Communities In Schools Welcomes 10 Alumni Leaders to Its National Advisory Council

CONTACT: Whitney Faison, faisonw@cisnet.org, 315-420-6049 

Communities In Schools® (CIS®) announces the newest cohort of its National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 10 alumni who will help shape and strengthen national alumni engagement efforts across the organization. 

Drawing from their lived experiences as CIS students, council members will provide insight and feedback on alumni programs, strengthen connections across the CIS alumni network and help identify meaningful opportunities for leadership, engagement and professional growth. 

The newest members of the National Alumni Advisory Council include: 

• Ariana Ellis, CIS of Atlanta 
• Leanna Esquivel, CIS of Tacoma 
• J'Niyah Freeman, CIS of Georgia 
• Bryan Harris, CIS of Los Angeles 
• Amanye Jinwright, CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 
• James Leap, CIS of Eastern Pennsylvania 
• Kaylee Main-Gomez, CIS of Nevada 
• Miracle Mozzee, CIS of South Carolina 
• James Rivera, CIS of East Texas 
• Kuniya Young, CIS of Nation’s Capital 

Our alumni bring unique perspectives that help guide and strengthen our work. We are proud to have this exceptional group join the council and look forward to the meaningful contributions they will make.

-Cecilia Lee, Principal of Alumni Relations, CIS National Office

The council's work is already underway. Earlier this month, several members traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference. 

Four alumni attended CHCI programming, participating in conference sessions and networking opportunities with leaders from across the country. The group also attended the CHCI reception, where they engaged with professionals and policymakers committed to advancing educational and economic opportunity. 

As CHCI concluded, five additional council members arrived to participate in CBCF events focused on leadership, civic engagement, public service and community impact. The experience offered valuable opportunities to learn from national leaders while reflecting on how their own journeys can help inspire future generations of students. 

One of the greatest measures of our impact is seeing former students return as leaders. As a CIS alumnus, I'm honored to welcome our new council members and grateful for the perspectives they bring. Their participation in national leadership experiences like CHCI and CBCF is just the beginning. 

-Rey Saldaña, President and CEO, CIS National Office

The momentum continues later this month when council members gather in Memphis, Tennessee, from September 24-27 for their first in-person council convening. The meeting will provide an opportunity to deepen relationships, align around shared goals, learn about CIS's alumni strategy and explore how their collective experiences can help strengthen alumni engagement nationwide. 

About Communities In Schools   
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is proven to help students reach their full potential. For 49 years, CIS has supported millions of students in achieving their goals in school, succeeding in the workforce, and thriving in life. Working directly inside more than 3,500 schools across the country, CIS connects students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future.