Mariana Plese

Hi Everyone! My name is Mariana, and I am a sophomore who has been blessed with the opportunity of serving Newman as the Director of Events. 

I have actually been a fan of Newman since I can remember. I grew up in the small cozy town of Chapel Hill, in NC. Since both of my parents worked at UNC (go heels!), we would all go to mass at the UNC Newman Center every Sunday and then I would attend my small youth group sessions. I became friends with such amazing people, and I also loved and looked up to all of the college students who taught us during youth groups. When I moved to college, I was hoping to find a community like the one I had found in Chapel Hill, a group that would accept me for who I was, and would bring me closer to friends, and ultimately to Christ.

Thanks to our Newman Center at GW, now, like the people I looked up to so much at UNC, I am a college student, helping to lead others in their journey of faith, and helping them to meet other fellow Catholic students. This seems like a bit of a full-circle moment if you ask me!

When I’m not at Newman, you can most likely find me at the library studying for my criminal justice classes, which will hopefully lead me to law school once I graduate! I love going home whenever I get the chance and spending time hiking with my parents and my sweet puppy Ollie. I love baking, watching movies, getting coffee, and going on walks with friends! If you ever feel like grabbing a cup of coffee and chatting, be sure to stop by Newman, we would all love to meet you :)