10 Within 10 Recognition
Mara D’Amico '10
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College: College of Business Administration
After graduation from CMU, Mara served two terms as an AmeriCorps member in Miami, Florida, and was recognized for her work as the Florida Campus Compact VISTA Member of the Year in 2011. She then received a full scholarship to attend the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas to earn a Master's of Public Service degree. Upon graduation, she moved to Washington, DC, and became the inaugural Hillary Rodham Clinton Communications Fellow at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security (her current position). In addition to her work promoting women's political participation and the rights of women in conflict situations, she also co-leads a local social change dialogue forum in DC. She is participating in a program at American University's Women and Politics Institute that trains young women to run for political office and is contributing policy recommendations to the Hillary Clinton campaign. She has also held leadership roles in the American Association of University Women, Girls on the Run, CMU Volunteer Center Alumni chapter, and other community groups.
10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update
Current city and state: Grand Rapids, MI
Current job title and employer: Senior Regional Director of Partnerships, Upstream USA
What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?
I didn't expect that I would find such a wonderful community and meaningful personal and professional life back in Michigan. I left after I graduated from CMU and lived in Miami, Little Rock, and DC. I moved home to Grand Rapids during the pandemic to be close to family and start a family of my own, and I have been thrilled to find my place and thrive here as an adult.
When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Friendships.