Celebrating Clarissa Silen: SOC ‘s 2024 President’s Medallion Award Winner

When it comes to making a difference, Clarissa V. Silen knows the power of words and actions—and she’s used both to leave a lasting impact at Loyola University Chicago and beyond. This year, Clarissa is being honored with the prestigious President’s Medallion Award, an accolade that celebrates her passion for service, communication, and community-building. 

Clarissa’s path to a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with minors in Healthcare Administration and Marketing wasn’t random. Growing up, she was fascinated by how words could move people. In high school, she joined the Harvard Model United Nations, which solidified her purpose. "The thrill of standing before a room full of peers, delivering a well-crafted argument, and influencing their perspectives was exhilarating,” she shared. From that moment on, she was driven to pursue a career where her communication skills could make a tangible difference, especially in the healthcare sector. 

But Clarissa’s impact isn’t confined to the classroom. She’s been dedicated to giving back, whether through her internships or her personal projects. One endeavor close to her heart is Yogi’s Pie Bakery, a small business she founded in her hometown of Caracas, Venezuela. Profits from the bakery go directly to support low-income families. “This venture has allowed me to combine my passion for baking with my desire to give back to my community,” she explained, calling it a personal mission turned “force for positive change.” 

At Loyola, Clarissa seized every opportunity to learn and grow, often through hands-on internships. She worked with organizations from AARP-IL to Loyola’s own Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, where she used her skills in media and communications to expand outreach and build connections. Through these roles, she sharpened her ability to adapt and persevere. “Setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth,” she reflected—a belief she carries forward in both her professional and personal life. 

For Clarissa, Loyola’s Jesuit mission of social justice and service to others has been more than a backdrop; it’s been a guiding light. “Loyola’s Jesuit mission...has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my skills for the greater good,” she said, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with her dream of creating compassionate, effective communication in the healthcare sector. 

Looking to the future, Clarissa plans to bring this passion to healthcare public relations, aiming to improve lives by connecting people to vital health resources and information. As she graduates, Clarissa leaves Loyola with a heart full of gratitude and a drive to make a real, lasting difference. Her story reminds us that dedication, resilience, and compassion are the true hallmarks of leadership—and that’s why she’s this year’s President’s Medallion Award winner.