This story was originally published on September 2, 2025 in The Penn Fund.
Writer: Maria Provenzano
Growing up, Herinah Asaah, C’26, and her family relocated frequently due to her mother’s career in the military, living in places as widespread as California, New York, and Hawaii.
While Herinah has always enjoyed the adventure of visiting new locales and meeting new people, Penn has offered her a stable home base to explore, learn, and engage with the community. “Starting at the University and knowing I would be here, in the same spot, for four years was really exciting for me. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know every part of campus, and my internships and jobs have allowed me to connect with different neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, as well.”
Through working with West Philadelphia children in a nonprofit summer camp and mentoring local public-school students with the Netter Center, Herinah developed a passion for educational equity. “In these organizations, I’ve been able to examine the gaps in education systems and how a lack of resources and funding directly impacts the children in these communities.” This work has inspired Herinah to focus on education as a human right, to ensure equal access for children across the globe.
While serving as the first-year coordinator for the Penn Association for Gender Equity (PAGE), Herinah was tasked with planning a pre-orientation program for incoming students and a fall semester fellowship. Through a Reunion gift from the Class of 1982 and additional direct gifts from the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, PAGE received the funding required to successfully execute all aspects of the program and fellowship. The impact of this generosity made a lasting impression on Herinah, and allowed her to witness firsthand the power of alumni philanthropy: “I was very inspired by the support we received from donors. When I’m an alum, I plan to give back to ensure students like me can get the most out of their education and experience at Penn.”