Alyssa Lego
Young Professional, Philanthropist, and Student with 5+ Years of Fundraising Experience and Autism Advocacy Work
Table of 3 5 My Philanthropy & Advocacy Story Event Management Achievements 8 Community Outreach & Impact 10 Mission-Driven Communications Campaigns 14 You Me Neurodiversity 17 Honors, Awards, and Media Highlights
Every change-maker’s path begins with a defining moment. For me, it was the responsibility and bond I felt as the elder sister to Michael, a nonvocal individual with autism. This relationship kindled my advocacy flame at just fourteen, guiding me to create an autism appreciation lesson plan. But that spark grew into a blaze. Over the next six years, I’ve founded and led a nonprofit, while spearheading impactful fundraising efforts and communication campaigns.
Today, I am the proud creator of You Me Neurodiversity - a children’s book series that champions the beauty of friendship and autism appreciation. Each purchase supports autism-focused charities.
With a deep-seated passion for social change and a proven track record in fundraising and leadership, I am eager and ready to contribute to the mission of ASN!
Alyssa Lego
My Philanthropy & Advocacy Story
Event Management Achievements
Shop. Sell. Strut! (2017)
Beneficiary: Autism NJ
Format: In-person runway fashion show
Highlights:
Featured local and international designers
Volunteer models showcasing the designs
Marketplace for second-hand clothing and vendor shopping
Attendees: 300-350
Strut! Event Series (2018 & 2019)
Beneficiary: Morgan Marie Michael Foundation
Format: Continued the tradition of in-person runway shows
Highlights:
Collaborations with new designers and vendors
Growing popularity with a consistent number of attendees
Strutting in the Skies (2020)
Context: Adaptation due to COVID-19
Format: Virtual event
Highlights:
Celebrated the fundraising achievements of Morgan Marie Michael Foundation ambassadors
Fundraising incentives included professional photoshoots
Successful fundraisers featured on promotional billboards advocating for autism acceptance nationwide
Alyssa Lego
Over $100,000 across all events, underlining the dedication of our community and the far-reaching impact of our initiatives in supporting autism acceptance and advocacy.
Alyssa Lego
Community Outreach & Impact
Direct Impact Initiatives
1.
iCan iPad Learning Experience: Deliver iPads, protective cases, and AAC communication software to individuals with autism
2. Sensory Gifting Program:
Provide custom sensory gifts tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism
Equip police patrol cars with sensory tools, facilitating safer and more compassionate community interactions.
Alyssa Lego
3. SafeCommSensory Initiative:
Community Outreach & Impact (cont.)
Youth Programming & Education
1.
Ambassador Program: Engage and empower 100+ young individuals to champion autism acceptance, fundraise, and spread awareness
2.
Foster autism appreciation among young learners. This includes school visits, special assemblies, and celebrations for World Autism Day.
Alyssa Lego
Friends Who Are Different Lesson Plan:
Mission-Driven Communications Campaigns
Throughout my advocacy journey, I’ve helped pioneer mission-driven communications campaigns designed to amplify and diversify the narrative surrounding autism. Notably, I produced The Other Side of the Spectrum, a narrative video aimed at enriching our understanding of autism beyond prevalent stereotypes. Each April, for Autism Acceptence Month, I assisted in uniting communities with 30-day photo challenges that resonated widely, creating awareness and fostering unity. Beyond these campaigns I’ve also been honored to lend voice at various communi events, ensuring that our reaches a broad and dive audience, speaking chang story at a time.
These endeavors not only shaped the narrative but also ignited a passion within me, leading me to my current role as the creator of You Me Neurodiversity.
Alyssa Lego
You Me Neurodiversity
I’m thrilled to present the You Me Neurodiversity series, a heartfelt initiative to foster autism appreciation among young readers. Highlights include Max and the Tower of Acceptance, where we meet Max and join his journey toward inclusion, and Lily Finds Her Voice, showcasing a nonvocal perspective. Awaiting readers in Winter 2024 is Henry and the Birthday Invitation.
Beyond storytelling, royalties from the series directly support autism-focused charities. Complementary resources include the neurodiversity-affirming activity book Colorful Minds. Colorful World and the You Me We: In Our Circle educational kit, empowering educators and community builders to teach about neurodiversity.
Alyssa Lego
Honors, Awards, and Media Highlights
PHILANTHROPIC ACCOLADES
2022 Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award
2021 Dame (Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel
2019-2020 The Congressional Award
2020 The Lesniak Institute for American Leadership Cause Leader
2019 The Prudential Spirit of Community National Bronze Distinguished Finalist
2019 Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
OneCause On-Demand Webinar (March 2022)
The Magic of 15 Seconds: Leveraging TikTok for Nonprofit Success
RAISE: The Event Fundraising Conference (2019)
Leveraging Ambassadors to Grow Fundraising and Events
Metro Women’s Leadership Summit
Giving Is So Much More Rewarding Than Receiving!
The Lights Fest (2018-2019)
Keynote
The Future of Philanthropy
Boston College
How Morgan Marie Michael Foundation Launched Their Annual In-Person Event into a Virtual Celebration
OneCause
Effective Altruism & Inspiring to Inspire
RAISE Nation Radio Podcast
Alyssa Lego Advocates for Everyone to Share an Ice Cream Cone, Together
The Lesniak Institute
Through Resources and Education, Alyssa Lego Strives to Build a Better World for Individuals with Autism
The Heights
Nonprofit visits Woods Services with a gift
Bucks County Courier Times
Honors, Awards, and Media Highlights (cont.) COMING SOON:
Using Pageant and Fashion Show Experience, Teens
Launch ‘I Strut for Autism’ Awareness Movement Points of Light
Alyssa Lego
Thank you for reading!
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