Fluvia Mendes moved from Guatemala to the U.S. as a child and at first did not think that she would be able to afford college. She was encouraged however when several organizations provided her with scholarships and ultimately decided to enroll at Cleveland State University due to its affordability and closeness to home.

At CSU, Mendes has excelled in the classroom and beyond, finding the learning pathway that will help her meet her career goals and assist other immigrants like herself in achieving their dreams. The marketing major has been named to either the President's List or the Dean's List for every semester she has been at CSU, while also working to support herself as well as her younger brothers. Her achievements and dedication were honored in the fall of 2019 when she was named valedictorian for the Monte Ahuja College of Business.

While at CSU, Mendes was a member of the Campus Activities Board, Viking Expeditions, Young Life at CSU, Campus Bible Fellowship and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also very active in Esperanza, a local non-profit that seeks to increase higher education attainment for Hispanics. She currently serves on its Alumni Board and volunteers in their Back to School and Leaders Programs. As a member of these organizations, Mendes has represented and promoted Cleveland State and the Ahuja College of Business, serving as a mentor to other students and an excellent role model for fellow classmates.

"Committed to her desire to give back and help others succeed, Fluvia has been able to accomplish a great deal in her four years here at CSU," says Dr. Heidi Meier, associate dean for academic programs and student affairs in the College of Business. "We know that she will continue to be a shining example for all of us."

“I am extremely honored to have been selected as the Monte Ahuja College of Business Valedictorian,” Mendes adds. “Thank you to every professor, advisor and classmate that made my experience here an unforgettable one. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

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