Yesmean Rihbany

Born in Montebello, CA and raised in multi-cultural household, Yesmean learned the value and richness of looking at the world through different lenses. Fortunate to spend her early years with a strong grandmother who told her to chart her own path and not to let others dictate her direction.

Starting her career as a high school teacher, she experienced firsthand the power that opportunities, exposure to ideas, and connections could have on transforming young people’s lives. The last 30 years in corporate world developing leaders and employees, has shown her the advantages girls can gain from opportunities in their early years. That is why she’s deeply committed to supporting children and positioning them for success.

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As a consultant, she continues her work on developing people, teams, and organzation in the corporate world. She also volunteers with serval non-profits and is actively involved in her community, striving to cultivate connections.

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She is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach and a happy resident of Long Beach along with her husband, where she continues to seek ways to build community and support growth.

Ms. Schwandner has a bachelor’s degree in Business from The University of Maryland and her Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach in Business Management.

A Rotarian since 1993, Ms. Schwandner is currently the club’s past President and the immediate past President of the Rotary Charitable Foundation (a separate 501C3) of the 300 member Long Beach Rotary Club. Ms. Schwandner has been a member of the Gold Star Manor Board for 12 years and served as its chair for 5 years. She has also served as a member of the Rotary Scholarship Foundation providing long-term scholarships to youth who graduate from Long Beach High Schools. She is a member of the board of the Long Beach Day Nursery that provides quality early childhood education for low-income families.

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In her free time Ms. Schwandner loves to read international mysteries, cook and exercise, with Pilates and exercise walking with her 18 lb. dog Dani having been described as an obsession.  She has volunteered with 4Girls for the last 3 years, serving as a mentor and a floater.