About LYSMA Alumni Association

A professional Alumni Network for former students of Lycée Sainte Marie d’Abidjan

Our Story

LYSMA Alumni Association was established in the United States as ALYSMA USA Chapter, a Washington State nonprofit corporation 501(c)3, officially incorporated on November 19, 2022.

The formation of the organization marked an important step in bringing together alumni of Lycée Sainte Marie d’Abidjan living in the United States, with the intention of creating a structured and lasting community rooted in connection, leadership, and service.

Since its founding, the Association has continued to evolve in both vision and scope. Today, as LYSMA Alumni Association, we are positioned as a professional alumni network focused on strengthening relationships among members, supporting personal and professional development, and creating meaningful impact within our communities.

This transition reflects a renewed commitment to building a dynamic, organized, and forward-looking association—one that honors its foundation while embracing growth and long-term sustainability.

We are building a network that goes beyond shared history, but creates opportunities, strengthens relationships, and drives collective growth.

OUR MISSION

The mission of LYSMA Alumni Association is to connect and empower its members by strengthening alumni relationships, supporting professional and personal growth, and advancing initiatives that promote community engagement and collective impact.

OUR HERITAGE

Lycée Sainte Marie d’Abidjan was founded in 1962 in response to the urgent need to expand access to education for girls in Côte d’Ivoire.

Under the leadership of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny and inspired by Madeleine Daniélou, one of the first women to achieve the highest academic distinction in philosophy in France.

The vision was clear: to create schools dedicated to the education of young girls. This initiative aimed to provide girls with access to high-quality education, enabling them to pursue long-term academic paths comparable to those available to boys, while fostering strong moral and intellectual foundations. The school was built on the belief that educating young women contributes not only to individual success but to the advancement of society as a whole.

OUR VALUES

Excellence

We uphold high standards in leadership, professionalism, and execution.

Service

We are committed to contributing meaningfully to our communities and supporting impactful initiatives.

Community

We build strong, supportive, and lasting relationships among our members.

Impact

We strive to create measurable and lasting outcomes through our actions and programs.

WHO WE SERVE

LYSMA Alumni Association serves alumni of Lycée Sainte Marie d’Abidjan who reside in or have previously lived in the United States.

Our members span various industries, professions, and stages of life, united by a shared educational foundation and a commitment to growth, collaboration, and impact.

LEADERSHIP

LYSMA Alumni Association is led by a dedicated team of alumni committed to advancing the mission of the organization and serving the community with excellence and integrity.

Our Board of Directors

Betty Stempfer

Past President

Provides guidance and continuity in leadership.

Stephanie Durand

President

Leads the strategic direction of the Association and oversees all initiatives.

Camille Babin

President Elect

Supports leadership and prepares for transition into the presidency.

Marie Josee Naho

Secretary

Maintains records and ensures proper documentation.

Annick N’dri

Treasurer

Oversees financial management and reporting.

Marlyse Zedia Lou

Assistant Treasurer

Oversees financial management and reporting.

Marlene Kouadio

Communication Director

Leads communication strategy and engagement.

Elvire Koffi

Membership Director

Oversees member growth and retention.

Jane Sosoo

Programming Director

Leads programs, events, and initiatives.

Honoring Our Founding Members

We recognize and honor the founding members whose vision, leadership, and dedication laid the foundation for this Association. Their commitment to building a community rooted in excellence, service, and connection continues to guide and inspire the work of LYSMA Alumni Association today.

Betty Stempfer

Evelyne Ello Hart

Celine Anelone Brozovich

Xenia Noutoua

Betty Stempfer

Betty Stempfer

Betty Stempfer

Betty Stempfer

Be Part of the LYSMA Alumni Network

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to building a strong, engaged, and forward-looking alumni network that creates value for its members and contributes meaningfully to the broader community.

Through connection, development, and collective effort, we aim to build an organization that reflects both our shared heritage and our future potential.

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"My life changed forever"

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"Highly recommend this"

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AWARDS

Connection is the foundation, but Impact is the outcome.

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2020

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2020

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2020

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