About LYSMA Alumni Association
A professional Alumni Network for former students of Lycée Sainte Marie d’Abidjan
About LYSMA
Alumni Association
A professional alumni network for former students of Lycée Sainte Marie d'Abidjan — rooted in connection, driven by leadership, and committed to lasting impact.
School Founded
Association Est.
Nonprofit Status
Alumni Network
How We Came to Be
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.
Officially incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit
What We Stand For
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.
Rooted in a Legacy of Education
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 — a belief that continues to inspire our Association today.
School Founded
What We Believe In
Excellence
We uphold high standards in leadership, professionalism, and execution in everything we do.
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 across industries and borders.
Impact
We strive to create measurable and lasting outcomes through our actions, programs, and collective effort.
A Community United by a Shared Foundation
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.
"Connection is the foundation, but Impact is the outcome."
Join the NetworkOur Board of Directors
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.
Stephanie Durand
President, LYSMA Alumni Association
Leads the strategic direction of the Association and oversees all initiatives, guiding the organization toward its mission of connection, growth, and lasting community impact.
Betty Stempfer
Past President
Provides guidance and continuity in leadership.
Camille Babin
President Elect
Supports leadership and prepares for transition into the presidency.
Marie Josée Naho
Secretary
Maintains records and ensures proper documentation.
Annick N'dri
Treasurer
Oversees financial management and reporting.
Marlyse Zedia Lou
Asst. Treasurer
Supports financial management and reporting.
Marlene Kouadio
Communications Dir.
Leads communication strategy and member engagement.
Elvire Koffi
Membership Dir.
Oversees member growth, onboarding, and retention.
Jane Sosoo
Programming Dir.
Leads programs, events, and member 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
- Celine Anelone Brozovich
- Xenia Noutoua
- Rose Milan
- Evelyne Ello Hart
- Sally Touré
- Danielle Makaud Zama
- Antoinette Patrick
Building Something That Lasts
We are committed to building a strong, engaged, and forward-looking alumni network that creates real 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 — one that every member is proud to be a part of.
Join LYSMA Alumni Association Today
Take the next step in building meaningful connections and growing within a strong, supportive alumni community.
Join or Renew Membership Explore Programs & Events"Connection is the foundation,
but Impact is the outcome."
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
Celine Anelone Brozovich
Xenia Noutoua
Rose Milan
Evelyne Ello Hart
Sally Toure
Danielle Makaud Zama
Antoinette Patrick
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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