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Trachanda García ’02

Trachanda García ‘02 is a builder—not in the traditional brick-and-mortar sense, but in her unique approach to seeing a dream or vision come to pass. In her new role as the Milton Hershey School Director of Alumni Relations, her vision includes welcoming alumni back to campus, providing opportunities for them to thrive, and fostering strong relationships between them and current students.

“As alumni, we have grown into the people we needed when we were younger,” Trachanda explained. “I want every alum to feel empowered by their story and use it to establish bonds between them and current Spartans.”

Trachanda with WCU Global Engagement Office colleagues

With her career in higher education and as a Milt herself, Trachanda returns to MHS with a breadth of professional experience that complements the personal perspective she brings to the role. Trachanda also is no stranger to the world of alumni relations. At Haverford College, she found unique ways to engage the alumni there, building events and programs that strengthened community bonds amongst alumni and students alike.

“I really relished my time at Haverford,” she expressed. “It was there that I met new people, learned new skills, and was able to make a big impact. I’ve always been in a place where I believed in the mission, and that was super rewarding.”

Trachanda with Her Former Houseparents

Trachanda is keenly aware of the challenges that come with being an MHS student and graduate. Children who wear the MHS logo come with Adverse Childhood Experiences. They likely wrestle with a lot of emotions that can make graduation feel incredibly sweet and complicated simultaneously. Trachanda is passionate about ensuring all alumni feel understood, supported, and encouraged to do something great with the tools provided by MHS.

“Alumni can feel like they are carrying the weight of the world,” Trachanda stated. “Breaking cycles of poverty is a big undertaking, and it can be easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. I want to help fellow alumni believe in themselves more and not internalize a false message that limits their own success.”

Trachanda in Korea

Trachanda arrived at MHS in 1998 with an interest in politics, world events, and global affairs. Her time spent abroad gave her a deep appreciation for travel, and her exposure to diverse backgrounds enhanced her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life–contributing to her many career successes in education and alumni relations.

“I liked meeting international students and finding out who they are and what their life is like,” she said. “I liked finding out why they came here and what their goals are, so I could help them get to that next step.”

When she’s not in the office, Trachanda loves spending time with her cat, Jellybean, cooking, hosting friends, and exploring new destinations. One favorite place she’s visited is the Czech Republic, a country she holds dear for its timeless charm. With its unchanged landscapes dating back to before WWII, and the enchanting Christmas markets that light up the streets during the holidays, the region offers a magical experience like no other.

“Traveling allows me to keep learning and growing,” she expressed. “You come back home with so many more cultural competencies and greater critical thinking for the world outside of your own.”

While Trachanda has a heart for traveling, she knows it is alumni who are the heart of MHS. She is excited to build alumni relationships, empower them on their journeys, and remind them of the home they always have at MHS to return to.

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.