NAPLES, FL (June 6, 2025) – The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the highly successful Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), today announced the appointment of Diana Alas as Grants Compliance and Systems Coordinator.
In this position, Alas will play a key role in ensuring that the foundation’s programs and funding initiatives align with compliance standards and continue to empower children in the community.
“We are delighted to welcome Diana to our team,” said NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara. “Born in Honduras, she moved to Naples along with her family at an early age and has a deep-rooted commitment to the community as well as a passion for supporting educational opportunities.”
Alas graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Arts and Sciences. Throughout her time as a college student, she honed her leadership and organizational skills as Secretary of the Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) organization, where she led outreach programs encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Also, while in college, Alas gained experience via internships with GE Aviation and Bank of America.
About Naples Children & Education Foundation
The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 350,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.
About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised more than $336 million, making a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.
For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.