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YOSA

In 2010, the Board and staff of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) made a commitment to serve musically talented youth regardless of economic status, ethnicity, or the part of town in which they lived. The YOSA team dug deep and took a hard look at the organization.

The Board and staff took the necessary time and steps to reimagine an organization committed to equity and access – opening up the program to all high school students possessing talent, rather than confining enrollment. Four years later, they renewed that commitment and put annual operational plans in place to fulfill their vision.

YOSA – like most nonprofit organizations – were deeply impacted by the pandemic beginning in 2020. They needed to evaluate current economies of scale and determine how to set themselves apart without compromising their purpose. YOSA once again had to reimagine its future while maintaining its commitment to access and equity in the arts.

YOSA turned to the Cielo Strategy Group team to embark on a full strategic planning process. They needed to look inward while maintaining an outward perspective, exploring the possibilities for future growth and sustainability. Through a strategic planning process, the board and staff wrestled with questions like:

  • How do we prepare operationally for expanding our physical space?
  • How do we leverage San Antonio’s growth to YOSA’s benefit?
  • How do we market ourselves as offering something different, unique, educational, yet fun in a very crowded space?
  • How do we remain a premier orchestral experience for youth across San Antonio post COVID-19?
  • How do we secure the adequate resources to achieve our Mission and Vision?


Together, we helped the organization dig deeper into who they are and what they do.

Our strategic planning process with YOSA included focus groups, individual interviews, surveys, and a comprehensive materials review. We worked with the Board and staff in an extensive process that culminated in a five-year written strategic plan.

What we create is an actionable plan – not intended to be shelved – that includes strategic priorities with supporting goals and activities. The plan outlines key measures, a timeline of activities, and budget implications. In order to measure success, Cielo Strategy Group provides an annual operational planning tool and a dashboard.

Back to Our Clients

  • "We chose Cielo because of their extensive expertise and deep understanding of our donor base, and they delivered on every level. From the beginning, they took the time to listen to our unique needs and challenges, ensuring their recommendations were tailored to our organization’s goals and values. With their guidance, we refined our messaging and developed a clear and inspiring vision for the future. They were instrumental in helping us craft a strategic plan with actionable next steps that will drive meaningful progress. The Cielo team exemplifies professionalism, combining their vast knowledge with a personal, empathetic approach that made us feel genuinely supported at every step. We highly recommend them to any organization seeking a partner who listens, understands, and delivers exceptional results."

    HEATHER MCFARLAND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    Alamo Heights School Foundation

  • “As the Garden has grown and evolved, Cielo consultants have proven their ability to meet us exactly where we are in the moment. They are flexible, responsive, and creative in developing solutions that fit our unique needs. Cielo understands the delicate balance required when working with both staff and volunteer-driven initiatives. Their ‘listening first’ approach is refreshing. Time and again, Cielo has proven they don't just provide cookie-cutter consulting—they take the time to understand our mission, our community, and our specific challenges, then craft solutions that are both practical and innovative. You won’t find a better strategic partner."

    KATHERINE TRUMBLE, PRESIDENT & CEO
    San Antonio Botanical Garden

  • "Cielo Strategy Group was a joy to work with and has been a big help in channeling our energy in more productive ways. Our board has become more involved, and communication between staff leadership and the board has improved tremendously. The Cielo team has made an incredible impact on our art center!"

    LANZA TEAGUE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    Kerrville Arts & Cultural Center

  • "The Cielo team has been a trusted partner strengthening our organization from the inside out. After facilitating our initial organizational assessment process, they identified key areas we needed to focus on that would move our mission forward. They didn’t just give us a report with recommendations, they jumped in and created the infrastructure we needed to help us operate more effectively – from basic Board governance documents and processes to a staff and volunteer handbook, to operational planning and goal-setting. They have coached me to become a better leader. As we celebrated our ten-year anniversary, we accepted a transformational gift to purchase our own land and build upon our vision. We could not have done this without “getting our house in order”, which is what Cielo Strategy Group did for us."

    DEBRA FRANCO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association

  • "The Cielo team has been instrumental in helping the Weslaco Museum rebuild for the future. As a new Executive Director, I am thankful for their unwavering commitment. They provided our organization with the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” – enabling us to focus on our vision and mission. They have helped the Weslaco Museum grow our member base, streamline our website, strengthen our board, and our overall vision for the future."

    CRYSTAL RODRIGUEZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    Weslaco Museum

  • "Cielo Strategy Group is part of our Clinic family. With our long-standing partnership, I have relied on their team as a steady support system – responding to our needs and flexing with us. They have elevated our storytelling and communications, guided us through annual fund development plans, designed and project-managed annual appeal mailings, coached us through grant proposals, facilitated Board sessions and a strategic planning process. They push us toward excellence and don’t settle for less."

    GLORIA Z. CANSECO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
    San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic
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