Mara was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society as part of the Class of 2024 at South High School in Downers Grove, Illinois. Mara has also been recognized for her contributions to the Romanian-American community, receiving a National Award in the Romanian American Heritage Award competition in 2023.

As a student, Mara has been involved in extracurricular activities, including the Research Club at her high school. She participated in the Reconstructed Prairie Project and spoke about it at a school board meeting.

Outside of academics, Mara has worked as a tennis instructor for a Park District, where she led lessons for children and adults and created engaging training plan. She is currently pursuing a business degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.