Citizens for Educational Excellence 2016 - 2017 Annual Report | Page 4

CONGRATULATIONS! 2016 Leading By Example Education Advocates Policy Advocate Mayor Nelda Martinez was elected mayor of Corpus Christi in 2012. Before becoming mayor, she was an at-large member of the Corpus Christi City Council from 2007-2012. The Mayor’s commitment to education is evidenced by her Town Hall meetings and her education stakeholder summit to grow our community through education from Crayons to Careers. Community Champions Sam L. and Catherine Susser have a long tradition of supporting children and youth education initiatives. Mrs. Susser currently serves on the Corpus Christi ISD Board of Trustees and both sit on numerous education-related boards. The Sussers have a foundation that is used to improve the lives of individuals through education. Community Organization Advocate Charity League is comprised of 40 women dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in our community. They seek out one non-profit organization each year and raise funds for worthy projects. Last year Citizens for Educational Excellence was the recipient of a $251,000 grant to purchase the Coastal Compass Mobile Center. Corporate Advocate CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery through its Hands for Hillcrest Program contributed nearly 1.5 million dollars to improving the quality of life in the Hillcrest Neighborhood. The grants, provided to several community organizations, including Citizens for Educational Excellence, focused on education and career success.