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Allyson Dela Cruz is a dedicated nonprofit professional who has spent the last 8+ years raising money for education. Allyson worked in a variety of development roles for Purdue University, managing digital fundraising strategy, development operations, donor stewardship, and event planning. Allyson then went on to work as a major gift fundraiser for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. There, she led a $22M campaign to build the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, a research and teaching facility for students studying wine and viticulture. She also raised funds for research, faculty support, student programs, and scholarships, including the first of its kind full-ride scholarship program to support BIPOC students studying wine and viticulture.

Allyson cares deeply about student success and educational equity. She was raised by a public school administrator and is a first generation college graduate. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from UCLA and a master’s degree in Public Relations Management from Indiana University. In her free time, Allyson can be found trying new restaurants with her husband, taking her Labrador Retriever on walks around Oakland, or searching for the best donut shop in the bay area.