Prep for Prep is fueled by passionate and dedicated alumni — a group that has grown exponentially since the organization’s inception in 1978. Many alums have chosen to extend their commitment to Prep by joining the Board of Trustees. As board members, they have a chance to give back to the organization that shaped their personal and professional endeavors. Hear from five alum trustees who reflect on the impact of Prep for Prep and why they are giving back to the organization in this way.
FRANCIS IDEHEN (P9 IV/DEERFIELD '95, YALE '99) MBA, HARVARD '06
Trustee, Partner, Head of Alternatives Capital Raising Americas, Goldman Sachs
My desire to give back to Prep has traveled with me since graduating from the program—from serving as a PREP 9 summer advisor, being active as a mentor, interviewing future Prep candidates, and ultimately culminating with serving on the Board of Trustees. I consider it a great honor to be able to contribute to this organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my life and that of my family. I'm drawn to the steadfast loyalty to the organization and its mission to educate the next generation of leaders. From the alumni base to the administration, the through line that binds is our collective commitment to ensuring that Prep continues to deliver excellent care and preparation for our students while adapting to meet the needs of an ever-evolving academic landscape.
NYSSA FAJARDO LEE (XV/HORACE MANN '99, COLUMBIA '03) JD, FORDHAM '07
Trustee, Associate General Counsel, Hudson Heights IPA, Inc.
That first summer of Prep was perhaps the hardest I had ever worked at that point in my life. I think that aside from the vast knowledge I gained across many subjects, my experience taught me that I could push through anything if I worked really hard. Learning that I was capable of working this hard really gave me a lot of confidence not only throughout my academic career, but also in my professional life. There was no question that I wanted to give back in any way I could. Prep has the ability to change peoples' lives in such a significant way, and it is truly an honor for me to use my time and resources in support of the organization.
SUE MENG (XV/BREARLEY '99, HARVARD '03) MA, OXFORD '06; JD, YALE '09
Executive Vice President & Secretary, Managing Director & General Counsel, Duquesne Family Office LLC
Prep opened doors to opportunities I didn't even know existed. There's a Chinese proverb that says: "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." The day I got into Prep was that first step, and I owe everything that came afterwards to Prep. Prep students and alums are smart, hardworking, creative, and persistent. Often they have overcome huge challenges to create better lives for themselves and their families. The Prep Board is enormously generous and committed to the Prep vision. We now have alums in leadership roles on the Board, and alums are paying it forward, allowing future generations of Prep students to have access to the same life-changing opportunities as Prep gave to us. It's very simple: I want to help change the lives of other kids the same way Prep changed mine.
NANCY REYES MCLAUGHLIN (IX/TRINITY '93, HARVARD '97)
Trustee, Global President and CEO, BBDO
Prep for Prep made my world bigger, and showed me possibilities that were so beyond anything I could ever imagine. I was introduced to the career I am still in 27 years later: advertising. From the moment I could give back, especially professionally, I wanted to. Knowing how impactful Prep internships were for me, I started by offering opportunities for Prep students to enter into advertising, as it is a very underrepresented industry. When Prep asked me to join the board, because it would represent an industry not yet there, I jumped at the chance to participate in Prep in a much bigger way.
DANTE PEARSON (P9 XVII/DEERFIELD '08, HARVARD '12) MBA, PENN '17
Trustee, Portfolio Manager, T. Rowe Price Associates
Prep for Prep created an entirely new and exciting path for me that I could not have imagined when I was applying for the program. From friends to internships to careers to travel to mentorship to the expansive network, the externalities of being a part of the Prep for Prep Community are huge. As the youngest alum individual trustee in Prep for Prep’s history, it was important for me to significantly give back to Prep for Prep as soon as I could. I can’t think of a better organization to support with my time and resources, given Prep for Prep’s proven track record of uplifting children and enabling them to create a better future for themselves through hard work and community.