Stephanie Sewanoude, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in History. Her journey since then has been marked by a commitment to service, global engagement, and professional growth. Shortly after graduation, Stephanie joined the Peace Corps and served in Benin, West Africa. There, she taught English to middle and high school students in French, reaching approximately 280 students each academic year. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she led educational initiatives focused on health, diversity, and gender issues. She also created extracurricular opportunities for students, including youth camps and girls’ softball clubs, fostering confidence and empowerment among the young people she served.

Stephanie credits her time at Bethany with preparing her for both the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural service. Her academic focus in history, art history, and cultural anthropology, combined with involvement in campus groups like the Bethany Activities Committee and the Multi-Ethnic Resource Center, helped shape her leadership skills and deepen her understanding of diverse communities. Living as the only American in her region of Benin, she leaned on the values of adaptability, empathy, and faith instilled during her college years.

Following her Peace Corps service, Stephanie transitioned into the corporate sector, where she has continued to apply her communication skills and global perspective. She currently works as an Account Representative at Brown & Brown, one of the largest insurance brokerages in the United States. In this role, she supports client relationships and helps manage compliance and risk within the complex world of insurance and business services. Her professional development also includes earning a Master’s degree in Compliance and Risk Management from Seattle University School of Law, further expanding her expertise in this field.

Stephanie’s career path—from education and service to risk management and compliance—demonstrates the broad applicability of a liberal arts education rooted in Christian values. Whether in a classroom in West Africa or a boardroom in the United States, she remains committed to serving others with integrity, cultural awareness, and compassion. Her story is a testament to the power of a Bethany education to prepare graduates for meaningful, impactful lives across a wide range of vocations.