April Savoy, C'93

April Savoy, C'93

1. Alumna Trustee Interest Statement

I am seeking the Alumna Trustee role because Spelman shaped my intellectual foundation, my commitment to service, and my belief that leadership must expand opportunity for Black women and our communities. My career as a Chief Legal Officer has been devoted to stewarding mission driven organizations through transformation, governance modernization, and public engagement skills I will bring immediately to the Board. I have advised boards on litigation exposure, capital strategy, regulatory trends, and public affairs; led enterprise risk and compliance modernization; and reimagined organizational structures to increase speed, alignment, and impact. I have also been an active Spelman donor and museum supporter, traveled with the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, and sustained alumnae leadership across multiple cities, experiences that deepen my appreciation for the College's cultural and civic role.

I am a builder and connector who uses strategy, systems, data, and relationships to protect enterprise value while advancing mission. As an Alumna Trustee, I will combine fiduciary rigor with a passion for student opportunity, arts and civic engagement, and long-term institutional resilience, helping Spelman steward its legacy and pioneer a bolder future.

2. Engagement with Spelman as Advocate, Donor and Volunteer

I have sustained long-term, hands-on engagement with Spelman as an advocate, donor, and volunteer focused on advancing the College's cultural, educational, and community missions. I supported the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art during its infancy, including participating in one of the Museum's inaugural travel abroad programs to Cuba in 2011, and thereafter remained a committed donor to the Museum, because I believe deeply in elevating Black women's artistic voices and global cultural exchange.

As a mentor, I have advised and supported incoming and current students across the country, most significantly in Atlanta, Nashville, and Southern California, helping students navigate academic choices, career pathways, and professional development. I have been an active alumna leader in Spelman College Alumnae Association activities in Atlanta, Columbus, and Southern California, regularly participating in community outreach, fundraising, and reunion events to strengthen alumnae networks and advance the College's priorities.

Beyond Spelman's specific work, my volunteer leadership in nonprofit fundraising and civic organizations exemplifies and advocates for the College's mission of service and civic engagement. These sustained contributions, financial, advisory, and operational, reflect my belief that alumnae stewardship is both a responsibility and an opportunity to expand access, support its focus areas, and ensure Spelman’s long-term vitality.

3. Personal and Professional Experience

Educational excellence: My academic foundation at Spelman College and Harvard Law School shaped a lifelong commitment to rigorous inquiry and student opportunity. As a result of the academic foundation afforded through Spelman, my career has enabled me to serve as a veteran chief legal officer, business leader, and board member with expertise in transformation, business integration, board governance, strategic policy development, negotiation, and government relations strategy.

Leadership: As a chief legal officer, I have advised executive teams and boards on litigation exposure, capital strategy, regulatory trends, and emerging risks. I have led enterprise transformations, M&A integrations, and compliance and risk modernization initiatives that increased organizational speed, alignment, and resilience. My experiences have allowed me a deep understanding of risk management, artificial intelligence governance, regulatory affairs, human capital management, and budget and financial oversight.

Philanthropic stewardship: I have been an active donor to Spelman and its Museum, a participant in the 25@25 alumna donor initiative, and a fundraiser and volunteer leader in civic organizations. I bring disciplined fiduciary judgment and a track record of delivering cost-efficient, sustainable legal and financial solutions that protect enterprise value.

Community service: I have and currently mentor Spelman College students across Atlanta, Nashville, and Southern California, and have engaged in alumnae association activities in Atlanta, Columbus, and Southern California. I am a builder and connector who has leveraged relationships, data, and strategy to expand access, strengthen community ties, and advance Spelman's mission.

4. Initiatives to Promote Spelman to the Outside Community

I have actively promoted Spelman across academic, corporate, and civic settings by introducing prospective donors, families, applicants, and students to the College's academic and cultural strengths and its study abroad opportunities. At Harvard Law School and in corporate and civic forums, I regularly highlight Spelman's distinctive education to potential personal and corporate donors, encourage family engagement, and speak with middle and high school students about the benefits of a Spelman education and global learning experiences. I regularly highlight the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and Spelman's STEM program strengths, amplifying the college's mission and attracting interest and support.