Date: Monday, February 23, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET/11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT/10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT/9:00 – 10:00 AM PT
Section on Institutional Advancement
Join us for a dynamic panel exploring innovative approaches to international alumni engagement. Hear how institutions are building and sustaining global alumni communities through regional clubs, signature events, and strategic collaborations that strengthen worldwide connections.
You’ll also discover how curated international travel experiences can engage alumni close to home, using exploration abroad as a powerful affinity‑building tool. Together, our panelists will offer complementary insights and practical ideas for any institution looking to expand or reimagine its international engagement strategy.
Kim Benenhaley, Director of Alumni Engagement, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Kim Benenhaley serves as the Director of Alumni Engagement at Penn Carey Law, where she oversees alumni engagement initiatives. Kim has been part of the Law School community for over a decade, bringing a deep commitment to building and sustaining alumni relationships.
A Philadelphia area native, Kim previously worked at the Wharton School’s Behavioral Lab and brings a strong background in institutional engagement and community building to her role. She is passionate about creating opportunities for alumni to stay connected, give back, and support one another personally and professionally. She earned her BA in Psychology and Hispanic Studies from Vassar College and a Master in Law from Penn Carey Law.
Sara Guzmán, Executive Director, Gonzaga Law School Foundation
A proud lower Yakima valley native, Sarah Guzmán completed her bachelor’s degree in information technology and administrative management from Central Washington University in 2003. Upon graduation she worked for the Yakima Family YMCA and then Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors, P.L.L.C. before moving to Spokane in 2007. After starting a family in 2009, Sarah joined Gonzaga Law in 2010. In 2018, she completed her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. During her educational journey, the course in leadership and hardiness found her summiting Mt. Adams, the second highest peak in the Pacific Northwest, with her team of fellow classmates. It was an experience that built lifelong friendships and a resiliency she’s been able to draw from in her life both personally and professionally.
From 2019 to 2023, Sarah served Gonzaga Law School as director of alumni engagement and strategic initiatives. During that time, she was responsible for developing, executing, and leading a strategic and comprehensive annual giving program and donor experience, as well as fostering lifelong alumni connections to Gonzaga Law School. Sarah also assisted Dean Jacob H. Rooksby with initiating and implementing non-academic brand and innovation initiatives.
In May of 2023, she was appointed the inaugural executive director of the Law School Foundation. The Gonzaga Law School Foundation, for the first time since its founding in 1970, has a full-time employee in the form of an Executive Director. This role, which was envisioned and approved by the Law Foundation’s Board of Directors, is responsible for Law Foundation operations and financial stewardship; Law Foundation fundraising and scholarships; and alumni and external relations. The search committee felt Sarah was the ideal candidate for this new position in light of her thorough understanding of the Law School and Law Foundation, her relationships with donors, and her progressive leadership and alumni engagement experience dating back to her beginnings at Gonzaga Law School in 2010.
Sarah is a member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and is currently enrolled in The Board Professional Certificate Program™ through AGB.
Sarah enjoys traveling, being with her teenage daughter, and spending time outdoors.
