Leadership Academy: Alumni Association

Greenlining Academy Alumni Association (GAAA)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Greenlining Institute is dedicated to empowering communities of color and other disadvantaged groups through multi-ethnic leadership development.  Continuing a relationship between alumni and the Greenlining Institute is imperative to the long-term vitality of the Greenlining Institute and its vision.  The GAAA strives to enhance the Academy alumni network and support the development and success of Academy programs, including but not limited to the Fellowship, Summer Associate and Work-Study programs.

Alumni Board Members

Vicenta Arrizon, Associate 2004, External Secretary
Jasper A. Cacananta, Fellow 2004-2005
Nonya Collier, Fellow 2005-2006, Vice-Chair
Molly Hart, Former Greenlining Staff, 2001-2006, 2007-2008, Internal Secretary
Lindsay Imai, Fellow 2001-2002
Mark Rutledge, Fellow 2006-2007, Chair
Waiching Wong, Fellow 2005-2006, Treasurer

PROGRAMS

The Alumni Board was formed in May 2001 and since then the board has launched the following initiatives to support the work of Greenlining and the leadership development of GAAA members: Mentorship, Academy Recruitment, Fundraising, Alumni Networking, Professional Development Scholarship, Annual Alumni Meeting and Mixer.

Mentorship Program

Launched in January 2007, the GAAA mentorship program pairs college students living at CASA with Greenlining alumni.  The primary purpose is to support the CASA students' college experience and the development of their post-college goals.  The mentorship program also provides a great opportunity for alumni to remain involved with current Academy members as it continues to grow. To become a Greenlining mentor, alumni should complete the application here.

Academy Recruitment

Alumni are one of the strongest recruitment sources for the Academy programs.  All Alumni are encouraged to promote the various leadership development programs: the Fellowship Program, the Summer Associate Program, the Internship Program, the Legal Academy, the Multi-Media Academy, the IPO High School Summer Camp, and Casa.  All of the programs are geared towards young leaders of color and promote multi-ethnic collaboration.  Alumni can advance the programs within their respective college(s) as well as their professional and personal networks.  If you have a candidate referral, please contact Academy Director, Danielle Trimiew.

Fundraising

When alumni give financially to Greenlining, they demonstrate that those who best know Greenlining, value its continued work. Such support is critical to Greenlining’s ability to fundraise from foundations and corporations. As part of its role in strengthening the Greenlining Academy, the GAAA regularly asks alumni to support the Academy and its programs. Our goal is to increase the number of alums that actively participate in the growth of the Academy, regardless of the amount donated.

To donate, please click here, and remember that any amount you can give makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!

Alumni Networking

Historically, the GAAA has kept alumni connected via the email list serve greenliningalumni@yahoogroups.com  In April 2009, the GAAA launched an official LinkedIn group: Greenlining Institute Academy Alumni Association, we encourage all alumni to join this group.  This forum allows alumni to search for alumni, review and participate in different discussion topics, and learn about what events are happening in you area.  

In addition to the LinkedIn and Yahoo! the GAAA recently launched the Class Liaison role. The Class Liaison serves as the main point of contact between his/her class and the GAAA. The Class Liaison’s primary function is to help keep their class connected and ensure higher participation within the GAAA.

If you have any questions about the LinkedIn group, the Yahoo list serve, or want to learn more about the Class Liasions, please contact Vicenta Arrizon, GAAA External Secretary.
 
To help facilitate alumni networking, the GAAA established a fund for alumni who wish to organize social/networking events.  Regional events are funded at the $100 level.  If you are interested in hosting an Alumni Mixer or other function, please contact Vicenta Arrizon, GAAA External Secretary.  

LinkedIn and Vicenta Arrizon

Professional Development Scholarship

The Professional Development Scholarship was launched in February 2008.  The Scholarship fund provides small grants to alumni to enable them to attend trainings, conferences or other events that further their professional development.  Examples of eligible trainings focus on management, technical and/or leadership skills that contribute meaningfully to the applicant’s professional growth. Scholarships are awarded up to $300 and can be applied towards training and/or travel costs associated with professional development.  

For more information and to complete an application, click here.

Annual Alumni Meeting and Networking Mixer

Every year, GAAA hosts two events for alumni at Greenlining's Annual Economic Summit: a networking mixer and the GAAA Annual Meeting.  These are the most well attended of all of GAAA's events and are a unique opportunity to network, learn the latest about the Greenlining Academy, and provide feedback to the GAAA. 

GAAA assists alumni with financial assistance to help cover travel, hotel and registration costs to attend the Summit.  To apply for financial assistance for the upcoming Annual Economic Summit, please fill out the Professional Development Scholarship application (above).  The Greenlining Institute generously waives registration costs and provides hotel rooms for alumni to share. 

For more information on any of these programs and activities, please contact Vicenta Arrizon, GAAA External Secretary.