Laura Yacoubian '05 returns to St. Mary’s to lead alumnae engagement

For Laura Jennings Yacoubian ’05, St. Mary’s School has never been just a school. It has been the setting for lifelong friendships, a foundation of her values, and now the place she is called to serve in a new way.

This spring, Yacoubian will join St. Mary’s Episcopal School as Director of Alumnae, a role focused on strengthening the bonds among generations of St. Mary’s graduates and helping alumnae remain connected to the school long after graduation.

“St. Mary’s has been part of my story since the third grade,” she said. “I spent most of my formative years here, from Lower School all the way through graduation. The school prepared me for college and a career, but just as importantly, it instilled the value of giving back to my community.”

The connections she formed during those years remain some of the most meaningful in her life.

“Many of my closest friends are the ones I sat next to in the classroom and in Chapel,” she said. “There is something really special about the shared experience of St. Mary’s. Whenever I meet another alumna out in the world, there’s almost an immediate connection. It doesn’t matter if we graduated 10 years apart or 50 — there’s a shared language of values and a common foundation that bonds us.”

Today, Yacoubian’s connection to St. Mary’s has come full circle. She is now the mother of two St. Mary’s students: fifth-grader Helen and 2nd-grader Lizzie. Seeing the school through their eyes has only deepened her appreciation for its impact.

“I have the joy of experiencing St. Mary’s again through my daughters,” she said. “Every day, I’m reminded how the school shapes the life of each girl who walks these halls. Seeing St. Mary’s as a student, an alumna, and a parent has been incredibly meaningful. Joining the administration feels like where I’m meant to be.”

In her new role, Yacoubian will serve as the primary point of connection for the school’s alumnae community, helping create opportunities for graduates to stay involved through mentorship, volunteerism, events, and storytelling. 

“I’m excited about listening to and sharing the stories of our alumnae,” she said. “St. Mary’s graduates are doing such interesting and world-changing things. I can’t wait to meet these women, hear about their journeys, and celebrate their accomplishments.”

Her goal, she said, is to ensure that every alumna continues to feel a connection to the school that helped shape her.

“I want every alumna to feel that St. Mary’s is her biggest cheerleader, no matter how many years have passed since she graduated,” Yacoubian said.

Yacoubian brings extensive nonprofit leadership and community-building experience to the role, as well as leadership experience in the medical device industry. She previously served as interim Executive Director and Director of Development of Temple Israel in Memphis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hendrix College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis.

Yacoubian will work closely with Gigi Gould ’70, who served as Director of Alumnae for more than two decades and is transitioning into a new role as Legacy Giving Director, helping alumnae and friends of the school support its long-term future through endowment and planned gifts. 

“There’s truly no replacing Gigi,” Yacoubian said. “She has been such a light for the St. Mary’s community and has done so much to strengthen the alumnae network. I have tremendous respect for the path she has paved.”

Gould said she is excited to see Yacoubian step into the role.

“Laura brings both a deep love for St. Mary’s and a strong ability to build meaningful relationships,” Gould said. “I’m thrilled to see her carry forward the work of connecting our alumnae and strengthening this extraordinary community.”

As she looks ahead, Yacoubian hopes to help ensure that every St. Mary’s graduate carries forward the school’s commitment to excellence.

“St. Mary’s never wavers in its pursuit of excellence,” she said. “That foundation prepares each girl to make a lasting mark on the world — whether she’s pouring her heart into her neighborhood here in Memphis or leading on a global stage.”

And for Yacoubian, helping foster that lifelong connection is both a professional calling and a personal one.

“It’s truly an honor,” she said. “St. Mary’s helped shape who I am, and I’m excited to help strengthen the community of women it continues to send out into the world.”