About Clarissa

Welcome! My name is Clarissa, and I am currently a 1Y full-time MBA student at Berkeley Haas. Prior to b-school, I served in the US Navy for 6 years as a Naval Intelligence Officer. My path to business school has been anything but conventional! Yet, what stands out to me is the people I have met and the mentors I have had along the way. On Leland, I hope to join part of your journey and help guide you in achieving your biggest career goals. My coaching style is driven by your goals. I love helping students project their true voice in their essays and interviews to convey their unique story, interests, and strengths. I have also been an academic tutor for over 10 years, and I'm also very passionate about helping students achieve the best grades and test scores to complement their applications. A little bit about me: I am a daughter of immigrants who calls Kansas home; the calling to serve came early in childhood as I and many other Americans watched the aftermath of 9/11 unfold. I learned about the Naval Academy through a friend in middle school and quickly knew that was where I wanted to go. Her mentorship was pivotal in guiding me to an appointment at USNA. Since then, I have had the tremendous opportunity to explore careers in the Navy and Marine Corps thanks to the guidance and mentorship from now-retired admirals, captains, colonels, and more. After commissioning, I became a Naval Intelligence Officer. In 2025, I was medically retired from the Navy then transitioned my career to business school at UC Berkeley Haas. I have guided former Sailors to USNA and civilian undergraduate institutions, and I currently also volunteer as a Service to School ambassador. I specialize in service academies and ROTC applications, military transitions, undergraduate and MBA applications, and ACT/SAT prep. Ultimately, I'm here to help you achieve your goals. Let's connect and chart your path to success!