Our Rural Engagement for Resilient Communities work. There are so many great non-profit organizations that are working on bridging the digital divide, including groups like Free Press and Public Knowledge, and I’m excited to see how we at APLU and our members can be a part of the solution to digital inequality.

What is your favorite thing about living in DC? So many theaters! I can easily visit three of my favorite locations – Wooly Mammoth, Shakespeare Theatre, and Lincoln Theatre – right after work during the week. It’s an amazing treat to be able to preview shows before they go to Broadway and see the local talent in regional productions.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why does it stand out? Mexico City. It’s like Paris, but en Mexico. They have more museums than you can shake a stick at, and the “Bosque de Chapultepec” is one of the largest inner-city parks in the Western Hemisphere.

What’s one thing people would never guess about you? I love grilling meat. This is only surprising because I’m a life-long pescetarian and people would assume that grilling pork chops and steaks wouldn’t be in my wheelhouse. This is what happens when you watch too much Iron Chef.