Alumni Spotlight: Kameron Clarke, Class of 2021
The political science major stays connected to VWU mainly through her involvement with lacrosse
University News | May 1, 2024
Kameron Clarke ’21, currently chief of staff to Virginia State Senator Angelia Williams Graves of the 21st Senate District, majored in political science and minored in women and gender studies as a student at Virginia Wesleyan. She has also served as a field organizer for Elaine Luria for Congress.
Clarke, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, stays connected to Virginia Wesleyan, mainly through her involvement in VWU lacrosse. As a former lacrosse player and captain of VWU’s team her senior year, she says she always comes back to play in alumni lacrosse games during Homecoming or Spring Alumni Weekend. Also, her younger brother now attends VWU.
We caught up with her to learn more about her experiences as a student.
What inspired you to major in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies?
Growing up, I always had an interest in politics and knew that I wanted to major in political science and to go into a government career. I had no idea what women and gender studies was until my freshman orientation when I was picking classes and was curious by the title of the introduction course, “Women in Society.” I had never been taught the definition of feminism and what it truly meant. In high school, I was an advocate for inclusivity and was a fan of strong women I learned about like Ida B. Wells and Shirley Chisolhm. Taking these courses made me realize I was a Black feminist and ally all along but I didn’t have all the language to discuss these topics.
How did your time at Virginia Wesleyan most impact your success?
Overall, my education at VWU helped me learn how to better interact with people and how to be a critical thinker. In my career, I interact with so many different people. My job is to meet people where they are, and engage them with their representative and the work we do on their behalf in the State legislature. The career center at VWU shared an internship opportunity in the Governor’s office that I did right after graduation which helped me get my foot in the door.
What are some of your best memories of your time at VWU?
My best memories at VWU are practicing on Birdsong Field with my teammates and hanging out in the “caf” afterwards. I also loved hanging out with friends by the lake on campus.
Who were the people who influenced you most?
I think all of my professors had a positive impact on me but I was fortunate to take classes almost every semester with Dr. Jennifer Slivka and Dr. Kathleen Casey. We always had the most eye-opening class discussions. Coach Clarkson and Coach DeSalvia also had huge impacts on my life and college experience. They helped me come out of my introverted shell. If Coach Clarkson had not recruited me, I would have never applied or visited VWU.
What else do you want others to know?
It pays to be kind. I would not be where I am without just being kind to everyone I meet. Also, I want students to know that college is what you make it. The effort that you put into learning and getting to know people will give you the best college experience that leads to those lasting friendships and success in your career after school.