Alaina Stamos

Alaina Stamos

Vice President of Development

Alaina is an experienced nonprofit executive with a successful track record in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and event planning. Since joining Illumination Foundation in 2018, Alaina has worked on strategic planning, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and events.

Alaina’s commitment to human services began at a young age, when she helped her mother establish and run a Vanguard Cancer Foundation, which has raised more than $15 million dollars to empower cancer patients through education, awareness and financial assistance. Alaina, whose career working with community-based organizations spans more than 30 years, has served on multiple nonprofit gala committees throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties and has co-chaired many galas, raising record amounts for philanthropic causes.

After working as a multiple subject teacher with unstably housed children in low-income neighborhoods, Alaina transitioned into counseling, working with children throughout Orange County who were experiencing homelessness, neglect, and abuse. Through this experience, she developed a passion to serve individuals experiencing homelessness.  

Alaina received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and received a BA from the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communication. She also holds a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education. Alaina is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Worldwide Women’s Association, USC Town and Gown, AG Community, and Tri Delta Alumnae.