Berkeley Institute Appoints Stephanie Lee
The Berkeley Institute has appointed Stephanie Lee as the school’s first Development & Communications Officer.
A spokesperson said, “With 125 years of history, The Berkeley Institute has been a pillar of education in the community, producing generations of well-rounded citizens making purposeful and meaningful contributions to Bermuda and globally.
“As the legacy of The Berkeley Institute continues to expand, The Berkeley Educational Society in collaboration with the Board of Governors have recognised the need to add a role in Development and Communications in order to lead the continued preservation of the Berkeley legacy, and to develop deep and meaningful ties with students, their parents and alumni in the local and global communities.
“The leadership of The Berkeley Institute is therefore pleased to appoint Ms. Stephanie Lee as the school’s first Development & Communications Officer. Ms. Lee’s role largely encompasses internal and external communications, public relations, alumni relations and development, fundraising, event management, marketing, and website management.”
Anika DeShields, Chairperson of the Berkeley Educational Society, said, “From our humble beginnings 125 years ago, continuing to operate as an Aided School managed by an elected Board of Governors within the public education system, The Berkeley Institute has evolved into a fully comprehensive school – consistent with the vision of the Founders, to provide a school for the better education of all people, irrespective of gender or race.”
Craig Bridgewater, Chairman of the Governing Body, said, “The creation of the role of Development & Communications Officer is one of the latest steps in our continued development. Our students and alumni are making significant impact in Bermuda and around the world. We determined the need for a dedicated resource with responsibility to connect and engage with the broader Bermuda community and our alumni, wherever they may roam.”
Principal Keisha Douglas said, “With the current education reform taking place and the recent introduction of the Signature Learning Programmes at the senior school level, there have been, and will continue to be, many changes to our academic offerings. What has not changed is our dedication to producing well rounded global citizens.
“Our students are engaged in programmes and activities that have them competing and thriving on the global stage. In addition, the Signature Learning programming will require us to continue to strengthen our relations with businesses and community organizations. We have an opportunity to do a better job of sharing this information. Our students are not only representing The Berkeley Institute, but also Bermuda.
“Taking the helm in highlighting our students, and working to ensure we have the funds for our students to be able to participate in every opportunity presented to them is a major part of Ms. Lee’s remit.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms. Lee completed her formative education at The Berkeley Institute in 2006 with high honours, subsequently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Culture and Communications from York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She has obtained certifications in Project Management, eBusiness & Web Marketing, Advertising, Digital Marketing Communications, Business Administration, and Strategic Marketing Management.
“Upon returning to Bermuda, she began working with a non-profit organization, developing the marketing and communications department, and membership communities.
“Under the umbrella of SociaLEE Consulting, a marketing consultancy she launched, she worked with other organizations including the Centre on Philanthropy, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Department of Communications & Information and the Department of Culture, to develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans, and adapt to the growing reliance on social media and digital media for marketing and communications.
“She has also worked at the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, The Royal Gazette, Masterworks Museum, and the Bermuda Hospitals Board.
“She also launched W.O.M.B Bermuda [Women who Own and Manage Businesses] a volunteer run support group for female entrepreneurs, which hosts the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a people’s choice award honouring Bermuda’s female entrepreneurs, with businesses locally and internationally.”
Ms. Lee said, “This role is my dream; making connections, building communities of students past, present, and future; helping to ensure students are able to pursue every opportunity available to them, sharing with the world that we, The Berkeley Institute, and Berkeleyites, are contributing to our communities, wherever we are in the world.
“There is a pride that Berkeleyites carry, built on the 125 years of our history. My own journey has been varied, but needed, to be able to gain the knowledge and experience that I can put into practice that will help carry us into the future.”
Mr. Bridgewater said, “We are thrilled to have Stephanie, an accomplished alumnus of our school, return to us and join our management team in this important role of Development & Communications Officer.
“The Berkeley Educational Society, Board of Governors and the Principal and her leadership look forward to working with her to help preserve our history and to develop end communicate our current and future achievements.”
Congrats and best wishes.