Alyssa Lego Next GEN Board Member Application

Portfolio

Alyssa Lego

Young Professional, Philanthropist, and Student with 5+ Years of Fundraising Experience and Autism Advocacy Work

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 siz 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 strategic communications, I am eager and ready to contribute as a NEXT Gen Board Member.

Alyssa Lego

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

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.

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 pioneered 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 united communities with 30-day photo challenges that resonated widely, creating awareness and fostering unity. Beyond these campaigns, I’ve also been honored to lend my voice various community events ensuring that our messag 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.

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

“Do

Alyssa Lego