About the Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee is a dedicated group of 10-12 alumni and friends committed to advancing UNLV’s mission through advocacy, awareness, and engagement. Composed of diverse individuals from a variety of industries, the committee plays a leading role in shaping the university’s outreach on key legislative issues, planning impactful events and campaigns, and engaging elected officials at the local and state levels.

In partnership with the UNLV Alumni Association, the Office of Government Affairs & Community Engagement, and university leadership, we champion policies and initiatives that shape the future of our university. Committee members meet quarterly and help guide the Rebel Advocates program by building strong relationships with community leaders and decision-makers, and staying informed on issues that affect UNLV.

Get Involved

We encourage active participation by attending committee meetings, following advocacy guidelines, and being prepared to take action. Together, we aim to empower a strong, organized alumni voice that influences higher education policy and strengthens UNLV’s impact across Nevada and beyond.

To be part of the committee, email or call please email rebeladvocates@unlv.edu or call 702-895-2387.

Committee Members

Photo of Shani

Shani Coleman '01 '10 '16

Advocacy Committee Chair

Shani brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and budgeting to her role as director of community and economic development for Clark County. A triple UNLV alumna, Shani holds a bachelor of science from the Lee Business School, a master of public administration, and a juris doctor from the Boyd School of Law. She currently serves on the UNLV Alumni Executive Board and leads as chair of the advocacy committee, where she champions engagement and legislative support for the university.

Portrait of Kanani Epinonza

Kanani Espinoza, Ph.D., '16, '18, '22

Advocacy Committee Chair

Kanani is a dedicated public policy advocate and proud triple UNLV alumna, holding a bachelor of science in hospitality, a master of public administration, and a doctorate in public policy. She serves as vice chair of the Advocacy Committee and secretary of the UNLV Alumni Executive Board of Directors. With a strong background in fundraising, community relations, and leadership, Kanani seamlessly blends her professional expertise with a deep commitment to service.

Headshot of Mariella Bueno

Mariella Bueno ‘20

Advocacy Committee Staff Liason

Mariella is a seasoned communications and advocacy professional with over a decade of experience in community engagement. A proud UNLV alumna with a bachelor’s degree in communications, she serves as the staff liaison for the Advocacy Committee. In this role, she supports the Rebel Advocates program—strengthening alumni networks, promoting university initiatives, and fostering meaningful connections between UNLV and key stakeholders.

Advocacy and Lobbying

The Advocacy Committee is part of the Alumni Association,  a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the Internal Revenue Service. This designation allows nonprofits the right to advocate on behalf of policies that impact their operations. In general, no organization can qualify as a 501(c)(3) if a substantial part of its activities are attempting to influence legislation, commonly known as lobbying. A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying could result in the loss of its tax-exempt status.

The Advocacy Committee may

  • Conduct educational meetings.
  • Prepare and distribute education materials.
  • Consider public policy issues in an educational manner.
  • State a position on public policy or specific legislation.
  • Sponsor appearances by a public official. However, the event cannot give the appearance of endorsing the candidate. Candidates currently running for office should not be speakers at events.
  • Issue a “call to action” by asking alumni to contact their elected officials on a matter of public policy.

The Advocacy Committee may not

  • Support or oppose specific candidates or parties in races for elected office, including written endorsements, or provide financial or in-kind support.
  • Send partisan political communication advising alumni or legislators how to vote.
  • Exceed limits set by the IRS on lobbying expenditures.
  • Lobby on legislation considered by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure.