My name is Victoria Vena, and I am a part of the Class of 2021 at American University. In addition to a BA in CLEG (Communications, Law, Economics, and Government) with a minor in Public Health, I am also earning a certificate in Advanced Leadership through the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program. After I graduate in 2021, I plan to apply to J.D. programs.

I am engaged within both the AU community as well as the D.C. community through various extracurricular activities. I am currently the president of Phi Alpha Delta, the co-ed pre-law fraternity, a legal intern at Privia Health, and a desk receptionist for AU Housing and Residence Life. I spent two years (first as a fellow, then promoted to Congressional Outreach Coordinator) with the Kennedy Political Union, American’s student-run speaker’s bureau, and have also tutored children through D.C. Reads and repurposed food waste at D.C. Central Kitchen in my time as a student. I strive to spend my time as a college student as an active, caring member of the community, and I live by the principle that the “service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” (Muhammad Ali).

Some of my passions within legislative areas include agriculture and food security, civil rights, housing and community development, and healthcare.

My proudest achievement thus far was helping to start a grassroots organization, Community in Crisis, in order to bring local attention to the opiate and heroin crisis in New Jersey. I acted as the Head Youth Coordinator for three years, and it is the accomplishment I feel the most passionate about. During my time with this organization, I worked to recruit local youth, write grant proposals, and complete ground work with promotion and customer relations.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to chat,  please feel free to email me at vv0969a@student.american.edu!