Matthew Senechal

Alumni Reflections

How did the Bonderman impact your life?

“Bonderman was a life changing experience for me. It helped show me in very real and personal ways some key paradoxes facing our world: both how big and how small the world is, and how much it is changing and remaining tied to its traditions.”

What are you doing now? What is inspiring you?

“Today, I practice technology law in Seattle. But, much of what I do professionally draws on my experiences through Bonderman. I work with people from many cultures and I am forced to listen deeply, be humble and seek to learn from them, so that I can serve their interests better. I continue to travel with my young family. I am inspired by young people here and abroad who are working hard to make connections, solve the environmental crisis and pursue their dreams. For instance, this summer my 11 year old daughter was hosted in Tokyo by a Japanese family as part of an exchange program. I was so inspired that total strangers would invite my daughter into their home, care for her and teach her about their life and culture, especially coming out of the pandemic. These are the powerful connections that come from travel and an open mind.”