In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, we’re joined by Cecilia Lee, Alumni Relations Principal at Communities In Schools (CIS), to discuss the powerful role alumni networks can play in driving nonprofit success. CIS—a national organization ensuring students have the resources they need to stay in school—has built a robust alumni engagement strategy that connects participants beyond graduation, turning them into lifelong supporters, advocates, and ambassadors.

Cecilia shares how nonprofits can leverage alumni to increase community outreach, event participation, and donor engagement. She explains how public recognition—through programs like the Distinguished Service Alumni Award—motivates alumni involvement and how CIS’s President and CEO, Rey Saldaña, exemplifies the potential of alumni who become leaders.

Whether you’re a nonprofit marketer, fundraiser, or executive, you’ll learn actionable strategies for building sustainable alumni networks that deepen engagement and drive long-term mission impact.

Key takeaways: 

• Alumni aren’t just participants—they’re future leaders and lifelong advocates.
• Public recognition matters. Celebrating alumni can drive engagement and inspire others to stay involved.
• Alumni ambassadors extend your nonprofit’s reach organically, promoting events, recruiting new supporters, and growing awareness.

Challenges are inevitable, but thoughtful engagement strategies can keep alumni connected through different stages of life.

About Cecilia Lee

Cecilia Garcia Lee is an immigrant Latina from Mexico. At the age of 3, her family
moved to Houston, TX where she attended school through post-secondary.
Cecilia attended Houston Baptist University and began her career working at an
elementary school for 2 years. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, joining the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Houston, where she assisted and supported the creation of Girl Scout troops in underserved areas, focusing on predominantly black and brown communities.

Following her impactful work with the Girl Scouts, Cecilia joined Communities In
Schools of Houston (CIS) as a Case Manager at Milby High School. It was here that she discovered her true calling. She later moved to the Development department, where she successfully managed the organization's largest fundraising event for 13 years. During this period, Cecilia started engaging with former CIS students, leading these efforts for over 5 years locally.

In the fall of 2021 Cecilia was invited to support the ongoing alumni initiatives for
Communities In Schools’ National Office. By February 2023, she became the full-time Principal of Alumni Relations for CIS National. In this role, Cecilia collaborates with CIS alumni nationwide and local leaders. The Alumni Community at the National Office focuses on professional development opportunities for alumni, support and training for alumni who serve on their local CIS board, equitable storytelling, and providing resources for alumni seeking employment or exploring new careers. Cecilia firmly believes that alumni are the heartbeat of Communities In Schools.

Links:

• Communities in Schools
• LinkedIn: Communities in Schools National Office
• CIS Alumni Community

This Episode Sponsored By Neon One:

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