Giving Back and Paying It Forward: The Alumni Impact
As a graduate, you’ve already made a lasting impact—on your family, your community, and our program. Below are a few more ways you can stay connected to our mission. Whether you have time to volunteer or just want to share an update, we’d love to hear from you. However you choose to stay involved, we’re glad you’re here!
Why It Matters
Here are the top three ways alumni directly strengthen our mission:
1. Expanding Our Reach
Many of our applicants hear about Capital IDEA through someone they trust—you. When you refer a friend, family member, or coworker, you're extending opportunity directly into our community. Refer someone today.
2. Strengthening Our Relationships with Funders and Partners
When alumni share their story in print or at events in-person, it brings our impact to life. Your voice builds the trust that keeps our work going—funders, employers, and lawmakers pay attention when they hear from you. Sign up to share your story.
3. Opening Doors Where You Work
As alumni move up, they’re in a powerful position to help us build new employer connections. Whether you're sharing job openings or introducing us to hiring managers, every new connection opens a path to opportunity and brighter futures. If you’re interested in how you can help, connect with our Senior Employer Coordinator today: Ron Modesty.
Join the Alumni Network in Action
You're Our Best Referral Network!
Download referral resources from our toolkit and keep spreading the word about Capital IDEA.
Sign Up to Share, Speak, or Volunteer.
Fill out the form below to share your interests in helping further our mission through direct support.
Connect to Your Alumni Network.
Join an online alumni community to stay connected and updated on what’s happening in the alumni network.
“I was the first in my family to graduate from college. Since then, one of my cousins has followed in my footsteps. I now enjoy encouraging others to take a leap of faith to improve their lives, just like I am doing every day.”
"I am so thankful and proud to be a Capital IDEA graduate."
“I worked hard to make my dreams come true, and I want to be a guide to others. I gave my brother the motivation to go to medical school, and I have set a different standard with my family.”
“Can you believe it? This teenage mom has already gotten two of her four kids to become self-sufficient and two into higher education! And my third oldest is starting at UTSA in the Cybersecurity program in the fall of 2023. I have always told them education is a door opener for bigger things in life.”
“Leadership is not just about titles. It’s about being present, patient, and persistent, no matter the obstacles.”
“To this day, I reflect on a T-shirt I received from Capital IDEA when I got started that says ‘Be Your Own Hero’. That is exactly what I did.”
Celebrating Spirit & Leadership—Meet Our Honorees
Each year, we recognize graduates with two awards: the Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award and the Aurora Alworth Spirit Award— celebrating individuals whose stories exemplify the strength, determination, and leadership shared by so many of our alumni. These honorees remind us of the experiences that unite Capital IDEA graduates and the incredible impact they continue to have on their families, workplaces, and communities.
2025 Honorees
Aurora Alworth Spirit Award
Ursula Jaimes, 2025 graduate, Dental Hygiene
“For anyone who’s struggling right now, or is getting ready to start a new chapter — find your community, find your people, and find the resources you need. They’ll make a difference.”
Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award
Jason Lopez, 2019 graduate, Support Engineer (IT)
"Leadership is born from moments like these. It's built in hardship, choosing perseverance when quitting feels easier."
Transformation Champion
The 2025 Aurora Alworth Spirit Award and the 2025 Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award are generously supported by long-time employer partner and Transformation Champion sponsor Ascension Seton. Thank you!
Honored Graduates Through the Years
Aurora Alworth Spirit Award
The Aurora Alworth Spirit Award remembers one of Capital IDEA’s earliest students whose commitment to her education could not be stopped, even by cancer. Aurora maintained her studies during treatment and inspired her fellow students. She passed away in 2002, and we honor her by recognizing a graduate who shows the same spirit of perseverance and dedication to their education.
2025 | Ursula Jaimes
2024 | Josefina Rodriguez
2023 | NaHailey Cloud-Onderdonk
2022 | Shahida Ferdous
2021 | Gabrielle Michelle Shepherd
2020 | Joe Manuel Sepeda, Jr.
2019 | Alondra Rodriguez
2018 | Joanna Decrescenzo
2017 | Lauren Glass
2016 | Tania Santiago
2015 | Kimberly Rodriguez
2014 | Berke Lee Healey-Haver
2013 | George Prochnow
2012 | Jennifer Moore
2011 | Sema Toe
2010 | Johnnie Love
2009 | Hoda Fadl
2008 | Ana Sanchez
2007 | Irene Casillas
2006 | Chris Nix
2005 | Marian Allen
2004 | Debbie Johnson
2003 | Beatrice Espinola
2002 | Shirley Martinez
Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award
The Mark Melliar-Smith Leadership Award was created to honor and cultivate the tradition of leadership among Capital IDEA’s students and graduates. It is named for former Board member, Mark Melliar-Smith, whose level of involvement and dedication over his twelve years on the board serves as our example of excellence in leadership.
2025 | Jason Lopez
2024 | Victoria Jaimes
2023 | Ramon Gonzalez
2022 | Connie Castillo
2021 | Teresa Garza
2020 | Shirlet Oriakhi
2019 | Aida Nacro
2018 | Stephanie Mbulu
2017 | Nancy Quiroz
2016 | Koreena Malone
2015 | Michael Holman
2014 | Marisela Garcia
2013 | Marie Valerio
2012 | Gabriela Rangel-Wong
Further the Capital IDEA Mission
Thank you for the impact you've already made through your time with Capital IDEA. Help continue to expand our reach, strengthen relationships, and open doors through new connections.
Fill out the interest form to share your interest in getting involved.
Alumni Interest Form
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