TAMPA, Fla. — Nancy Millan says that every day she walks into work at the Hillsborough County Center, she feels a sense of pride. Millan is the first woman, and the first Hispanic person, to serve as the county’s tax collector.

“It’s a very proud moment for me just being able to make a difference,” Millan said. “I practically grew up in this organization over 34 years ago.”

Millan begins each morning with a cup of Cuban espresso — an ode to her heritage. Millan was born and raised in Ybor City, but her parents migrated to the United States from Cuba.

“When you come to our house, you always offer a little espresso — un cafecito — when your company comes,” she said. “I’ve tried to add a little bit of that flavor into my office and making it warm and welcoming.”

Millan was elected tax collector in November 2020, but has spent her entire career working for the office. Millan started as an accounting clerk when she was 22 years old, and over the years she has worked her way up to the top.

“I’m passionate about what I do, I’m passionate about our team and truly trying to make a difference for this organization and for Hillsborough County,” Millan said. “It was just something that was an easy decision, even though I had never thought about it, wasn’t even prepared to enter the political world.”

The tax collector’s office is responsible for collecting property taxes, but also issuing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. The office serves nearly 1.5 million residents of Hillsborough County. For that reason, Millan said one of her priorities is getting out into the community to engage with people and educate them about what she does.

“I’ve seen the issues and barriers that folks encounter when going into offices and not knowing the language and trying to transition into starting a new life here in the United States and here in Hillsborough County,” she said.

Millan has made it her mission to change the public’s perception of the tax collector’s office, while building a positive workplace. She welcomes new employees on their first day the best way she knows — with a fresh cup of Cuban espresso.

While data from the U.S. Census shows Hispanic people make up roughly a quarter of the country’s population, experts say they are under-represented in politics. An analysis by the National Association of Latino Elected Officials shows less than 2% of people in government positions are Hispanic.

“To be able to break that glass ceiling, do something that was just unforeseen and being able to represent, it’s a dream come true,” Millan said. “For me, every day coming into work is so rewarding.”

Millan said she pushes her team to strive for excellence every day. Her goal is to be a role model and give her employees the resources to become future leaders.

“I think sharing my story with folks gives them hope and dreams that with a lot of work and dedication, the sky is the limit,” she said.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Millan encourages others to never stop climbing.

Throughout her career, Millan has been recognized for her involvement in the community. In 2021, the city of Tampa’s Hispanic Heritage Committee recognized Millan for her work in public service. Back in 2001, she was also named Hillsborough County’s Hispanic Woman of the Year.