Board of Directors
CINDY ALVARADO
Vice President
Cindy Alvarado brings eight years of diverse experience in the philanthropic sector, having held key roles in program management, learning, and evaluation. Her extensive background informs her community-centered approach, making her an asset to any organization she serves.
Currently, Cindy works as a Grants Manager at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. In this role, she enhances grantmaking systems and processes, leverages data and insights, and fosters a culture that values efficient, flexible, and equitable grants management practices. Cindy is a strong advocate for refining how work is conducted, believing that the approach to grantmaking significantly impacts the effectiveness of foundations and nonprofits in serving communities.
Cindy is a 2019-2020 Harmony Initiative Fellow with the Justice Funders Network. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University.
LALLA V. MORRIS
Secretary
Lalla V. Morris, Esq. is Legal Counsel and Manager of Data Privacy & Records Management at CenterPoint Energy, ensuring compliance with various legal and regulatory requirements.
Prior to this, Lalla served as the Assistant Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity, where she oversaw certification and contract compliance, business development, and capacity-building initiatives.
From 2013 to 2019, Lalla was Director of Operations and Legal Counsel at Families Empowered, handling finance, HR, IT, and community engagement. She also worked at Neuberger Berman and Lehman Brothers Asset Management, marketing investment funds to institutional clients.
Lalla holds a BBA in Finance from Howard University, a JD and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University, and a Nonprofit Finance Certificate from Rice University. She serves on the boards of the Region 4 Education Service Center and Collective Action for Youth.
In her spare time, Lalla enjoys traveling, visiting museums, and trying new restaurants.
ROBERT LIHALAKHA
Treasurer
Robert Lihalakha is a dedicated sports manager and real estate investor passionate about community service. A Houston native, he earned his Bachelor's degree from McNeese State University and a Master's degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University. With a strong foundation in sports management, Robert has driven success and growth for various teams and organizations.
Committed to making a positive impact, Robert partners with local organizations and businesses to provide essential services and resources to those in need. His philanthropic efforts focus on supporting the less fortunate, earning him recognition and respect within his community.
Combining skills in sports management and real estate, Robert excels in teamwork, strategy, leadership, and identifying growth opportunities. His unwavering dedication and passion make him a true leader and change-maker in his community.
Are you interested in finding out more about becoming a Board Member for Collective Action for Youth? Send your inquiry to info@ca4y.org.
SURI CLARK
Director
As Senior Director at We-Collab, Suri Clark manages the philanthropic portfolio, leading projects in equity technical assistance, grantmaking strategy, and change management consulting. Previously, she was a Fund Manager for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, overseeing a global COVID-19 response fund, with a focus on equity in grantmaking.
Suri's career is driven by a commitment to racial justice. She ensures that marginalized voices have opportunities to participate in decision-making. Her unique lived experience shapes her approach to equity and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of involving those directly affected by inequities.
Suri began her career in public health, working as a health educator before moving into the social good sector. She holds a BS in Public Health from North Dakota State University. Suri is a board member of Collective Action for Youth and volunteers with various foster youth organizations in Houston. In her spare time, she enjoys running, gardening, jazz music, and outdoor activities with her son, Jameson.