Devon Creelman ’26
April 1, 2025
Devon Creelman
Devon Creelman ‘26, like so many others, knew Notre Dame was the place for her as soon as she stepped on campus. The spirit, camaraderie, and warmth of the community sealed the deal, and she felt incredibly grateful. Devon shared, “I applied to ten colleges, and as I visited them, none felt right. About two weeks before confirming my enrollment, I made the trip to campus. I was praying that it would feel right, and it did. I was so grateful.”
In the fall of 2024, at the start of her junior year, Devon applied to the Hesburgh Women of Impact mentoring program. After receiving an email from the Meruelo Career Center, she completed the application. “When I read what the program was about, I was intrigued. I signed up immediately because it’s who I want to be. I want to be a woman of impact, and who better to learn from?”
Devon was matched with Jan Brengel, a Hesburgh Women of Impact member and a 1987 graduate of St. Mary’s College, who majored in Business Administration, Economics, and French. The Hesburgh Women of Impact program pairs mentors and mentees based on common majors or career interests, making Jan an ideal match for Devon.
Devon explained that when she first arrived at Notre Dame, she was searching for her niche. Now, she is majoring in Business Analytics with a minor in Impact Consulting within the Mendoza College of Business, although she previously explored majors in Spanish, International Affairs, and Psychology.
Devon joined the mentorship program seeking clarity, guidance, and practical advice. She found exactly that with Jan, who has extensive professional experience. “Our discussions cover everything—from effective networking strategies and clear career discernment to helping me understand whom it’s appropriate to reach out to. She listens to me, and it’s so nice to have someone to run things by,” Devon shared.
Reflecting on her broader Notre Dame journey, Devon recognized how far she’d come—from initial uncertainty about her major to securing her upcoming summer internship at Dow Jones, participating in a recent trip to St. Bakhita’s in Uganda with Professor Wendy Angst, and now, is participating in this interview while studying abroad in Australia.
“I can see where I’m headed, and I’m excited to have the support of Jan, my mentor, and the entire Hesburgh Women of Impact group behind me!”
