Awards

Ilana Hoffer Skoff
Executive Director Emeritus & Co-Founder, Milestones Autism Resources

Ilana Hoffer Skoff is the co-founder of Milestones Autism Resources in Northeast Ohio, and the proud mom of an adult autistic daughter, Eden. Ilana founded Milestones 22 years ago with a fellow special needs mother, Mia Buchwald Gelles. Over the course of her leadership as executive director, Ilana pioneered autism support and education services in Northeast Ohio that have transformed the autism landscape. During this time, Milestones grew from a staff of two to 20, assembling a diverse and passionate team. Her strategic focus has enabled Milestones to expand its community education efforts. This includes Training Workshops for first responders, medical students, cultural institutions, and other professionals, where they learn how to better support and interact with the autistic community. She cares deeply for her friends, family, colleagues, and her community, and shows that care daily through her dedicated pursuit for a more inclusive world. 

Named in honor of Margaret Burley, former executive director of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities for 39 years, the Margaret Burley Impact Award recognizes someone who has made a significant impact on those with disabilities. As a parent herself of a son with disabilities, Margaret advocated for her son's right and ability to learn, grow and be a contributing member of their community. Under her guidance and the guidance of others, the Ohio Coalition went from one part-time director to an agency with more than 25 staff members and a $2.5 million budget. 

The nominees of the Impact Award have served as mentors, coaches, advocates, and/or connectors for the disability community and have demonstrated ongoing and continuous passion, dedication, and support.