For Dr. Tammy Mann, President and CEO of the Campagna Center, helping children and families in Alexandria isn’t just a job—it’s her passion. “It’s been a tremendous joy for me to have this opportunity,” she shares. Since 2011, Dr. Mann has been at the helm of the Campagna Center, one of Alexandria’s oldest and most trusted nonprofits. She has led its mission of empowering the community by providing critical services to nearly 2,500 children, teens, and adults every day.
Dr. Mann recalls her early involvement with ACT through its Early Care and Education Work Group, which she joined over a decade ago. Since then, that work has evolved into the Kids First Years initiative, laying the foundation for a systems-wide approach to early childhood education in Alexandria. “It was the seed for building out this whole systems focus to early care and education,” she reflects. “I’ve just loved being part of this collaborative, collective impact mindset that ACT was so instrumental in helping to support throughout my time here.”
As ACT for Alexandria celebrates its own milestone—20 years of service—Dr. Mann reflects on the valuable partnerships that have formed over the years. ACT, known for connecting and supporting Alexandria’s nonprofits, has been essential to the Campagna Center’s work, helping fund crucial initiatives that expand access to education and support. “ACT has been a catalyst for meaningful action in our community,” says Dr. Mann. “They’re not just on the sidelines— they’re actively driving change.”
One of the most notable ways ACT supports nonprofits like the Campagna Center is through their Spring2ACTion campaign, an annual fundraiser that raises money for local organizations. Last year, the Campagna Center had its most successful Spring2ACTion campaign, with record-breaking funds directed toward early literacy programs that help young children read at grade level by third grade. The campaign also funded English language classes, providing immigrants and refugees with the skills needed to pursue better job and education opportunities, creating pathways to brighter futures for themselves and their families.
ACT’s role as a convener and catalyst is another aspect Dr. Mann values deeply. By bringing local leaders together around critical topics like racial equity and youth support, ACT facilitates important conversations that foster unity and drive positive change. Dr. Mann credits ACT’s efforts with helping organizations like the Campagna Center prioritize these issues in a way that benefits the entire Alexandria community.
As the Campagna Center looks forward to its 80th year and ACT marks its 20th, the partnership between these two organizations demonstrates the profound impact that community-focused collaboration can have. With support from ACT, the Campagna Center is set to continue its mission of equipping Alexandria’s families with the resources they need to thrive—celebrating both the past and the promising future ahead.