Kohawk alumni thriving in nonprofit worlds
Kohawks stepping into nonprofit careers are becoming powerful forces for change in their communities. In choosing paths that prioritize purpose, these graduates embody the values of service, leadership and community entrenched in a Coe College education. They remind us of the power of channeling education, skills and passion into meaningful work and that success can be defined by the lives changed through their compassion and commitment to their neighbors.
Whether managing local programs, advocating for change or running outreach campaigns, Coe alumni bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of mission to the nonprofit world. For many, the decision to work in nonprofits stems from a desire to give back to the places that helped shape them — transforming gratitude into action. This is true of Coe alums who stayed in Cedar Rapids and found their calling outside of the Eastern Iowa communities.
Their impact also extends beyond their careers. Alumni across all career paths frequently engage in mentorship, volunteerism and local initiatives that support youth, improve access to resources and foster societal growth.
Inspirational Alumni in Nonprofit Careers
Charity Roberts Tyler ‘96, Executive Director of Cedar Rapids Public Library
Originally from Oklahoma City, Charity Tyler made Cedar Rapids her home after graduating from Coe College with her bachelor’s in English and psychology. In 1996, Charity received the Alumni Association Award for her commitment to community service during her time at Coe. As a student, Charity coordinated the Coe Volunteer Clearinghouse (CVC) and completed a successful internship with United Way of East Central Iowa. Her work as the CVC coordinator connected over 200 Kohawk volunteers with organizations in the community. She hoped to find a position within a non-profit organization upon graduation. (Insert quote and/or photo from Cosmos here) After some time gaining experience in the corporate world, she had the opportunity to integrate her professional experience with her passion. In 2015, she was appointed executive director for the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation.
“Being part of an organization and championing an asset of the community that serves everyone is really what led me to this role,” Charity said.
In this role, Charity transitioned the library foundation from funding capital projects and book purchases to focus on funding innovative programs and services like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She has grown community support through annual giving, advocacy and planned giving. Today, Charity is leading the charge for the Inspiring Big Dreams Campaign to build a new Westside Library opening in 2026. She is an inspiration to many and a great example of Kohawks growing their community through their careers.
Anne Dugger ‘95, executive director of Catherine McAuley Center
Anne is a Cedar Rapids native who has stayed local and dedicated her career to give back to the community through nonprofit work. She earned her bachelor’s in English from Coe College and a Master of Education with a focus on teacher leadership from Mount Mercy University. She has been with the Catherine McAuley Center since 2015 and was recently named executive director of the foundation in January 2025. Anne’s knowledge, leadership and passion combine to give back to clients and the community.
The way that Anne sees it, “Service means connection. For me, our communities will never be better if we aren't connecting with each other.”
She enjoys serving the Catherine McAuley mission and seeing connections being made every day. While Anne acknowledges that working in nonprofit organizations can have its challenges, she argues, “The work is complex, but the work is also joy… I can utilize my privileges to not only lift people up, but sometimes simply support them as they move forward into their community and into connection.”
She encourages others to explore careers in nonprofit work and to never hesitate to feel that their work is meaningful to those around them.