Culture of Caring
2024-2025 Report on Giving
At Westridge, giving is more than generosity—it’s a reflection of shared purpose and values. From classrooms to playing fields, STEM labs to stage lights, the Westridge Annual Fund supports the people, programs, and possibilities that define Westridge.
We are grateful to have exceeded our Westridge Annual Fund goal, raising over
$1.7 million in the 2024-2025 school year. Hear more about how the fund touches so many parts of campus, from members of our community in their own words:
Community Relief Fund
In the wake of the Greater Los Angeles fires in
January, you, our Westridge community, took
action to show the power of our collective compassion.
​
The Westridge Community Relief Fund was established to aid Westridge community members who lost their homes or businesses, were displaced, or suffered other significant financial impact. The fund contributed to tuition assistance and education-related expenses for students, mental health resources, replacement memorabilia for alumnae, paid leave for faculty and staff, and more. To date, the fund has raised $500,000. Thank you to all who have contributed. If you are interested in supporting impacted families today, gifts can be made to the Westridge Annual Fund for financial aid—the biggest ongoing need as our community continues to heal.
​
Connection also came out across our community in the wake of the tragedy. Alumna Lauren Tom ’12 compiled a list of all donation links supporting Westridge alumnae and their families, and Sydney Sheldahl ’25 released two original songs "about cherishing friendships and witnessing the beauty of Pasadena/Altadena area.” Sydney says all proceeds from these songs will be donated to fire relief.
​
Our hearts continue to be with all in our community who have been impacted, and we are inspired by the collective support we have seen this year.
30-Year Legacies
KASHMIR BLAKE
& MELANIE HORN RETIRE
2025 marked the final school year for two beloved Westridge educators: Dance Teacher Kashmir Blake and Director of Athletics Melanie Horn, who each spent 30 years serving Westridge in so many ways—from creating safe spaces for self-expression and exploration to advocating for equity for girls on stage and on the field. We are forever grateful for Kashmir and Coach Horn's contributions to our programs, our students and alumnae, and the spirit of our Tiger community.
​​​
In recognition of their immense impact, two special building dedications have been made: the dance studio will henceforth be known as the Kashmir Blake Dance Studio while the basketball court in Hoffman Gym is now the Melanie Horn Basketball Court. Special funds were also created to honor Kashmir Blake and Melanie Horn.
​
"Thank you for helping develop me into an athlete who is unafraid to try new sports… You were our biggest cheerleader, always ready with the most enthusiastic “way to go, Tiger Superstar!””
​
– Ella Cline ’16, to Coach Horn
​
​
​
"How do you begin to explain the force of nature that is Kashmir Blake? She came into our lives and ignited a fire in all of us, dancers or not, shaking up the status quo, and becoming a beloved fixture in our lives.”
​
– Susan Kaye Compton ’01,
to Kashmir Blake
​
​
During Tiger Giving Days this spring, the letter of the day was ‘P’ for Participation! Parents, grandparents, alumnae, employees, and friends came together to support the Westridge Annual Fund and all it does to bolster classroom activities, athletics, campus facilities, and much more… and to unlock spirited prizes along the way! Popsicles, pizza, and pie, anyone?
​
Thanks to your generosity and spirit of participation, we more than doubled the number of gifts to the Westridge Annual Fund in Tiger Giving Days’ second year. A special thank you to the Class of 2032, who had the highest percentage of participating families, and the Class of 2030, who raised the highest dollar amount.
​
Stay tuned for our next Tiger Giving Days in April 2026! In the meantime, explore ways to give today on our website.
SECOND ANNUAL
.jpg)
New Administrators
Join Upper School & Advancement
Westridge welcomed two new administrators to the Westridge Leadership Team in 2024: Director of Upper School Melanie Arias, Ph.D. and Director of Advancement Sian Leong Adams ’98.
​
Dr. Arias comes to Westridge with nearly two decades of experience as a teacher and educational leader, most recently serving as associate director of Windward School’s Prep Division. She has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion work and programs supporting girls for years—something that initially drew her to Westridge—including serving as an advisor for Girl Learn International and GirlUp! organizations. Her daughter Noemi ’31 also joined the Tiger community this fall! To learn more about Dr. Arias, read her profile in Surgere here.
​
​
Sian Leong Adams ’98 brings nearly 25 years of experience as a fund development professional in the nonprofit management field, including work in donor cultivation, event production, and capital campaign strategy and management, most recently as director of strategic initiatives for the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Sian is also a Westridge alumna (Go Romans!), so can speak directly to the immense impact of the Westridge Annual Fund.