Grants Coordinator, Community Investment
Cecelia first joined the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation as a College Success Coach before transitioning into her current role as Grants Coordinator. Rooted in a social work background, she is a community-driven professional dedicated to making institutional systems like grantmaking, scholarships, and educational pathways more accessible, equitable, and community-centered.
As the Grants Coordinator at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Cecelia supports the systems and processes that help local resources reach communities across Washtenaw County. With a background in social work, grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, and philanthropy, Cecelia brings a community-centered and equity-focused perspective to her work.
Specializing in grantmaking operations, scholarship administration, and youth and student success, Cecelia coordinates grant agreements, funding distribution, and post-award processes while supporting the Foundation’s grantmaking software and community partners. She is passionate about making philanthropic processes accessible, transparent, and supportive, approaching her work with structure, clear communication, and empathy.
She views thoughtful organization and open communication not just as administrative upkeep, but as essential ways to build trust and accessibility with community members. Whether troubleshooting software needs or managing post-award workflows, her goal is to make every interaction with AAACF straightforward, supportive, and stress-free.
Cecelia’s educational background includes an MSW from the University of Kentucky and a BA from Saginaw Valley State University. She is also a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Michigan. She entered the philanthropic sector through AmeriCorps, where she supported community outreach, student access, and led a community needs assessment. She later served as a Program Associate at another community foundation, overseeing a youth council, managing two grant programs, assisting with competitive grantmaking, and supporting scholarship administration.
Outside of work, Cecelia enjoys reading, writing, crafting, hiking, traveling, and spending time near the water. She’s also enjoying Washtenaw County, with kayaking on the Huron River at Argo Park among her favorite local memories.
