Kristina Joye Lyles

Steen leads our organization’s efforts to incorporate a race equity-forward lens in supporting students and teachers across the country. Steen led the creation of #ISeeMe, a DonorsChoose initiative ensuring that students see themselves reflected in their teachers and in their learning environments.

As Senior Partnerships Director she develops and manages partnerships with companies, foundations, and individual philanthropists. Steen is also passionate about growing relationships with philanthropists of color hoping to make an impact in public school classrooms.

Prior to joining the DonorsChoose team, Steen practiced corporate law, focusing on merger and acquisition transactions for private equity clients. Before that she taught Street Law to high school students in the D.C. public school system. Steen graduated from Spelman College and Georgetown Law and loves all things related to cheerleading, dance, Atlanta, and coffee. Steen is a proud mama of two little humans and a pup.