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Kala Karden has a diverse work experience in the field of alumni engagement and program management. Kala currently holds the position of Director of Alumni Engagement at Chapman University, starting in December 2022. Prior to this, they served as the Director of Alumni Engagement at Claremont Graduate University from October 2021 to December 2022.

From 2017 to 2021, Kala worked at Rochester Institute of Technology, where they held the role of Senior Director of College Alumni Relations. Kala was responsible for developing strategic engagement programs for alumni and other key constituencies within the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Additionally, they served as the Director of Alumni Relations, where they actively collaborated with college faculty, staff, and development colleagues to increase alumni engagement through various initiatives.

Before joining Rochester Institute of Technology, Kala gained experience at The Corning Museum of Glass as the Volunteer & Internship Program Supervisor. During their tenure, they successfully developed and oversaw the museum's volunteer, docent, and internship programs, resulting in a significant increase in volunteer hours.

Kala's career also includes a role as the Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America from December 2004 to September 2007. Kala started their professional journey as an AmeriCorps Member in 2003.

Overall, Kala Karden has a well-established background in alumni engagement and program management, with a focus on strategic planning, volunteer coordination, and fostering strong alumni relationships.

Kala Karden attended Syracuse University from 1999 to 2003, majoring in Speech Communication and Rhetoric. Kala obtained a Certificate of Leadership from the Corning-Steuben Leadership Program.