MAHRI ROMANO

Age: 19

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Leaha Meinika

Indiana University student Mahri Romano appreciates the value of success and hard work. Ranking in the top six percent of her class, Romano graduated high school with honors and the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate. She has received scholarships to cover all of her college tuitions costs, is a Hutton Honors Scholar, and has been on the Executive Dean’s List at IU every semester for her academic achievements and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Not only can this superstar knock academics out of the park, but she also adds a lively amount of creative passion and fun to design a life balance for optimum success.

“My parents are huge inspirations to me, and I admire how hard they have worked to give us the lives we have,” Romano explained. She credits her parents with her ability to be very academically focused and responsible.

An avid writer, Romano was honored when selected as editor-in-chief of The Tab IU during her junior year. The periodical is a news source for IU students and alumni but is also known for comedic content.

“My mom ran a local online newspaper, Talk of the Town, for many years when I was a child,” she shared. “I remember running around town with her to get pictures and stories, and I believe that has influenced me and inspired my work with The Tab.”

Since her Freshman year, she has covered IU events, student protests, and other miscellaneous happenings in Bloomington. She proudly created most of the Tiktoks and Instagram memes, some of which have garnered almost 200k views.

Aside from her strong work ethic, Romano possesses an eclectic group of hobbies, including community involvement.

“I have been a part of First Fridays and Third Thursdays in Columbia City, and I volunteer whenever given the opportunity,” she said.

She also enjoys doing hair and makeup, themed creative photography and modeling on Instagram, music and singing through choir, and reaching her physical and mental goals through weightlifting.

“This summer, I have been involved with Indigo Studio, and it has been amazing to watch it grow,” Romano explained. She and her mom acquired the business in Columbia City, rebranded it, and expanded it into Fort Wayne to make it their unique family art business. “We provide the materials and support for our guests’ creative endeavors, teach workshops and classes, and do our best to encourage our guests to keep creating.”

After graduating with a major in Psychology and minors in Media Advertising and Italian, Romano plans to specialize in marketing on social media. Her success in this venue will help her to decide whether to pursue psychology in grad school. She also plans to spend time with family, make time for her creative interests, and see where life takes her. She advised, “It all comes down to being motivated to succeed and to make myself and the people I care about proud.”

Keep up with Romano on Instagram and TikTok · mahri.carole on Instagram · thetabiu on Instagram and TikTok a