“Tulane is an institution bursting with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Jeffrey Miller, managing partner of Krillion Ventures, a venture capital firm in Miami specializing in early-stage companies in health care, financial services and real estate. “We’re thrilled to invest in the future of the university and the unique city that it calls home and excited to see how our gift will help the institute nurture the ideas of its students, faculty, alumni and local entrepreneurs into inventions that can change the world.”
One of the programs the Miller Family Endowed Fund will help facilitate is the Innovation Institute’s Young Entrepreneurship Academy (YEA!). This after-school program equips New Orleans high school students with skills and resources to be the next generation of business leaders and innovators. In February, a panel of judges that included Jeffrey Miller heard pitches from the students who competed for and received startup funding to support the continuing development of their business ideas.
“As parents of a Tulane undergraduate, we’ve seen firsthand how this university transforms lives,” said Tina Beltran-Miller, a civic leader and professional golfer. “We’re honored to support the institute’s entrepreneurial initiatives and also play a part in extending those opportunities to young people across New Orleans.”
The Millers’ son, Lenny, is a senior majoring in management at the A. B. Freeman School of Business and will graduate in May.
The Miller family’s philanthropic commitment reflects their belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change. They are Tulane’s Family Leadership Council members and repeat sponsors of the Tipping Point, the university’s annual scholarship fundraising concert held during Wave Weekend. Jeffrey Miller also serves as chair of the board of Breakthrough Miami and is the founding board chair of Beacon College Prep, among other community leadership and service roles.
