Emily Milnes (MPP '21) Named Director of Recruitment and Program Relations
The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) is honored to announce Emily Milnes (MPP '21) as the director of recruitment and program relations. She holds a BA from the University of Washington (2007); a JD from Oak Brook College of Law & Government Policy (2013); and an MPP from SPP (2021). Milnes is a licensed attorney admitted to the State Bar of California.
Prior to pursuing a master of public policy, she practiced immigration law with Eaton & Associates, handling cases involving employment investment processes, family immigration, consular processing, and litigation representation, including removal defense, asylum and refugee assistance, federal court, and federal appellate litigation before the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She also taught legal research and writing.
Over the years, Milnes has conducted policy and legal research for non-governmental organizations throughout the United States, East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2017-18, she served as the first Training & Development Fellow with the International Justice Mission (IJM) in Uganda, where she developed a national program addressing crimes of violence against women and children for country-wide implementation in partnership with government stakeholders. As a student at SPP, Milnes helped develop policy positions for IJM’s human trafficking program portfolio and stakeholder engagements in Eastern and Central Europe.
At SPP, Milnes will oversee admission and recruitment initiatives, set goals to increase enrollment in the on-ground program, travel for recruitment and networking events, act as the main liaison for the Pepperdine Policy Partners Program "P4," work closely with the marketing team, publish op-eds, and participate in speaking engagements.
“It’s a privilege to return to SPP to invest in the next generation of policymakers preparing ‘for lives of purpose, service, and leadership,’ to engage in conversations, build relationships, and to partner with others doing amazing work here and around the world,” said Milnes.
“I’m so delighted we were able to persuade Emily to return to her alma mater to take on this vital new position at SPP,” noted Pete Peterson, dean of the school. “She brings a passion for the program combined with a unique ability to build relationships, which are the essential qualities for this role,” he concluded.
SPP is thrilled to have an alumna work closely with the team and communicate with prospective students with first-hand experience and comprehensive background.