Illa is CEO of the Foundation Ebbefos Fonden, which focuses on investing in projects on the mental health of young people. Before that Illa was CEO for 10 years in “Lær for Livet" (Learn for Life) - an initiative by the Egmont Foundation. Illa is co-writer of the book "Om at gøre en forskel" (Making a difference) published in 2012 at Gyldendal Business about social entrepreneurship in Denmark. Illa is former lawyer with the right to appear before the High Court. Illa contributes with particular expertise in social entrepreneurship, legal matters, fundraising, campaigns, communication and press.