Yumi Casagrande

New Jersey resident Yumi Casagrande remains dedicated to helping others in her community and around the world through a variety of service projects. As a student at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School, she participated in events designed to promote awareness and understanding of other cultures. One such occasion was the “A Night for the Soul” celebration of Black History Month in 2010, during which Yumi Casagrande helped introduce more than 200 guests to traditional soul food before an evening of music and dance.

In addition to her efforts to further diversity while at the Pingry School, Ms. Casagrande was chosen as a delegate to the 2012 Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. This annual gathering of high school student leaders helps young people develop skills in communication, networking, and expressions. Participants such as Yumi Casagrande can then use what they have learned to facilitate equity and social justice in their schools and communities.

Currently, Yumi Casagrande attends Pingry School, where she is part of the select women’s ensemble the Balladeers. She earned her position in the group by undergoing a rigorous audition process, which is required to obtain an initial position and to remain in the ensemble for each successive school year. Along with up to 19 other singers, Ms. Casagrande performs at shopping malls, schools, and churches.

Outside of her activities with the Pingry Balladeers, she participates in and volunteers annually at the Music Education Association of New Jersey’s Auditions. In addition to her local efforts, Ms. Casagrande often donates her time to South Pacific Business Development, a microfinance charitable organization founded by her father. The group provides financial assistance to empower women living in poverty in rural or semirural regions of Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. Yumi Casagrande and other volunteers work to provide these women with business and financial training; guidance; and financial support, including unsecured loans and life insurance.