Spotlight on Impact: A Q&A with a Friends of Bocconi Donor and Board Member
Stefanie Kasselakis Kyles
Stefanie is a former CEO and current Independent Director with a background in international business, corporate law, and finance. She began her career as an attorney and investment banker, later leading her family’s 100-year-old coffee company through a successful turnaround. Today, she manages a family office, serves on corporate boards, and speaks on leadership and family business at institutions like Cornell and Bocconi University.
What inspired you to get involved with Friends of Bocconi—as both a donor and a board member? Why Bocconi University?
In my philanthropic efforts my primary goal is to help people, but I would also like to learn new things and Bocconi presents a special opportunity to understand the impact of education from a global perspective rather than domestically in the US.
Bocconi’s mission and value proposition as well as, the exceptional, level of education,it provides is a unique opportunity for students and I want to help Bocconi expand its reach.
What advice would you give to alumni or supporters who are considering becoming more involved?
Don’t delay! You will enjoy every minute of it, you will engage with wonderful, professional, generous people, and you will come away feeling you have gained something rather than given.
What does philanthropy mean to you personally?
Higher education changed my life. Whatever I achieved, I did not do it alone – I had mentors and a support system along the way. Philanthropy to me means opening a world of possibility and building a foundation so that others can dream big and realize their potential.
As part of her recent visit to Bocconi’s Milan campus, Stefanie gave a guest lecture in the Family Business Strategies course, an inspiring moment that brought her commitment to life for students.
