• Graduated fromVillanova University with a degree in Criminology
• Volunteered in multiple countries including Haiti, Belize, Mexico, and Namibia
• Studying law at the University of St. Thomas
• Awarded the Becker Student Volunteer Award
• Plans to start a mission-driven business

Living A Life of Purpose

Relief work in Haiti. Conservation efforts in Namibia. Producing videos for the Children’s Defense Fund. Mimi Levin’s ('11) journey through high school, college, and now on to law school where she offers free legal services to low-income Minnesotans demonstrates a deep-rooted value for serving others.

This value, initially instilled by her parents, was also encouraged by her time at Minnehaha Academy.

“Not only did MA prepare me well academically for college,” she says, “but it also encouraged me to live a purposeful life.”

Mimi and her twin sister, Vera, entered Minnehaha Academy in 2005 as seventh graders. During those formative years of middle and high school, certain staff members left a life-long imprint, especially lacrosse coach Todd Wadsworth.

“[Wadsworth] exemplified leadership, encouraged teamwork, and pushed his team to be the best they could be both on and off the field. His coaching significantly impacted my life.”

She also points to a class taught by Rev. David Elliot that challenged her to think “more profoundly” about her spiritual life, saying that the class was a major turning point in her spiritual growth.

Connected Through Transition

After graduation Levin pushed her love for learning and serving even further entered a private research university, Villanova University, to study Criminology, Spanish, and Business.

She now attends the University of St. Thomas where she is studying for her Doctor of Law, working as a law clerk, and editing the St. Thomas School of Law Journal.

Over the years Levin has immersed herself in service work and volunteering, spreading her wings with both national and international experiences, including:

• Haiti, to asisst after the 2010 earthquake
• Belize, to assist in an AIDS outreach program
• Mexico, to build homes for the needy
• The Dominican Republic to teach English
• Namibia to work on black rhino conservation
• Spain, to study abroad
• Advertising to produce videos for the Children’s Defense Fund
• The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, as a volunteer
• Bolder Options, as a youth mentor

Throughout these incredible journeys Levin has continued to stay connected with a handful of friends and teachers from Minnehaha Academy, people who have become part of her "village" of friendship and support during her various transitions.

Awarded For Fulfilling Her Passion

Levin also works as a Certified Student Attorney with the Volunteer Lawyer’s Network, an organization that offers free legal services to low income individuals.

This spring she received the Becker Student Volunteer Award, a yearly award “presented to a law student who has demonstrated a commitment to the provision of legal services to low-income and disadvantaged persons.”

Where Law, Business and Service Intersect

After law school Levin plans to complete an MBA as part of her goal to start a mission-driven business, continuing to live a purposeful, intentional life.