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Alina Tomeh

Associate Director of Portfolio Solutions and Research at Mindful Philanthropy (AS OF January 2026)

Former Position at CEP
Sr. Analyst, Assessment and Advisory Services

Length of Tenure at CEP
4 years

What are you up to these days?
I currently work at Mindful Philanthropy, an organization that advises funders on strategic giving to mental health and addiction. We build funder understanding of the issues and solutions, convene peer networks for support in decision-making and implementation, and create a Portfolio of high-impact opportunities. As the Associate Director of Portfolio Solutions and Research, I scour the landscape for organizations and models that support mental health in alignment with our strategy, interview and evaluate efforts for proven and promising impact, and then amplify their work to our network of 1,100 funders. .

How did your time at CEP prepare you for what you are doing now?
I’m constantly building on the skills for which CEP laid the foundation! At CEP, I strengthened analytical skills, synthesizing a wide set of information and distilling into clear take-aways and recommendations. I built data skills, including Excel and SQL, survey and interview design, and database management. I became practiced in clear and crisp communication, both in written memos and formal presentations, and managing relationships with clients, partners and colleagues. I was also able to build deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape, practice, and sector, which has been invaluable.

What do you miss most about working at CEP?
My answer is honest, but pretty boring because everyone says it! It’s the people and the culture. CEP’s leadership is not afraid to ask critical questions about our work and the field, acts with principle, integrity, and grace at every turn, and brings kindness, fun, and humor to all aspects of the work. This standard permeates and is true at every corner of the organization. I have deep respect for my former CEP colleagues’ perspectives and feel grateful to have learned so much from them. I’ll also add the Boston office’s views, quiet offices, and snack closets are a close second.

What advice would you give someone about working at CEP?
One of CEP’s strengths is the willingness to support your interests, curiosities, and growth within the organization’s needs. Take advantage of it! The team is responsive and wants you to succeed.

Describe your perfect Sunday.
I love weekend trips and adventures with friends, especially to nature. So my Sunday starts in a tent or cozy AirBnb, tag-teaming breakfast duties with the other early risers, going on a long hike or bike ride, and then cramming into a car ride home for goofy or sincere chats.

Recent Blogs

Nonprofits in Crisis: Recent Grantee Experiences Reveal the Necessity of Funders’ Attention and ActionPranathi Posa Senior Analyst, Assessment and Advisory Services, CEPMena Boyadzhiev Senior Director, Assessment and Advisory Services, CEPGeorgia Kazemi Analyst, Assessment and Advisory Services, CEP
Nonprofits in Crisis: Recent Grantee Experiences Reveal the Necessity of Funders’ Attention and Action

“A Sector in Crisis,” CEP’s recent research report, spotlights the nationwide effects of the current moment on nonprofits across the country — and, importantly, how foundations are (or, in some cases, are not) meeting the moment to support nonprofits. Effective...

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