GIVING BACK TO SBS volunteerism

Kyo Yamada ’91 has joined the Stoneleigh-Burnham Alumnae Board. “StoneleighBurnham gave me such a wonderful education with supportive teachers, an opportunity to continue to ride horses, and most of all, it gave me wonderful ‘sisters for life.’” Kyo, who said she could not speak any English when she started as a 16-year-old at SBS, continued on to earn a BA in environmental policy at St. Andrews University. In her professional life, she has served as a senior executive business partner to CEOs in multinational companies, including Levi Strauss Japan. While at SBS she was a rider and a member of the Riding Club and the International Club. She received the Best Sportsmanship Rider Award in ’89. “I hope to help the School through my skills and want to show my appreciation to SBS by serving on the Alumnae Board. Contacting my classmates and other ‘sisters’ will be my pleasure!”

The Alumnae Board welcomes Monée Neal Vance ’12. Following graduation from Stoneleigh-Burnham, Monée attended Northeastern University, where she received a BS in human services, social sciences, and humanities. She currently is the Assistant Manager of Match Support at Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Her position includes supporting female identifying mentor/mentee relationships, as well as advocating for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for Big Sister staff, families, and volunteers. In her free time she works to preserve and empower the Boston community using her management and technological skills. Before joining her current organization, Monée was an operations manager for Action for Boston Community Development, a council member for SPARK Boston, as well as co-chair for Boston Food Access Council. While at SBS she was in Octet, the Debate & Public Speaking Society, the Student Alumnae Association, and the Community Service & Sustainability Club.

About her SBS experience and volunteer work, Monée said, “I have worked in the nonprofit sector, holding various roles rooted in diversity. I am motivated by youth development, community preservation, and women empowerment. I have a range of feelings when I think back on my time at SBS. I am looking forward to redefining my relationship with the SBS community and teaching those who are willing to learn.”