Three questions with Miss Porter’s Alexandra Muchura Mensah | Director of Alumnae and Parent Engagement
As a staff member at an independent school and the parent of a current student and a young Ancient, Alexandra plays a crucial role in Miss Porter’s School community.
As both a dedicated staff member and the parent of a current student and a young Ancient, Alexandra Muchura Mensah plays an essential role in the Miss Porter’s School community. In her role as Director of Alumnae and Parent Engagement, Alexandra bridges the gap between parents, Ancients (alumnae), and the school, ensuring lasting connections that help shape the future of Miss Porter’s School. Here’s a glimpse into her life and work:
1. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work, and how do you spend your free time?
I love reading and have recently been exploring the sci-fi and fantasy genres—something I had always shied away from. My infatuation with Jane Austen started when hers was the only English book I could find at my study-away college program! When I’m not engrossed in a book, I enjoy walking or hiking along Connecticut’s beautiful trails and have been dabbling in foraging, discovering what nature has to offer. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and admit to indulging in a good romantic period piece, especially those set in 19th-century England.
2. How does your role contribute to strengthening the connection between the school, Ancients, and parents?
The role of alumnae and parent engagement is all about bringing people together—it’s right there in the title. My job is to help parents, Ancients, and the broader community connect through shared interests and experiences. For parents, this means creating opportunities to engage beyond their child’s experience and fostering a lifelong relationship with the school. We encourage them to invest not just in their child’s time at Porter’s but in the institution’s long-term growth for future generations.
For Ancients, the goal is to keep Porter’s relevant in their lives and ensure the next generation of students has an even better experience. Graduation isn’t the end of the Porter’s journey for students or their families—it’s a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Through in-person events, virtual connections, and storytelling, we strengthen these bonds and keep the Porter’s community thriving.
3. What strategies do you find most effective in fostering long-lasting relationships with Ancients and parents?
The foundation of strong, lasting relationships is listening and fostering a sense of belonging. This applies across the board—to students, parents, and Ancients. One way we build this connection is by giving each group insight into today’s Porter’s experience, showing them how the school continues to live out its mission of educating bold, informed women ready to shape a changing world.
We also provide consistent opportunities for in-person and virtual connections. These allow Ancients and parents to share their experiences, find common ground, and contribute to the community in meaningful ways—whether through time, talent, or treasure. By doing so, we ensure that Porter’s can continue its work for generations to come.
