Samantha Clavel (B.S. ’21) has always wanted to make a positive impact on people’s health. 

In her current role as the Greater Richmond Fit4Kids Game On, Girl! program coordinator, she gets to do just that, implementing programs designed to empower adolescent girls to be more active and instill healthy habits throughout the year.

Clavel also regularly mentors current students in the the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences (KHS), so they may gain relevant experience outside of the lecture halls in the STEM Building. Using her own experiences of navigating the isolation and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic in her senior year, Clavel guides students so that they may enter the workforce with more confidence and direction following graduation.

What drew you to VCU to pursue your undergraduate studies in health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX)?

I originally came to VCU with the goal of pursuing nursing, but after being denied admission to the nursing program twice, I took it as an opportunity to explore other paths within healthcare. That’s when I discovered the health, physical education and exercise science (HPEX) program, and I instantly fell in love. What really drew me in was how broad and versatile the curriculum is. It provides a strong foundational knowledge that opens doors to so many different directions in health and wellness.

This also resonated deeply with me because it mirrors the work we do at Fit4Kids where promoting holistic health, physical activity and wellness in young people is about more than just one narrow focus. It’s about fostering lifelong habits, empowering kids with knowledge and creating supportive environments that encourage growth and well-being on multiple levels. The HPEX program gave me the perfect toolkit to contribute meaningfully to that mission, and it’s why I’m so passionate about being part of a program that combines education, health promotion and community impact in such a dynamic way.

What is your favorite memory from attending VCU?

Being a first-generation college student and graduate in my family, my entire experience at VCU holds a special place in my heart. Every part of my journey there was memorable, from the knowledge I gained in my classes to the variety of teaching styles I encountered, each pushing me to grow in different ways. I also cherish the friendships I made along the way, which added so much meaning and support to my time on campus.

More than anything, my time at VCU helped shape who I am today — not just in my career but as a person. It taught me resilience, opened my eyes to new opportunities and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for health and wellness. Looking back, I’m proud of the path I carved out for myself and grateful for how VCU helped me get here.

After graduating from VCU, what drew you to work with Greater Richmond Fit4Kids?

My HPEX 495 internship. Unfortunately, my senior year at VCU happened during the first year of COVID, so by the time I was preparing to graduate in May 2021, I had no idea what to expect in terms of internship opportunities. I've always had a passion for working with kids and knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field, but I also wanted to explore what else was out there beyond clinical settings.

Thanks to the list of internships shared with us as students, I came across Fit4Kids’ website and immediately connected with their mission. I interned as a coach in the Game On, Girl! program, which I now have the honor of leading. Game On, Girl! tackles the gender gap in physical activity by empowering adolescent girls to move, lead and thrive. As a woman, this mission really resonated with me, especially because I struggled with my own confidence during those middle school years. Getting to lead a program I once interned for feels like such a full-circle moment.

What does your day to day look like in your current role?

My day-to-day really depends on the season. During the school year (August – May), my schedule is usually nonstop with programming and intern mentoring. I typically start the day by checking emails, updating my weekly to-do list and tackling any time-sensitive tasks. From there, I might have meetings with community partners, lead check-ins or professional development sessions with interns, and make sure everyone is prepped for their afternoon school site. Some days, I’ll head to a school myself either to observe a program, cover for someone, or just be an extra set of hands on-site.

Summer (June and July) is usually a bit slower-paced, with fewer school sites and interns to manage. A big focus during this season is planning and facilitating our Summer Summit which is a four-day camp we host for middle and high school girls from across the region. It’s packed with activities like kayaking, biking, rock climbing and leadership workshops. I help coordinate the logistics, support our staff and community partners, and make sure the girls are having an empowering, joy-filled experience. It’s one of my favorite parts of the year.

You were cited as an active KHS alum who regularly serves as a mentor to current students. What has it been like to stay connected with the program after graduation and to be able to give back to the program as a mentor?

It’s been really meaningful to stay connected with the KHS program after graduation. I remember how uncertain things felt during my senior year — especially navigating internships and figuring out next steps — so it’s important to me to be a resource for students going through that now. Mentoring has been such a full-circle experience. It’s rewarding to give back to a program that helped shape my path, and I love getting to cheer on the next generation of health professionals as they figure out where they want to go.

What do you find most rewarding as a student mentor? Why would you encourage other alums across the CHS departments to serve as a student mentor?

What I find most rewarding as a student mentor is being able to provide the kind of support and insight I wish I had when I was in their shoes. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help students feel seen, capable, and more confident in their next steps, especially during such a transitional time in their lives.

I’d definitely encourage other alums across the CHS departments to serve as mentors. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just showing up, listening and sharing your journey can go a long way. Sometimes students just need to hear, ‘I’ve been there, too,’ from someone who gets it. It’s a simple way to give back, and it truly makes a difference.

Reflecting on your time at VCU, how do you feel your time on campus helped prepare you to accomplish the work you’ve done so far in your career?

I think VCU prepared me fairly well, but a lot of growth also comes from personal perseverance and real-world experience. What really stuck with me was how important it is to build strong connections. The relationships I formed, whether with classmates, professors or through campus involvement, helped open doors and shape my confidence as a professional. At the end of the day, it’s those connections that can really support your success.

What’s your why?

My ‘why’ is helping young people feel seen, supported and empowered. I want every student I work with to know they matter and that their voice counts. I show up each day to create spaces where they can move, express themselves and grow into who they’re meant to be.

I’m hoping to keep growing as a leader, especially in ways that let me support and uplift others doing direct service work. I’d love to one day help shape bigger picture programming or strategy while still staying connected to the communities we serve. Long term, I want to be part of building more equitable systems that prioritize youth voice, access and joy.