Amplify Opportunity: CSF Alumni Unite to Support Current Scholars
For thousands of first-generation and low-income students across Washington state, College Success Foundation has been a source of guidance, encouragement, and belonging. Through trusted coaches, supportive communities, and personalized support, CSF has helped students see that college was not only possible but a place where they belonged. Now, alumni who once received that support are giving back to help the next generation of students succeed. We invite all College Success Foundation alumni to participate in our Alumni Giving Challenge to have their donations and impact tripled through a 3:1 match from now through June 30.
Riley Haggard | Co-Owner, Haggard Houseboats | Project Manager, Tukwila Promise
Foster High School | Western Washington University | NYU
“The more alumni come out and show their pride, the more they inspire others to reflect on the opportunities they received. It could be a tidal wave of giving.”
Riley’s connection to College Success Foundation spans more than two decades and has taken on a lot of different shapes. He was among the first cohort of CSF Scholars, then became president of the first-ever CSF student club at Western Washington University, where he studied political science and communications, earning his bachelor’s degree there. He later pursued his master’s in public administration from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, a degree that formalized a commitment to public service that CSF helped ignite years earlier.
After graduation, he returned to College Success Foundation, working in alumni relations and helping build the very network he’d once benefited from.
“I want to see CSF continue to help young people believe in something bigger than themselves.”
Riley gives back financially and through mentorship and relationship-building because he believes the alumni network is its own form of opportunity. Professional connections can open doors and give a sense that you’re part of something bigger.
“CSF provided me with a community and lifelong friends that I carry with me to this day.”
Lilia Foma’i | Project Manager, Workforce Development, Seattle Colleges
Kent-Meridian High School | Central Washington University
“Give at the capacity comfortable to you, and be proud of it. Regardless of the amount, your support shows commitment and belief in other first-generation students.”
Lilia was first connected to College Success Foundation in high school and college when she was a first-generation student. Eventually, she worked at the CSF front desk while attending college, an experience she credits with shaping her professional path in higher education. For Lilia, CSF was more than a program. It was a place where someone would always pick up the phone, listen, and help her find a way through.
That was especially true when life interrupted her college journey. Partway through her third year, managing health challenges and caregiving responsibilities at the same time, she left school and moved home. When she was finally ready to come back, she reached out to CSF, half-expecting a door to be closed. Instead, her scholarship was reinstated, and she was connected to a college closer to home. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in psychology from Central Washington University and became the first in her family to graduate from a university.
“CSF gave me a place, and a specific person, to turn to when I needed help or guidance.”
Now a project manager in workforce development at Seattle Colleges, Lilia gives back as a monthly donor because she believes consistency matters. Working in higher education herself, she understands how important sustained support is for students navigating both college and career, and she gives in a way that reflects that.
“Giving back isn’t just about dollars. It’s about showing up for the community that showed up for me.”
John Lioe | Industrial Designer & Founder, LIOE Design
Cleveland High School | University of Washington | Academy of Art University
“I want to repay CSF in whatever way possible for helping me get to college. To me, it’s like coming full circle.”
College Success Foundation helped kick-start John’s life. He hadn’t considered going to the University of Washington until he discovered CSF as a high school student. John still remembers the encouragement and guidance he received as he navigated college for the first time, from understanding how to register for classes to celebrating his graduation with a special CSF tassel. That support helped him feel seen and like he truly belonged in higher education.
He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in art from UW, an experience that clarified what he wanted to pursue. The most life-changing part? He met his wife there. From UW, he went on to complete his master’s in design at the Academy of Art University, and that degree is the direct foundation for what he does today: designing and manufacturing his own products through LIOE Design.
“In the beginning of my career, I couldn’t afford to give back very much. Today, I’m a little more established, so I can give back a little more, in hopes of helping the next generation.”
Today, John gives back through annual gifts because he sees it as an opportunity to invest in the next generation of scholars. His story is a reminder that alumni giving can grow alongside someone’s career, and that showing up at any level, at any stage, creates lasting opportunities for future students.
“Every little bit helps. Since we all benefited, we should help it continue.”
Salomé Valencia-Bohné | Founder & Owner, Eastside Rivers Wellness, PLLC | CSF Board Member
Davis High School | Pacific Lutheran University | University of Washington
“The next generation of scholars deserves to know that their hopes and dreams are valid and possible. And that the CSF community supports them and cares about their success every step of the way.”
Salomé’s relationship with College Success Foundation has grown from one-time scholar to current leader within CSF. She completed her undergraduate studies at Pacific Lutheran University before going on to the University of Washington, where she built the academic foundation for her work as a licensed psychotherapist. Today, in addition to her clinical and advocacy work, she serves on CSF’s Board of Directors, helping guide the organization’s direction and mission.
She remembers the consistent mentorship and encouragement CSF offered throughout her educational journey, and how much it shaped the way she now shows up for others. Those early experiences of being checked in on, believed in, and supported are baked into how she practices as a therapist, advocates for others, supports her child who has medical needs, and how she leads as a Latinx/e community member.
“The constant mentorship and presence CSF provided taught me the importance of showing up for those I care for.”
Salomé gives back to CSF because she has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact that access to a higher education degree can have on a person and a community. At this stage of her career, Salomé contributes to organizations that align with her convictions.
“We can all do something to make our communities a better place.”
When you make a gift through College Success Foundation’s Alumni Giving Challenge between now and Thursday, June 11, you will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the Friday, June 19, Mariners game against the Red Sox. Seats are on the first base side in Section 121, a great spot for the post-game fireworks show.