Kean Graduate Founds Company That Helps Nonprofit Organizations Thrive

Sandra Cespedes Allen ’89, ’91 M.A., draws on the foundation she gained at Kean University to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.

She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish in 1989, followed by a master’s degree in school counseling in 1991. While completing her graduate studies, she also taught psychology at the University, an experience that sharpened her understanding of leadership, communication and human behavior and continues to influence her work today.

In 2019, Allen founded Almora Advisors, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations operate more effectively. The firm reflects her belief in the power of organizations doing critical work, often with limited funding and stretched teams, to create meaningful change.

Since its launch, Almora has supported organizations in strengthening fundraising, board governance and strategic planning. As part of its mission, the female-led firm also invests in the next generation of leaders by helping launch careers through a robust internship program.

Almora’s clients include Disability Rights New Jersey, Help a Diabetic Child and Share My Meals, an organization providing meals to families in need.

“I'm drawn to organizations with important missions that don’t always receive a lot of public attention,” Allen said. “Helping bring them focus and awareness is what really drives me.”

Lauren Mastrobuono, assistant chair of Kean’s Department of Psychology, remembers Allen as an exceptional teacher and is equally impressed by her nonprofit work today.

“By using ingenuity and understanding to transform organizations and lives, she embodies the mission of our program,” Mastrobuono said.

A native of Cuba who grew up in Palisades Park and now lives in Princeton, Allen first discovered her passion for philanthropy when she stepped in to help the nonprofit Kids In Crisis, which supports children at risk. That work quickly expanded into her passion for helping nonprofits serving women and young people in distress, alongside her service on different boards.

She officially launched Almora Advisors shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, pioneering a remote model that continues to define the firm today.

“One of our first clients didn’t have the resources to continue,” she said. “Because we helped them fundraise during COVID, they were able to stay in business. We built a strong donor pipeline, ran their events and operations, and even after their executive director resigned, they didn’t miss any opportunities.”

Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, credits Almora with helping her organization reach its potential.

“In addition to giving her time and talent, Sandra leads with a kind heart and strong values,” Ray-Jones said. “She delivers practical strategies that ensure nonprofits have exceptional boards, strong leadership and the systems needed to maximize their impact.”

Allen furthered her education by earning an M.S. in nonprofit management from Columbia University in 2019. She now serves on two boards there and teaches courses in organizational governance.

Still, she remains deeply grateful for the foundation she built at Kean, crediting her experience balancing teaching and graduate study with instilling the discipline and efficiency that guide her work today.

“I didn't have a moment that wasn't busy,” she said. “That’s a gift I’ll carry forever, because it prepared me to be extremely efficient.”

For Allen, the lessons she learned at Kean continue to shape how she listens, leads and helps organizations fulfill their missions, ensuring that the work she began as a student now extends far beyond campus.