MaryAnn Puglisi's passing.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news that MaryAnn Puglisi, the Founder, President and Chief Engagement Officer of All Out for Change®, passed away on April 15, 2025.

MaryAnn told few people that she had been undergoing treatment for leukemia since late 2024.  Despite her greatest hopes and the best efforts of her medical team, she was not able to survive an aggressive form of the disease.  For those who knew MaryAnn personally, it will come as no surprise that her spirit, will and determination were strong until the end.

MaryAnn lived fully and derived much joy from the simple daily activities of her life – sharing a meal with friends, planting her garden, and riding her bicycle through Rock Creek Park. One of her proudest accomplishments was starting her nonprofit, All Out for Change®, which was founded on her strong belief that all youth, regardless of their economic circumstances, deserve a fair opportunity to pursue their dreams of degrees, professions, and upward mobility.

All Photos: Jamie Sandel

Throughout her time growing the organization, MaryAnn took great pride in working with DC International School and its outstanding college counseling team and supporting DCI graduates through AOFC’s Supplemental Scholarship and Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards. More than anything else, she loved meeting students and hearing stories about their studies, accomplishments, and success in meeting academic challenges head on. ​

All Out for Change® will continue, thanks to our many generous donors as well as a gift from MaryAnn herself.  The Board of Directors has already convened to discuss the future of the organization and has appointed AOFC program advisor, Betty Weiss, to serve as the interim Executive Director of the organization. ​

The Supplemental Scholarship and Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards programs will also be continuing. MaryAnn felt strongly that students receive assistance for the duration of their college education.


There will be a memorial service sometime later this summer.  For now, we hope you will think of MaryAnn when you see a garden in bloom or hear of a student overcoming obstacles to achieve their educational and professional goals.  ​

Please direct your questions and communication regarding AOFC matters to Betty Weiss at [email protected].

Thank you for your support and interest in All Out for Change®.  We look forward to keeping you updated as we move forward. If you would like to make a donation in honor of MaryAnn, you may do so by clicking the blue button below.  We will make a special effort to recognize memorial contributions in future updates.

With our best wishes, 

The All Out for Change® Board of Directors

Our event videographer has captured the essence of  DC International Charter School grads’ Supplemental Scholarship support in a 1 minute video, How Does All Out for Change® Make a Difference. You’ll find illuminating content on our private YouTube page. ​