Ellie Milano
Principal, Planning & Facilitation
I specialize in helping mission-driven teams clarify where they’re headed - and how to get there.
My work focuses on leading strategic planning efforts, designing and facilitating workshops, and helping organizations align their strategies, operations, and culture to their mission. My focus is always on participatory processes—bringing people together around shared goals and clear, practical pathways forward.
Contact Me: ellie@impactbydesigninc.org
Areas of Specialty
I am IbD’s go to for turning complexity into clear, actionable strategy, brought to life through inclusive facilitation that drives team ownership and engagement.
Strategy & Program Planning
Facilitation, Training & Workshop Design
Organizational Development
The Work I Do
My favorite projects are the ones where for a brief but meaningful time, I get to become an integral part of inspiring teams working to make the world a better place.
I partner with organizations around the world to:
Lead strategic planning that aligns mission, strategy, and culture
Design and facilitate workshops that build clarity and direction
Guide organizations through participatory, goal-driven processes
Support leaders, boards, and teams in navigating change
Create spaces for big ideas, deep connection, and breakthroughs
Fun Fact
For the past 4 years, I have served on the board of directors for the Global Conservation Corps – a small nonprofit based in South Africa, focused on conservation through youth education and engagement.
What It’s Like to Work with Me
I bring humor, warmth, and creativity to make the serious work of strategy feel energizing and human, combining structure and careful planning with a collaborative and even fun approach. I want the people I work with to feel supported and able to share openly—even on tough questions, and walk away clear, inspired, and confident in their next steps, equipped to achieve meaningful impact.
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B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Environmental Studies - Hobart and William Smith Colleges
M.S. in Conservation Medicine from Tufts University in Grafton, MA
Environmental Leadership Program Fellow, New England Regional Network
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DeWan, Amielle, and Ellie Milano. “Behavior Change: Moving Beyond Awareness and Into Action.” Conference workshop presented at Zoo & Aquariums Committing to Conservation (ZACC), 2018.
DeWan, Amielle, and Ellie Milano. “Create a Roadmap for Success: How a Theory of Change Can Transform the Way You Plan and Measure Your Impact on Animals.” Conference workshop presented at Asia for Animals, 2017.
Impact by Design, Inc. Activities & Techniques for Great Remote Workshops. Virtual Public Workshop, 2020.
Milano, Ellie, and Amielle DeWan. 3 Simple Tools for Better Nonprofit Planning & Collaboration. Impact by Design.
Milano, Ellie, and Amielle DeWan. 6 Ways to Create More Flexibility in Your Nonprofit. Impact by Design.
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Conversational in French (limited)
