When Mia Clevano ‘26 came to Marymount from Durango, Colo., she knew a lot was riding on her.
“I am the first person in my family to go to college, so I definitely felt pressure to succeed and prove myself,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect coming in—there was no roadmap for me, so I have been figuring it out as I go.”
As a relative of Sr. Irene Cody, a former Marymount administrator and Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RHSM) member, Clevano felt Marymount would be a good fit. She was initially interested in studying politics to become a lawyer, and wanted to attend a school close to Washington, D.C.
In one sense, Clevano thrived at Marymount as she played on Women’s Flag Football championship teams, created community among students as a resident assistant and participated in undergraduate research through the Honors Program. But on a personal level, she struggled.
“After finishing my first year, I realized I actually hated politics,” Clevano explained. “I felt like a failure and was ashamed because my family had such high hopes for me, especially as the first person to go to college. I had a big interest in theology and religious studies, but I was terrified because I felt there were not great career opportunities in that field. So, I was torn on what to do—explore my interests, or play it safe and stick with the major I disliked.”
Clevano felt a sense of relief upon discovering Marymount’s Communication program, calling it a “more natural fit” that has helped her build skill sets in a versatile career field that “touches every industry.” The major has also allowed her to simultaneously explore other interests, leading to her adding a theology and religious studies minor.
“Marymount’s Communication program is a supportive and flexible environment. My professors know about my interest in theology, so they encourage me to write papers on communication topics within religion and steer my academic journey toward that.”
Her combined focus on communications and religion has opened up new career development opportunities. She interned with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington and served as a research assistant for the Rumi Forum, publishing a research paper on the political influence of religion in the U.S.
Recently, Clevano applied for a scholarship opportunity through the Capital Speakers Club, a D.C.-based organization that seeks to support women communicators. After submitting a personal statement and video about her educational journey, she was selected to receive a $15,000 scholarship.
“I got the scholarship notification email on my birthday, and I was completely shocked. My family couldn’t believe it—we were all floored,” she said. “It’s extremely validating. I was afraid to switch my major and pursue my passions, but winning this scholarship reinforces that I made the right choice and that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Clevano shared her gratitude and hopes for the future during remarks at the Capital Speakers Club luncheon in June.
“Thank you for investing in the next generation of communicators. This scholarship will help me finish my senior year and support me as I apply to graduate schools and eventually law school in the future. I look forward to continuing to grow as a speaker, student and leader as I complete my undergraduate degree.”
