Meet the Board: Mili Mittal

What lessons from your upbringing shaped your perspective on refugee and immigrant experiences?

In South Asian culture, sharing is central — whether it’s food, success, or support. I grew up with the belief that everything we have is meant to be shared. That mindset shaped how I view community and belonging. While my parents chose to come to the U.S. for education, many refugee families didn’t have that choice. What we can all offer — regardless of background — is community.

"That’s what I love about New Neighbors: it’s rooted in dignity and mutual support, not charity."

What inspired you to join the board of New Neighbors Partnership?

Supporting newly arrived refugee and immigrant families has been a consistent thread throughout my life: from growing up in diverse public schools in Northern Virginia, to designing a refugee wellness program in college and volunteering with a literacy nonprofit while working full-time. When I moved to New York, I wanted to get more involved in the community. I was drawn to New Neighbors because of its thoughtful, sustainable approach. The Clothing Partnership Program builds long-term relationships, normalizes sharing, and fosters dignity — it’s about more than meeting a need; it’s about creating connection.

Can you share a moment in your life that deepened your understanding of what it means to feel “at home” in a new place?

I’m a first-generation American, and while my parents were the only ones from their immediate families to move to the U.S., I grew up with a strong support network of extended family and friends. From shared meals to babysitting and even proofreading my college essays, I always felt surrounded by care. That’s why New Neighbors resonates with me — it creates that same sense of belonging for families who are starting over in a new place. Feeling “at home” is about being seen, supported, and included.

What are your hopes for how organizations like NNP can shift the broader conversation around refugees and resettlement in the U.S.?

Too often, conversations about refugees are framed as “us vs. them,” creating separation instead of connection. New Neighbors challenges that mindset by highlighting something universal — the experience of being new and wanting to belong. It reminds us that this is a shared human experience, and that we’re all part of the same community.

What’s your favorite dish that reminds you of home, and is there a place in NYC you go to when you're craving it?

Dal makhani — a black lentil curry that’s smoky, rich, and comforting. My mom makes the best version, hands down. In NYC, I’ve enjoyed Tandoor Oven for takeout and GupShup for brunch. And I was so happy to see Semma — a South Indian restaurant — named the top restaurant in NYC by The New York Times this year! But nothing quite compares to home-cooked dal.

Do you have a go-to spot in New York that feels like a personal retreat?

I live uptown, so I’m lucky to be close to Central Park. I love walking the reservoir loop — it’s beautiful, peaceful, and always helps me reset. It’s my go-to spot when I need to clear my head.

What’s one tradition from your upbringing that you carry with you in your everyday life or work?

My grandmother taught me pranayama — a breathing practice rooted in Indian tradition — when I was around 10 years old. I still practice it most mornings. It’s a small but powerful way to start the day grounded and calm, especially in moments that feel overwhelming.

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Mili Mittal is a Strategy and Transformation Consultant at Alvarez & Marsal, where she supports clients in the consumer and retail space. Born and raised in Northern Virginia to immigrant parents from India, she holds a public policy degree and an MBA from the University of Virginia. Prior to her MBA, she worked with Accenture Federal Services, partnering with the U.S. Department of State on digital and technology initiatives. Mili currently lives in New York and serves on the board of New Neighbors Partnership.