The good Cornellians can do: Kris van Riper ’91

Kris van Riper '91 grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended D.C. public schools. After studying government and economics at Cornell, Kris earned an MA in international affairs from Johns Hopkins and an MBA from The Wharton School.

She then returned to her hometown to work in IT research and consulting. When a friend told her about an opportunity to help local high school students attend college, Kris knew she wanted to get involved.

Kris volunteers with Minds Matter D.C., where she provides tutoring, mentoring, summer camp scholarships, and advocacy to help local high school students achieve their higher ed goals.

“Many kids will be the first generation in their families to attend college,” Kris says. “They are really inspiring, and I appreciate their ambition and motivation.”

One of Kris’s favorite parts about working with the students happens in the spring—when they receive their college acceptances. She loves hearing which colleges the students decide to attend.

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.