Dear YANA Community,
As spring unfolds across the country, I find myself reflecting on the special energy this season brings to the Yale community. From the vibrant renewal on campus as another class prepares for Commencement to the anticipation of Reunion weekends that will soon bring many of us back to New Haven, this moment of transition offers a powerful reminder that the Yale experience doesn’t end at commencement—it evolves into lifelong connections that fuel our shared commitment to service.
This season of renewal arrives at a particularly challenging moment for our sector, as many nonprofit organizations—and the dedicated people within them—face painful transitions, funding uncertainties, and difficult decisions. Like new growth pushing through difficult soil, our sector faces challenges that test our resilience but also reveal our strength. The shifting fundraising landscape, evolving federal priorities, and increased demands create a complex environment—yet I’ve never been more convinced of the essential role mission-driven organizations play in addressing society’s most pressing needs.
In my first year as Executive Director, I’ve been deeply inspired by the YANA community’s unwavering commitment to meaningful impact. From our energizing strategic planning sessions in Seattle to the upcoming events with Yale College Dean Lewis in New York and Maya Gurantz in San Jose, California, I see a network of passionate alumni determined to leverage their Yale education for positive change.
I was powerfully reminded of this just last week when I met nearly 30 new-to-me YANA members in Seattle. The immediate sense of connection was palpable—that unmistakable feeling of having found “my people.” This is what makes YANA so special: beyond professional networking, we offer a place where mission-driven Yalies can find their authentic community, people who share both their values and their Yale experience.
This is precisely why YANA matters now more than ever. We provide not just a professional network, but a genuine community of support during uncertain times. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit organization, transitioning into the social impact sector, or simply seeking to align your skills with meaningful causes, YANA offers both the practical resources and the human connections that sustain our work.
As we move forward together, I invite you to engage with the opportunities outlined in this newsletter. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion, connect with fellow alumni in your region, or simply reach out to learn how to get plugged in. Each connection strengthens our collective ability to advance solutions to complex challenges.
The path ahead may not always be clear, but I find tremendous hope in walking it alongside this remarkable community of Yalies committed to creating a more just and sustainable world.
With gratitude and optimism,
Kristin Urquiza ’03
YANA Executive Director
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Yale College Dean Lewis to Join YANA Town Hall: Leadership in Challenging Times
May 28 | 6:30 PM ET – In-Person (Yale Club of NYC) & via Zoom
As higher education institutions face unprecedented challenges—from Supreme Court decisions limiting affirmative action to increasingly unpredictable federal funding streams—come join us for this vital conversation about Yale’s future.
We’re honored to welcome Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis to discuss how Yale is navigating these complex issues in its commitment to diverse enrollment, educational access, and preparing students to become future leaders who give back to society. Dean Lewis will address Yale’s innovative strategies for maintaining a diverse student body despite recent legal constraints, the university’s approach to financial sustainability amid federal funding uncertainties, and enhanced initiatives to inspire students toward careers in public service and social impact.
The event will take place on May 28 at 6:30 PM ET at the Yale Club of NYC, with a concurrent Zoom option. No Yale Club membership is required.
Join this essential conversation about preserving educational opportunity, institutional resilience, and Yale’s role in developing tomorrow’s change-makers.
Learn How to Measure and Convey Your Impact with Yale Experts
June 12 | 6:30 PM ET via Zoom
In today’s competitive funding landscape, simply doing good work isn’t enough—you need to effectively measure and communicate your impact to stand out.
Our June Pursuing Your Mission session focuses on “Measuring and Conveying Your Impact—Identifying Your Measures,” providing you with practical tools to demonstrate your organization’s effectiveness.
Why This Matters: Organizations that effectively measure and communicate their impact experience greater donor confidence, more successful grant applications, and better program outcomes through data-informed decisions.
You’ll Learn How To:
- Distinguish between outputs, outcomes, and impact
- Identify the right metrics aligned with your mission
- Develop practical data collection strategies
- Create compelling impact narratives for different audiences
- Streamline measurement processes with limited resources
Who Should Attend: This session is perfect for nonprofit leaders, program directors, development staff, and board members who want to strengthen their organization’s ability to tell their impact story effectively.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s impact measurement toolkit! Space is limited, so register today.
TONIGHT: The Yale Club of San Francisco, Yale Women, and YANA SF present an enlightening discussion with two distinguished Yale alumnae
TODAY! May 13 |
6:00 PM PT In-Person (Davis Wright Tremaine LLC: 50 California St – 23rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111)
The Yale Club of San Francisco with support from Yale Women and the YANA SF Chapter presents an enlightening discussion with two distinguished Yale alumnae:
Ann Miura-Ko ’98, Co-Founding Partner at Floodgate and Yale Trustee, brings her renowned venture capital expertise. Named to Forbes’ Midas List of top investors and once “Most Powerful Woman in Startups,” she’s backed successes from Lyft to emerging innovators like SmarterDX and Hebbia.
Elizabeth Pontikes ’98, Professor at UC Davis Graduate Management School, offers insights on strategy, disruption, and leadership. Her current work includes AI applications for structured data research and serving on committees for AI implementation in education and university administration.
Together, they’ll explore the intersection of venture capital, technological innovation, and practical AI implementation across business and educational contexts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two Yale alumnae at the forefront of technology investment and implementation.
YANA CHAPTERS IN ACTION
YANA Pacific Northwest Chapter Charts Bold Course for Regional Impact
In early May, the YANA Pacific Northwest Chapter came together for two energizing events in Seattle: an informal meet-and-greet with Executive Director Kristin Urquiza on Thursday evening, followed by a strategic planning session Friday morning. With about 20 engaged members at each gathering, defined our chapter as a hub for mission-driven professionals committed to fostering collaboration, amplifying impact, and supporting career development throughout the region, especially during this uncertain time for nonprofit organizations.
Priority activities for 2025-26 include:
- Facilitating networking and connections through meet-and-greets, volunteer opportunities, and a comprehensive member directory and resource compendium.
- Putting skill-building front and center, including inviting local experts and Yale professors to interactive salon sessions and career development workshops.
- Raising awareness on a broad range of issues, including arts and culture, environment, immigration, and poverty reduction/financial inclusion.
Stay tuned! This is just the start of our planning process. We’re planning an online meeting open to members across the Pacific Northwest as a next step.
Thank you to everyone who attended for helping us shape an inspiring future together, and a special thank you to Jeff Cohen GSAS ‘94 and the Perigee Fund who generously hosted these gatherings.
Sign up on our chapter website or email pacificnorthwest@yalenonprofitalliance.org with ideas or to get involved.
Meet YANA’s New Executive Director at Bay Area Social Impact Gathering
We’re thrilled to invite Bay Area alumni to a special evening of connection and conversation with our new Executive Director, Kristin Urquiza, on June 18 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM in Oakland.
This intimate gathering offers a unique opportunity to meet Kristin, who joined YANA as Executive Director in late 2025. Before joining YANA, she established herself as a formidable advocate for social justice, particularly in California where she played an instrumental role in establishing the groundbreaking Baby Bonds program for foster children and children who lost parents to COVID-19.
A San Francisco resident who has called the Bay Area home since 2012, Kristin brings both local knowledge and national experience to her new role at YANA. She is particularly passionate about strengthening Yale’s presence in the Bay Area, with a focus on connecting alumni who are mission-minded and interested in leveraging their education to create positive change in the world.
“I’m excited to meet Yalies who are working across different sectors but share a commitment to social impact,” says Kristin. “This event is designed to be conversational and collaborative—I want to hear your ideas about how YANA can better serve the Bay Area community and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.”
Whether you’re actively working in the social impact sector, considering a transition into mission-driven work, or simply interested in connecting with like-minded alumni, this gathering promises stimulating conversation and valuable networking.
Space is limited to ensure quality interactions, so early registration is encouraged. We look forward to bringing together a diverse group of Yalies committed to making good in the world. Address provided upon registration.
Explore “The Plague Archives” with Artist Maya Gurantz ’98
On Sunday, June 1st, 2025, from 2-4 PM, YANA invites you to experience “The Plague Archives,” an innovative multimedia installation by artist Maya Gurantz ’98 at the De Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University in San Jose.
This critically acclaimed exhibition has garnered attention from regional media including KQED, Metro Silicon Valley, and Variable West for its powerful exploration of epidemic histories and their social, cultural, and political dimensions. The site-specific installation combines multiple video projections, massive wall drawings, and a rich collection of archival materials examining how disease outbreaks have shaped human societies throughout history.
One of the exhibition’s most compelling features is the interactive “Tracing Board,” which invites viewers to actively participate by mapping images from the archive onto a screen surface, creating personalized interpretations of epidemic narratives.
Gurantz, a multidisciplinary artist whose work examines the intersection of historical trauma, collective memory, and public health, will lead this exclusive tour for Yale alumni. The event offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the artist about her creative process and the extensive research behind this thought-provoking installation.
Registration will open later this month – please fill out the form to express your interest in attending this event.
YANA INSIGHTS & CONNECTIONS
Navigating Fundraising Challenges: Latest Trends from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project
The latest Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) reports reveal crucial insights for mission-driven organizations navigating today’s challenging philanthropic landscape. The data paints a complex picture of both persistent concerns and glimmers of hope for nonprofits.
According to the FEP’s recent analyses, total dollars raised declined by 2.8% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decreases after years of steady growth. More concerning is the continued erosion of the donor base, with a 3.4% drop in overall donor numbers. This trend began in 2021 and has continued, though recent data suggests the rate of decline may be slowing.
