Join us for a compelling conversation with three seasoned presidents from Jesuit universities as they share insights on leading in today’s complex higher education landscape. This distinguished panel features Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ (Creighton University), President Julie Sullivan (Santa Clara University), and President Eduardo Peñalver (Seattle University).

Together, they will explore how university presidents are navigating institutional challenges, inspiring philanthropic support from alumni and friends, and playing a pivotal role in advancing the development and alumni relations work on their campuses. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain strategic perspectives from leaders who are deeply rooted in the Jesuit mission and committed to the transformative power of higher education.

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Kara is a skilled fundraiser with 25 years dedicated to helping non-profit organizations amplify their impact. By strategically focusing on increasing revenue, operational efficiency, organizational sustainability and talent development, she has successfully led clients through every aspect of private fundraising with enthusiasm, empathy, a sense of humor, and an eye for results.

Along with empowering the non-profit community, Kara is committed to growing, diversifying and training our next generation of Development leaders. After years of observing nonprofits struggle to build high-performing teams, Kara created the Harvest Development Boot Camp: an interactive and innovative approach to sharing development best practices and tools. Since 2012, hundreds of teams have utilized the Harvest Development Boot Camp curriculum to empower and focus talent on creating stronger, more empowered, sustainable organizations.

Prior to founding Harvest, Kara was a Major Gifts Officer and pro-bono Development Consultant at the Robin Hood Foundation, the Director of Development for DREAM (formerly Harlem RBI), worked in Special Events for New York Citymeals-on-Wheels and began her career as a Talent Recruiter. Kara is an experienced public speaker and an entertaining and effective workshop and retreat facilitator. She holds an M.A. and B.A. from Santa Clara University and lives in New York City with her husband and two hilarious children. 

Development with Purpose Presentation

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Matthew Carnes, S.J., serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Santa Clara University, as well as Executive Director of the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education and Professor of Political Science. In this role, he is charged with strengthening and promoting the University’s Jesuit Catholic mission and character in ways that are bold, inclusive, and reflective of the rich diversity of the University community.

Prior to joining Santa Clara University, he was an associate professor at Georgetown University in the Department of Government and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, and he served as Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs in the School of Foreign Service (2023-2024) and as the Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (2016-2022).  A distinguished educator, he received three of Georgetown University’s highest teaching awards, including Georgetown College's Edward B. Bunn, S.J. Award (2017 and 2011), the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service Faculty of the Year Award (2013), and the University-wide Dorothy Brown Award for Outstanding Teaching Achievement (2011). 

His research examines the dynamics of labor and social welfare policy in developing and middle-income countries. A specialist on Latin America, he has conducted extensive field research in Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, and he has worked on development projects in Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Ecuador. He is the author of Continuity Despite Change: The Politics of Labor Regulation in Latin America (Stanford University Press, 2014), and numerous journal articles.

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