Alumni Council Nominations

alumni council

The Swarthmore College Alumni Council is the governing body of our Alumni Association, leading initiatives that support students, alumni, and the College. The Alumni Council Nominating Committee is committed to selecting a slate of candidates that reflects the diversity of our alumni, considering factors such as background, life experiences, and engagement with the College.

We are pleased to present the new slate of five alumni nominated to join the Alumni Council for a three-year term starting in Fall 2024. This is an opportunity for all Swarthmore alumni to vote to ratify this year’s nominees. To learn more about each nominee, please read their bios at the bottom of this page.

How to Vote

According to the Swarthmore College Alumni Association Constitution and Bylaws, alumni are asked to vote “For,” “Against,” or “Abstain” for each nominee. This vote is not a selection between candidates; each nominee with a majority of “For” votes will join the Council. You are encouraged to vote “For” all five nominees. The voting period is open now and will run until September 20. If you have misplaced or did not receive your personalized ballot link, please contact alumni@swarthmore.edu.

Nomination Process

We accept peer and self-nominations year-round, which are valid for three years. If you wish to nominate yourself or a classmate, please use this form or email the Nominating Committee at acnominations@swarthmore.edu with your name, class year, the nominee’s name, class year, and the reasons for your nomination. The Committee reviews all nominations, considering factors such as professional background, those members rotating off the Council, field of study, College engagement, age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and geographic representation. We aim to ensure the Council accurately represents the broad spectrum of Swarthmore's alumni.

For more information about our current members, visit the Alumni Council Directory page. 

2024 Alumni Council Nominees

Olivia Ensign '12

Pronouns: she-her-hers-herself

I am a Senior Advocate and Researcher at Human Rights Watch's U.S. Program, focusing on the criminal legal system and systemic inequality. In this role, I employ a multifaceted approach of collaboration, public education, and fact-finding to advance the protection of human rights in the United States at both the federal and state levels.

Before 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 a partner to a Swarthmore alum. I am an eye doctor and vitreoretinal surgeon (specializing in microsurgery for the neural tissue lining the inside back of the eye) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, in Boston. At Swarthmore, I majored in Biochemistry, though I also enjoyed my French literature and European history courses. Recently, I completed 15 years of medical training, and I am now building a busy academic practice with trainees and exciting clinical research.

I would like to join the Alumni Council because I understand the challenges alumni face and would like to help those interested 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, adolescents, and their families. My time as a student at Swarthmore was enormously influential in my life, and the important experiences and relationships I had there were the seeds of my continued affection for Swarthmore and my high hopes for its future.

As a member of the Alumni Council, I hope to help expand connections between alumni and the College and to serve current students who may benefit from networking with or gaining support from alumni.

Grant Torre '17

Pronouns: he-him-his-himself

As VP of 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 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 the Alumni Council, I hope to make an impact by connecting students with pre-professional opportunities (if you're interested in media and entertainment, feel free to reach out!) and 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 I 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 through the Swarthmore Young Alumni Ambassadors Program, Swarthmore Regional Connections, the Harvard Club of Philadelphia, and the 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.