Yalla is a cross-cultural word that means “let’s go.” Y’alla means stepping up to a moment, remembering what’s important and creating a plan to get there. But effecting change takes all of us, working in partnership and collaboration.
Y’alla Collaborative works with clients as they chart a path towards long-term sustainability. Y’alla Collaborative provides a wide range of services from building deep and lasting relationships with investors and allies, front-line fundraising, a full development department assessment, recommendations and action plan, creating and implementing plans for a major donor program, onboarding and mentoring staff, filling short-term and urgent capacity needs and more.
Y’alla Collaborative is about crossing boundaries, the borders between “how it’s always been done” and envisioning solutions that are tailored to each individual client and building coalitions across clients, partners and other allies.
Yaël Ouzillou founded Y’alla Collaborative in 2020 after over 25 years working on national, state and local political campaigns, within progressive and non-profit organizations. Y’alla Collaborative was founded to reflect Yaël’s roots, motivation and wisdom gained working with so many diverse and talented people.
Yaël is a veteran of multiple Governor, U.S. Senate campaigns and two Presidential campaigns with the most recent being as Deputy National Finance Director overseeing the South Central region for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign where she hired and mentored a diverse team of six to drive financial and donor related activities that ultimately raised over $40 million in the region. Prior to joining the Hillary for America campaign, Yaël was a partner in RYLO Consulting where clients included Texas Organizing Project, William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, Share Our Strength, Marc Veasey for Congress and others. During an eight-year stint in Washington, DC, Yaël worked as part of the development staff for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Democratic National Committee, EMILY’s List and as the National Finance Director for Senator Jean Carnahan. Yaël began her career in Texas working on the re-election campaign of the late Governor Ann Richards. Today, Yaël continues to help progressive candidates, causes, and non-profits light a lasting fire to fuel their cause. She is on the boards of Texas Organizing Project and Wonder Women of Wine.
Shanna has decades of experience managing, fundraising, and consulting on Democratic campaigns from the local to federal level and issue campaigns. She has advised progressive organizations, unions, and allied groups on their political giving and strategic campaign plans. Shanna also spent several years at the Texas state capitol as a policy analyst for House members and lobbying for teachers. Shanna’s non-profit experience includes working at an international conservation organization overseeing their board management, special projects, and coordinating their successful campaign to protect Bracken Cave Reserve from development. Over the years she has engaged key decision makers, cultivated strategic relationships, and honed her skills in project management and messaging. She lets her dogs take her on daily walks and true to her South Texas roots, has a salsa business on the side (dips not dancing).
Ryan Wright has been a Fellow at Yalla Collaborative since February 2020. Ryan is responsible for data management, research and providing operational support to clients. He graduated from St. Edwards University with a bachelors in Political Science and plans to go back to school in 2021 for a Masters degree. Ryan is passionate about global affairs and the United Nations, and has even chaired several committees for the International Model UN, “Future We Want.” In his free time, he likes to read books and mix fancy cocktails.
We are committed to both the inspiring organizations we’ve had long standing relationships with and partnering with new clients – from candidates to established and emerging members of our ecosystem.