As a member of Northwestern’s Board of Trustees since 2022, Kristin Asleson McDonnell is inspired by her alma mater’s advancement — from its energizing efforts in sustainability, artificial intelligence and the performing arts to its strong commitment to collaboration, curiosity and inclusivity.
And as the recently elected president of the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) Board of Directors, McDonnell is excited about something else too: leading an organization dedicated to the personal and intellectual growth of a diverse, international community of more than 260,000 alumni.
An innovator who worked on AT&T’s early video phone service explorations, McDonnell co-founded one of the first mobile app companies (LimeLife) and now steers Menlo Group, a technology investment firm. She began volunteering for Northwestern more than a decade ago, when she returned to campus to share her industry expertise with students. Today, the Northern California resident and McCormick School of Engineering graduate mentors student entrepreneurs and serves on the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Advisory Board and Kellogg Tech Council. In her new role as NAA Board president, she invites fellow graduates to engage with Northwestern’s vibrant alumni community and the University’s transformative work.
How did Northwestern fuel your career?
I knew from an early age I wanted to be a technology industry executive, like my parents and grandparents, and Northwestern provided such a strong foundation for that goal. I not only learned computer science and how to solve problems using math and logic but also how to do so creatively and collaboratively.
What brought you back to volunteer?
In 2012, a bit before I accepted an invitation to speak to students on campus about tech entrepreneurship and venture capital fundraising, I went to a Northwestern University Leadership Circle dinner in San Francisco. It was a special experience to connect with other smart, interesting and supportive alumni, and it reminded me of how important Northwestern was to me as an undergrad. I wanted to have that deep connection to the University again.
What are your priorities as president?
The NAA wants to support our alumni’s passions and interests and create meaningful, enriching experiences that make their lives better. It’s also about turning the University inside out so alumni can see ways to get involved with all the important work happening across Northwestern.
Why should alumni get involved?
Northwestern is focused on transforming society and growing leaders in an environment that champions access, diversity and belonging. Being involved as an alum is a wonderful way to be around people with that incredible Northwestern spirit.
Whether you connect with alumni in your industry, mentor students, or become involved with academic departments, classes or centers, there are endless opportunities to develop collaborative relationships. The more Northwestern alumni spark new opportunities with one another and the University, the more we become stronger together.
Visit alum.nu/spark to get involved.
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