Marissa Cueva '25
Marissa Cueva '25
Major: Screenwriting and Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies
Involvements: Latinx Student Union, El Espejo mentor
Awards: Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M. Award, Program Scholars
As a proud legacy student, Marissa Cueva ’25, a double major in screenwriting and Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies from Torrance, California, came to Loyola Marymount University with a deep-rooted connection to its values and community. "I grew up coming to the alumni barbecues every summer, so I was very familiar with the campus and the community,” she reflects.
Throughout her time on the bluff, Cueva immersed herself in campus life, contributing meaningfully to student organizations, service initiatives, and leadership roles. From the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action’s El Espejo mentoring program to being president of the Latinx Student Union, she tapped into her upbringing of being very involved in everything and brought that energy to campus. Since she became involved in LSU, the club has become more of a resource for Latinx students. “It was very small when I was a freshman, so seeing its growth throughout my four years here has been really exciting.”
It was important for her to have a space for Latin students on campus, and she believed if it was important to her, it would be important to others as well. That was a big motivator in showing up with intention. Traditions like LSU’s Muevelo helped keep that ambition alive. Cueva was involved in planning six events, four as a LSU leader, during her time at LMU. She reflected on how it was hard, but rewarding work to get this event organized every semester. “It's just such a fun time to come together with the Latinx community.”
Her one piece of advice to future Lions, “Get involved with as much as possible,” said Cueva. “I think getting involved in student organizations was how I met so many amazing people. It’s how I built out this wider student experience. There are so many events, so many communities on campus that even showing up to a meeting is so meaningful.”
She connects her journey most strongly to the Live a Life of Purpose pillar, saying, “It really affirmed my own personal goals and my commitment to making a difference. I just wanna continue doing that as I move out and take on the real world.”
After graduation, Cueva will be traveling during summer while she is applying to full-time positions. No matter where life takes her, she carries LMU with her.