Prep for Prep

???? Prep for Prep is incredibly grateful for our talented students, dedicated families, committed alumni, and supportive community. As we reflect on the year, we celebrate the resilience, passion, and determination of our students who continue to break barriers and achieve greatness. We are thankful for the opportunity to empower the next generation of leaders. This holiday season, we’re reminded of the power of community and the importance of lifting each other up. We are so proud of the Prep for Prep Community and all the incredible work being done to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Thanksgiving! ?? #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Community

Exciting Prep Alumni News! ?? Cheryl Kaba (P9 VIII/Andover '99, Duke '03) MBA, Columbia '09 has been appointed as the new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Condé Nast. She begins this role early next year. Cheryl brings a wealth of experience to the position, most recently as the Executive Director of Talent and Diversity at Morgan Stanley, where she championed inclusive workforce initiatives for more than 10,000 employees globally. Her background also includes leadership roles at American Express, including Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer of Global Consumer Services and Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity. As Condé Nast’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Cheryl will spearhead strategies across a global portfolio of more than 20 brands in 12 countries, ensuring the recruitment, development, and sponsorship of diverse talent. She will also collaborate with leadership teams to implement initiatives that further the company’s commitment to inclusion. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Cheryl as our new Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer,” says Stan Duncan, Chief People Officer at Condé Nast, in an article on the company’s website. “Her impressive background across business functions and major industries, including consumer finance and banking, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive work environments. With a proven track record of results as a business and talent leader, she will undoubtedly strengthen our ongoing commitments among our teams around the world.” “Condé Nast’s unwavering commitment to elevating the diverse voices of its global audience, particularly in this moment, is why I am thrilled to join the organization,” says Cheryl, in the Condé Nast article. “Being a part of a world-class workforce, instrumental in influencing global cultures through its iconic brands is an exciting next chapter of my career.” Congratulations, Cheryl! ??? #PrepAlumni #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #CondéNast

Preparatory Component students recently had the chance to participate in the Google Hip Hop Hackathon! Throughout the day, students developed their coding knowledge and explored techniques in music production. The afternoon wrapped up with an exciting live performance from MC Supernatural, who brilliantly improvised lyrics based off the beats created by students. Special thanks to dedicated Prep alum Dale Allsopp (VII) for organizing this incredible opportunity! Dale Allsopp, Google #stemeducation #coding #PrepinSTEM

Prep for Prep is generously supported by Trustees and Associates Council members who uplift our organization and provide invaluable resources to students. Join us in welcoming Jake Chasan, who joins Margaret Morse as a Co-Chair of our Associates Council! As Co-Chairs, Jake and Margaret will work closely with Prep for Prep's leadership to propel our mission of enabling educational access. Jake has been involved with Prep for Prep since 2017 and has served on various Board and Associate Council committees since 2021. He began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in New York and has additional experience in private equity and engineering. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University and is currently pursuing his master of business administration at Stanford University. Margaret has been a Co-Chair of the Associates Council since 2022 and has been involved with Prep for Prep since 2019. Margaret began her career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in New York and has additional experience in private equity. She is currently a venture capital investor at Insight Partners. She graduated cum laude from Yale University and holds a master of business administration and master of science in biotechnology from Harvard University. We are grateful for their time and commitment to the Associates Council and Prep for Prep.

Ramón Javier (he/him/el) (XI/Hackley ’95, Williams College ’99) MEd, Teachers College ’07, Head of School at George Jackson Academy, is the featured guest on the latest episode of Articulating: an Independent School Podcast. Ramón joins hosts Gina Parker Collins and Sam Osborne to discuss the importance of literacy in academic success, developing empathy, and building critical thinking skills. Check out the episode to learn strategies on how to foster a love for reading not only for your scholar but yourself! Watch the podcast: https://ow.ly/vnuI50Ub4o3 #PrepAlumni #literacy #education

Meet the newest members of Prep for Prep's Board of Trustees: Christina Claudio (P9 XIII/Hotchkiss '04, Harvard '08) MBA, Penn '13, Managing Director, JPMorganChase; Baily Blair Kempner, Managing Director, Investor Relations, Kelso; Alexis Mulvihill, Head of School, Trinity School; and Paula Campbell Roberts (X/Brearley '94, Yale '98) MBA, Harvard '03, Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist for Global Wealth. To learn more about our newest trustees, visit https://ow.ly/zFEl50U6vSZ.

?? Exciting News! Prep for Prep is featured in the Fall 2024 issue of The Journal of College Admission! ?? The article traces the journey of our Prep for Prep and PREP 9 programs from middle school through high school, with insights from our CEO, Ruth Jurgensen, on the vital support our students receive throughout their educational journey. PREP 9 alum Chijioge Nwogu (P9 XV/Choate ’06, Brown ’10), Co-Founder and CEO of GameFlo also shared his thoughts on the power of alumni engagement and why he’s committed to giving back to Prep. We’re thrilled to share our story with the National Association of College Admission Counseling and highlight the impact we make every day! #PrepforPrep #EducationalAccess #NYCStudents

Christopher James (IX/Riverdale ’93, Duke ’97) JD, Harvard ’02 has been appointed Global Head of Blackstone Tactical Opportunities (Tac Opps). A founding member of Tac Opps, James is currently Chief Operating Officer and has nearly two decades of experience at Blackstone. He succeeds David Blitzer, who will transition to the role of chairman of the business at the end of the year. “Chris James is the ideal choice to lead Tac Opps,” said Steve Schwarzman, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Blackstone, and Jon Gray, President & COO of Blackstone, in a press release. “He helped found the business and has run it day-to-day alongside David since its inception–playing an integral role in its success.” “I am excited to take on this new position and, alongside my partners Qasim (Abbas) and Jas (Khaira), lead the deeply talented Tactical Opportunities team,” said Chris. “We believe Tac Opps’ differentiated platform–with scale and flexible capital that benefits from the vast intellectual capital across Blackstone–is incredibly well positioned to continue delivering highly compelling opportunities for our investors.” In addition to his role at Blackstone, Christopher has been Co-President of Prep for Prep’s Board of Trustees since 2020. Congratulations, CJ! #PrepAlumni #PrepAluminFinance

James Seaton (XXXI/Poly Prep '15, Cornell '19) has been named to PRSA-NY’s 2024 15 Under 35 Class. The honorees were recognized at PRSA-NY’s 2024 Big Apple Awards on October 30. James is an Account Supervisor at Edelman, specializing in corporate social media management, thought leadership, and executive visibility. He helps Fortune 100 companies and nonprofits share their stories and advocate for important initiatives. In his free time, James leverages his skills to advance faith-based social justice with nonprofit Pray March Act and expresses his creativity as an author and spoken word poet. Congratulations, James! #PrepAlumni #PrepAluminPR #PRSA-NY #15toFollow

Prep for Prep is on a mission to develop future leaders by preparing middle-schoolers of color from NYC public, charter, and parochial schools to attend top independent day and boarding schools. Discover the transformative power of Prep for Prep at one of our upcoming Open House sessions. Visit prepforprep.org/info to learn more and to register. #PrepforPrep #FutureLeaders #NYCStudents #EducationalAccess