- Olivia Ensign '12
Pronouns: she-her-hers-herself
I am a Senior Advocate and Researcher at Human Rights Watch's US Program, with a focus on the criminal legal system and systemic inequality. In this role I employ a multi-faceted approach of collaboration, public education, and fact-finding to move the needle towards the protection of human rights in the United States at the federal and state levels.
Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, I was a Staff Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s Capital Punishment Project where I represented clients in capital proceedings at the trial, direct appeal, and post-conviction levels across the southern United States.
I would like to join the Alumni Council because I want to ensure that our Swarthmore community continues to be a vibrant place for intellectual inquiry and building lifelong connections.
- Yafeng Li '08
I have an 8-year-old son who loves his Swarthmore gear and I am partner to a Swarthmore alum. I am an eye doctor and a vitreoretinal surgeon (micro-surgery for the neural tissue lining the inside back of the eye) at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, in Boston. At Swarthmore, I majored in Biochemistry though I also relished my French literature and European history courses. Recently, I finished 15 years of medical training and I am building a busy academic practice with trainees and exciting clinical research.
I would like to join the Alumni Council because I understand the challenges alums face and would like to help interested alums engage in both the art and science of Medicine.
- Hannah Swallow '87
Pronouns: she-her-hers-herself
At Swarthmore, I majored in psychology, with a concentration in women's studies. I was a Writing Assistant, an RA, co-president of the class of 1987, and a Lang Scholar. Immediately after graduating, I served as an assistant dean of admissions and West coast representative for the College. I am now a psychologist in private practice, where I provide assessment and therapeutic services to children and adolescents, and their families. My time as a student at Swarthmore was enormously influential in my life, and the important experiences and relationships there were the seeds of my continued affection and high hopes for Swarthmore.
As a member of the Alumni Council, I hope to help expand the connections between alumni and the College, and serve current students who may benefit from networking with or gaining support from alumni.
- Grant Torre '17
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
As VP, Film at Stampede Ventures in Los Angeles, I am a film producer and executive -- aiming to champion a slate of inclusive, four-quadrant films that can bring a new lens to “commercial success.” I am also a founding board member of PEAK (Pacific Entertainment Advancement Komiti) whose mission is to redefine and expand Pasifika entertainment so that creatives can thrive, evolve, and drive innovative storytelling that honors the richness and diversity across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my husband, running, and unashamedly watching reality television.
On Alumni Council, I hope to leave an impact in the area of connecting students with pre-professional opportunities (if you're interested in media and entertainment, feel free to reach out!) while finding ways to reduce the burden on current Swatties to connect with alumni.
- Xena Wang '19
Pronouns: she-her-hers-herself
I’m Xena (pronounced Zenna) and live in Philadelphia. I currently work in executive search at Heidrick & Struggles and was previously in higher education admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. I graduated from Swarthmore with degrees in Art and Classics and created the “Scenes of Swarthmore” book and postcards as a passion project. I stay involved in alumni engagement groups as part of the Swarthmore Young Alumni Ambassadors Program, Swarthmore Regional Connections, Harvard Club of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance chapter.
I would like to join the Alumni Council because I’m passionate about empowering individuals’ personal and professional growth and fostering meaningful relationships across generations.
Alumni Council Nominations
The Alumni Council is the governing body of our Alumni Association and participates in a variety of activities to support students, alumni, and the College.
The Alumni Council Nominating Committee is committed to selecting a slate of candidates who reflect the diversity of the alumni body. Alumni candidates with a diversity of life experiences, backgrounds, and affiliations are sought and considered. Engagement with the College is also an important factor in decision-making. Each year, the slate of nominees takes into consideration those members who are rotating off, so that the full Alumni Council will continue to be as diverse and representative as possible. Please go to the Alumni Council Directory page to see a complete list of our current members.
We would like to thank everyone for their peer- and self-nominations, which we accept all year round. Nominations are valid for a three-year period, so those who were nominated this year or last year will be considered again next year. If you would like to nominate a classmate, or yourself, for future consideration, please submit this form or email the Nominating Committee at acnominations@swarthmore.edu with your name and class year, the nominee’s name and class year, and reasons for your nomination