Particularly striking is the disproportionate impact on small donors, with micro-donors (those giving $100 or less) experiencing the steepest decline—10% in 2024. This shift creates a precarious dependency on fewer, larger donors, with those contributing over $5,000 now accounting for more than 75% of all dollars donated despite representing less than 3% of all donors.
However, the data isn’t uniformly discouraging. Smaller organizations (those raising less than $100,000 annually) have demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining stable revenue while larger nonprofits experienced declines ranging from 3% to 7%. This suggests that personalized donor engagement strategies may be more feasible and effective for organizations with smaller donor bases.
Looking ahead, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy predicts that charitable giving will begin to rebound in 2025, potentially reversing recent downward trends. For organizations seeking to weather current challenges, FEP researchers emphasize the importance of frequent donor engagement and innovative approaches to stewardship.
The message for mission-driven Yalies is clear: while the philanthropic landscape remains challenging, organizations that combine data-informed strategies with authentic community engagement are best positioned to thrive, regardless of size or sector.
Protecting Your Organization When Federal Funding Ends: Essential Steps for Nonprofits
In an era of fluctuating federal priorities and budget uncertainties, mission-driven organizations face increasing risks of unexpected grant or contract terminations. The National Council of Nonprofits has developed a comprehensive checklist to help organizations navigate these challenging situations while protecting their financial stability and programmatic integrity.
The first critical step is conducting a thorough review of your grant or contract terms and conditions, particularly the specific provisions regarding termination. These details are typically found in the terms and conditions section of your agreement and may have been outlined in the original funding opportunity announcement.
Understanding these parameters is essential for determining whether a termination follows proper protocols.
Federal funding is governed by complex regulatory frameworks. For grants, the Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200) establishes general standards across federal agencies, with specific provisions addressing allowable closeout costs. Organizations should note that an updated version of these regulations took effect in October 2024, with agencies having the option to implement them earlier—meaning the applicable version may vary depending on when your funding was awarded.
When a grant is terminated, organizations are generally entitled to recover costs properly incurred before the termination date, as well as expenses that wouldn’t have occurred if the grant had continued. However, it’s essential to verify if any special conditions have been imposed that might restrict fund access or require additional approvals for expenditures.
Each federal agency maintains its own appeal procedures for challenging termination decisions. These processes typically include strict timelines and specific requirements for documentation. Understanding and precisely following these procedures is crucial for any organization seeking reconsideration.
For Yale alumni leading nonprofits with federal funding, this guidance offers a valuable roadmap during uncertain transitions. By taking a systematic approach to grant terminations, organizations can minimize financial disruption and maintain focus on their core missions even as funding landscapes evolve.
YALIES IN SOCIAL IMPACT
Isiah Cruz ’18: Environmental Innovation with Deep Island Roots
When Isiah Cruz ’18 crossed the finish line at Puerto Rico’s grueling Ironman 70.3 triathlon this year, the achievement symbolized the same determination driving his environmental innovation work across the Caribbean. As a proud member of YANA Caribbean, Cruz embodies Yale’s commitment to sustainability with a deeply personal connection to the islands he’s working to protect.
As Founder and CEO of Ama Earth Group, Cruz has developed an ethical AI platform that helps environmental professionals generate high-quality environmental assessments with unprecedented efficiency. But his vision extends beyond technology—the company reinvests in direct conservation action, funding and leading critical initiatives including leatherback turtle protection, dune restoration, and mangrove reforestation projects in Puerto Rico and beyond.
The Yale education that shaped Cruz’s multidisciplinary approach remains central to his work. By combining technological innovation with community-based conservation, he’s creating a sustainable model that honors indigenous knowledge while leveraging modern solutions.
Congratulations, Isiah!
Juan Carlos Salinas YSD ’03: Opening Ivy League Doors for Underserved Students
Growing up in Rio Grande City, one of Texas’s poorest counties, Juan Carlos Salinas MFA ’03 experienced firsthand the barriers that prevent talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds from accessing elite educational institutions. His journey from that small border town to Yale’s School of Drama transformed his understanding of educational opportunity.
In 2010, Salinas launched Y Tú También (“And You Too”) as a Yale Day of Service project, initially serving just 15 high school students. Today, this comprehensive college readiness program under La Unidad Latina Foundation helps hundreds of low-income, first-generation, and minority students navigate the complex college application process.
The program’s results speak volumes: 70-80% of participants gain acceptance to Ivy League or comparable institutions, with over 15 students currently enrolled at Yale. More than 60 Yale alumni volunteer as mentors, creating a powerful cycle of support and opportunity.
“These schools change your life forever,” Salinas explains. “I want other students to know if they work hard they can go to Yale, and Yale is rooting for you.”
Beyond his nonprofit work, Salinas serves as Executive Director at La Unidad Latina Foundation and Education Director at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. In 2020, he was named an honorary co-chair of the Yale Day of Service, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to educational access and community empowerment.