Get to Know Raina Mack ’98
Raina Mack ’98, chair of the UCF Atlanta Alumni Community, grew up not far from UCF and went to Lake-Sumter State College.
With some encouragement from her family — including her mother, Theresa, father Willie, sisters Damita ’85 and Deena ’88, and brother-in-law Jerome Thompson ’84 (co-founder of one of the first chapters of UCF’s Kappa Alpha Psi) — she decided to go to UCF.
Since graduating from UCF, Mack has lived most of her life in the Atlanta area and has developed her career as an independent insurance claims adjuster. She also has been instrumental in helping grow the UCF Atlanta Alumni Community.
Mack says she loves meeting other UCF Alumni and is always interested in hearing their story. She is especially active on the Atlanta Knights Facebook Group, and enjoys organizing the group’s well-attended football watch parties.
Last year, as chair of the Atlanta Alumni Community, Mack coordinated efforts for Knights Give Back, an annual nationwide event that brings together Knights across the country for good.
Mack and her community focused on the cleanup of the Atlanta Beltline, a major community space that brings people together for recreation and transportation.
“Our Knights were so proud to give back both to the Atlanta community and to UCF while building connections with other alumni.”
Mack is also leading efforts for a partnership between Atlanta Knights and the Gwinnett County Public School system for its community-based mentoring program in grades 4-12.
What else is going on with Raina Mack? Let’s find out!
- What is one thing you swore you’d never do after graduation … and totally ended up doing anyway?
One thing I swore I’d never do after graduation… was move back home! I was determined to be independent, travel, and live on my own. But life had other plans—student loans, job market struggles, and a need to reset financially humbled me real quick. So I unpacked my degree and my bags in my childhood bedroom. Full circle moment.
- What’s your proudest ‘I really did that!’ moment since graduating from UCF?
My proudest moment since graduating from UCF was returning and becoming deeply involved with the Alumni Council as the Chair — truly putting in my time and effort for the university—and then winning the Celestial Award at Volunteer Leadership Weekend. It’s the most meaningful recognition I’ve ever received. Usually, you graduate and that’s it — but to be honored by my own university was unforgettable. In most careers, you work incredibly hard without much acknowledgment. To have my alma mater recognize my dedication… I am sooooo humbly and deeply grateful. Whether it’s through my role as a Knight influencer or even participating in the fun UCF Twitter Mafia discussions, it’s all part of staying connected and representing UCF with pride.
- What advice do you have for UCF students who may not have it all figured out yet?
You don’t need to have it all figured out—just start. Be willing to try new things, meet people outside of your comfort zone, and take opportunities even if they scare you. Every job, project, or volunteer role teaches you something that builds your skills and your network. The path may not be straight, but it’s still leading you somewhere great.
- How has your definition of success changed since leaving UCF – or has it?
When I left UCF, I thought success was about titles, money, and checking off milestones. Now, success to me is about impact—making a difference in people’s lives, giving back to my community, and leaving a legacy I’m proud of. The recognition is nice, but it’s the relationships built and the lives touched that mean the most.
- Raina, as a nod to your love for sports, here’s a fun question: If your job came with a mascot, what would it be, and what would it say?
If my job had a mascot, it would be Grind Time Gary and Claimo the Closer —a referee and a bulldog reminding me to stay focused, work hard, and never give up no matter the challenge.
