Traci Bennington serves as a Scholar Success Mentor for Region 1 - Minnesota, where she is deeply committed to walking alongside Scholars, supporting their academic journeys, and empowering them to achieve their full potential. Guided by a lifelong passion for education and mentorship, Traci excels at creating supportive environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is thrilled to leverage her extensive background in youth leadership to help foundation Scholars navigate their paths and unlock future opportunities.

Prior to joining the foundation, Traci dedicated nearly a decade of her professional life to Totino-Grace High School in the Twin Cities. During her tenure, she served as a Social Studies teacher, the Associate Director of Campus Ministry, the Head Track & Field Coach, and was involved with many other groups/ clubs. In her leadership roles, she managed daily office operations, designed impactful student retreat programs, and administered service immersion trips. 

Traci’s career is profoundly shaped by her Lasallian roots and a heart for mission-centered service. Following a meaningful career break to focus on her family as a stay-at-home mom, she is incredibly grateful to step back into the workforce with an organization that perfectly mirrors her core values of mentorship and education.

A graduate of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Traci earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching. While at UST, she was highly active in the campus community, serving as a varsity track and field captain, Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, co-chair of the student alumni council, and a volunteer in the tutor-mentor program. She later went on to earn her Master of Arts in Lasallian Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Traci enjoys life with her husband Andy and daughter Adi. She remains passionate about faith, staying active, and all things Minnesota!