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Agata Clevenger
“The pivotal moment that allowed me to do the things I dreamed of was receiving the scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Rydal, PA
- Hometown: Rydal, PA
- Age: 29
- Community College: Bucks County Community College
- Four-year College or University: Temple University
- Graduate School: Villanova University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Business, Finance / Economy, Nonprofits
- Other Interests: Health Care, Leadership Development, Nonprofits, Performing Arts / Theatre
Biography
PROFILE: Agata Clevenger has traveled to 29 nations so far, following a passion that was inspired by her father’s stories of foreign countries. “Growing up under a communist regime in Poland, it was difficult to travel, but my parents always made it a priority for us to see new places even if it was on a minimal budget. Most of my own travels have not been glamorous, but I have managed to make the best out of each experience.”
After seeing the Brazilian film City of God, Agata planned a trip to Rio de Janeiro to see for herself the local shantytowns known as favelas. “I witnessed a community living on the fringes. The favelados and their children were some of the most joyous, life-loving people I have ever met. They played samba and practiced capoeria, the Brazilian slave martial art disguised as a dance.”
Already on the fast track for a partnership at Korn/Ferry International, Agata hopes to bring her skills and curiosity about the world to both her business and philanthropic endeavors.
INSPIRATION: Agata has always been inspired by her father, who came from a poor rural family in Poland, yet put himself through school and became a university professor. She also credits the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “This act of generosity, delivered on behalf of a man whose name I never heard before coming to the US, made me feel that I could not enjoy all of the benefits of a great education and good fortune without giving something back.”
ASPIRATION: Agata plans to pursue a career in management consulting with a focus on the life science industries.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Agata launched StandUp For Kids Philadelphia, a program that assists homeless youth. She found it required more energy than she had anticipated. “It is not an easy task to move beyond an idea and make a program like this operational relying solely on volunteers.”
ACCOLADES: Agata was on the Dean’s List and President’s List for all of her semesters at Temple University. She was also awarded the CFO’s Award from Johnson & Johnson in 2004.
INTERESTING FACT: As a teenager, Agata hosted three television shows in Poland.
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