Brianna Lewis, a graduating senior at Mary Baldwin University and VWIL cadet, has forged a path of leadership, civic engagement, and political advocacy, preparing for a future in government and public service.
For Brianna Lewis, leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about action, service, and making a difference. A graduating senior at Mary Baldwin University, she has spent her time at the university developing a passion for civic engagement, political advocacy, and disciplined leadership through the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL).
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Lewis was drawn to MBU for its unique all-female corps of cadets.
“I really loved JROTC in high school — the discipline, the structure, everything that came with it,” she said. “When I saw that MBU had VWIL, I knew it was a perfect fit.”
VWIL gave her the leadership foundation she sought, but her deeper passion for politics and civic engagement took shape through hands-on experiences on campus and beyond.
Finding Her Voice in Politics and Public Service
Lewis’ interest in government led her to intern with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the United States representative for New York’s ninth congressional district since 2013, and the Staunton City Manager’s Office. She also worked in MBU’s Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement, where she helped lead election programming and voter registration efforts.
A defining moment for her was organizing an election night watch party.
“People weren’t just showing up — they were engaged, talking about what was happening,” she said. “That’s when I realized how much I love politics.”
Dr. Laura Showalter, one of Lewis’ professors and mentors, saw firsthand the impact of her work.
“Brianna helped lead all the PR and event planning for multiple election activities last fall,” Showalter said. “She is one of the most organized, hardest working, passionate students I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”
Beyond campus, Lewis’ experiences helped her understand leadership at different levels.
“Local government opened my eyes to how policies directly impact people’s lives,” she said. “Real change starts at the community level.”
A Legacy of Leadership
“I really enjoyed working with the Spencer Center, helping to create civic engagement events and events where people could get involved with the community and local government,” she explained. “I also interned for the city council at the city manager’s office, and I really enjoyed diving into politics on a local level as well as the congressional level.”
VWIL strengthened Lewis’ leadership style, teaching her to navigate different perspectives and work toward common goals.
“You have to collaborate, find a middle ground,” she explained. “That shaped me as a leader.”
She also credits MBU’s small, close-knit environment with helping her grow.
“I’ve always been a good public speaker, but now I come prepared with facts,” she said. “MBU pushed me to be more confident and intentional.”
What’s Next?
After graduation, Lewis plans to spend a year preparing for the LSAT and GRE, with the goal of pursuing a dual-degree in law and public administration.
“I know I want to work in government — maybe the State Department, maybe local politics,” she said. “For now, I’m focused on gaining experience where I can make the most impact.”
As she prepares to leave MBU, she reflects on what she’ll take with her.
“The sense of community here is what I’ll miss the most,” she said. “But I know I’m ready for what’s next.”