5 Questions with Sarah Smith-Benanti
Talking multicultural reunions, podcasts, and sledding spots with Grinnell’s assistant director of alumni and donor relations for diverse communities.
Sarah Smith-Benanti first joined Grinnell College on a part-time basis planning the College’s first-ever multicultural reunion in 2017. As the event proved successful and became a biennial tradition, Smith-Benanti accepted the full-time position of assistant director of alumni and donor relations for diverse communities, which she continues to hold today. When not working, Smith-Benanti keeps busy traveling and exploring the outdoors with her two children, Elliott, eight, and Zora, four. She was kind enough to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her life and work.
Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
A: I am a lifelong-learner and am always looking for opportunities to learn new things and meet new people. I enjoy playing with my kids, watching a good tv show, and walking. I love podcasts, reading the New York Times, and listening to Iowa Public Radio. Mostly it’s all about my kids. We love being outside and I love driving and exploring new places.
Q: What are some of your go-to outdoor places in Iowa?
A: The great thing about living in Iowa is that there are so many cool cities not too far away to explore in the Midwest. We like finding new parks to explore and recently discovered the rocket slide at Union Park in Des Moines. We love going to Ahren’s Park and have even played on the playground in the snow. We like sledding on hamburger hill but went to the college football field recently because it is a closer walk and we had it to ourselves. We also like burying each other in the snow and making snow angels.
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts to recommend?
A: This American Life and RadioLab have been favorites for years! Anything by Serial Productions is awesome. Your Mama’s Kitchen is a new fav. I also love Code Switch and The Moth.
Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?
A: I am a volunteer manager, which means I work with our alums to put on events and programs to engage other alums with the College. I love hearing alumni stories and illuminating the stories people don’t know, especially those of minoritized alums.
Q: What is your favorite Grinnell moment?
A: My favorite Grinnell moment, hands down, was the virtual alumni drag show that we did as part of virtual Multicultural Reunion 2021. It was the most positive, affirming, and beautiful space I’ve ever been in at Grinnell College. Every time I think about it, I get a huge smile on my face.