Before joining the Miami DDA, she worked for Enterprise Florida (EFI), the state’s official economic development organization, for 11 years. At EFI she supported Florida companies with their global business and export development initiatives, and helped generate expected export sales of over $120 million.
At Enterprise Florida she also recruited foreign companies to the state of Florida, helped over 200 foreign companies establish Florida operations, and referred over 1,000 foreign direct investment leads to Florida counties statewide.
Ilona is a fluent Spanish speaker, and is proficient in French and Portuguese. She is a Certified Economic Developer, has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Bachelors from Villanova University.
How long have you been at the Beacon Council?
3 years
How long have you lived in Miami?
30+ years
Why Miami?
Summit of the Americas was what first brought me to Miami in December 1994.
What’s your favorite project that you have worked on at the Beacon Council?
MIAX
What’s your perfect Miami day?
Walking to work, meeting interesting people, and then going out for a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay.
What do you imagine for Miami in the next decade?
Big things! We are outgrowing our Gateway to the Americas brand and becoming a global city center.