Board of Trustees Update | June 13, 2025

First, these young women are ready for what lies ahead. I can confidently say that each member of the Class of 2025 is well prepared for high school and beyond, in large part because of the academic and social-emotional foundations imbued in them at Burke’s. As the class-selected commencement speaker, the beloved Alisha Wilkinson remarked, “This community has encouraged them to believe in themselves and to be who they want to be.” These Burke’s graduates have learned how to approach myriad challenges that lie ahead – as students, as community members, and as athletes, musicians, thespians, debaters, entrepreneurs, and any other extracurricular pursuit they choose, in ways that are successful and authentic to them. The endless worries we had as parents? I won’t say we are now entirely worry-free (we’re parents after all), but as it turns out, it all worked out in the end. Did they learn to read? Goodness, yes. Did they turn out to be kind people? You bet. Did they learn to self-advocate? Yes, admirably. Did they navigate the high school admissions process successfully? Boy, did they ever! On top of that, just when we thought we knew them all so well, they leaned into their characters and roles in the 8th-grade play and found ways to surprise us, each other, and possibly even themselves. These students are truly capable of anything to which they set their minds, and words can’t express our gratitude for the magic that happens daily at Burke’s which led to this outcome. 

Second, Burke’s students are forever a part of something very special. From the moment they step onto the campus, Burke’s students are afforded a sense of agency over their school life and even over the school itself. Ever notice how they run around at Festival like they own the place? Burke’s is truly a second home to all its students, even when they move on to high school and beyond. I have seen more Burke’s graduates at these 8th-grade right-of-passage events than I can count, and they seem every bit as home as they ever were. As for the bonds between Burke’s students, “sisters” is the word that keeps coming up. There is no doubt that Burke’s graduates leave the school as members of a community that they can always lean on, and that will always be a part of them. 

Third, none of the above would be possible without the brilliant Burke’s Faculty and Staff. Starting with the legendary Kindergarten trio of Dynelle Chan, Valerie Hansel and Zach Swan, the bench of talent and dedication runs deep and strong throughout the Lower and Upper Schools. I am overwhelmed by countless examples of excellent and compassionate teaching I have witnessed throughout the last nine years, not to mention far more moments of transcendence none of us ever sees. These educators are a consistent and positive presence for our children throughout their Burke’s journey and, I’ve come to realize, after graduation too. The significance of these student-teacher relationships was on full display at commencement. From the mutual admiration between Ms. Wilkinson and all 39 graduates, to tributes about each graduate powerfully delivered by Faculty and Staff, to heartfelt hugs, goodbyes and talk of future visits to campus between the girls and teachers present and past, the quality of relationships built by Burke’s Faculty and Staff with the students is truly special.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Burke’s Administrative Team, led by our incredible Head of School, Michele Williams. These exceptional leaders work tirelessly in service of Burke’s mission to educate, encourage and empower girls and continue to execute on the five-year Strategic Plan: Experience. Connection. Growth. From designing joyful, rigorous learning experiences in the classroom and beyond Burke's campus to supporting resilient, healthy, and balanced students, the Burke’s Admin Team continues to make steady progress towards all branches of the Strategic Plan. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it has been a privilege to partner with these phenomenal individuals, and I can’t wait to see the new heights the school will reach in the coming years as a result of these efforts.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to my fellow Trustees. It has been an honor to serve the school alongside such an extraordinary group of people. I have learned so much from all of you, and I will forever treasure each of you and your contributions on behalf of this incredible 100+ year-old institution. In particular, I would like to recognize Trustees who concluded their board service this year: Roberto D'Erizans, Owen DeHoff, Darby Gaynor Glickman '98 (outgoing Alumnae Board President), James Gutierrez, Abiah Karthauser '90 (outgoing P.A. President), and June Sakamoto '88. At the final Board meeting in May, these capable and committed individuals were celebrated, and on behalf of the Board, we thank all of you for your dedication, steady support, and service to Burke’s and its mission. 

I am delighted to announce the newly elected leadership of the Board of Trustees: Jimmy Franzone will serve as President, Stephanie Withers will serve as Vice President, and Thayer Meicler will serve as Secretary. Gabe Santos will continue in his role as Treasurer, and they will serve on the Executive Committee along with at-large members Rahul Chandarana, Nisba Husain, and myself. I know this group to be talented, dedicated, and mighty, and I’m excited to see their leadership in action. 

 

On behalf of the Burke’s Board of Trustees, thank you all for being a part of this wonderful community and for the role each of you plays in Burke’s mission to educate, encourage and empower girls. Wishing you and your families a joyful summer.