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UVA IDEA FUND
Inclusion | Diversity | Equity | Access

Trustees

Current Trustees

Shannon Bryan HeadshotShannon Bryan: Chairman of the Board

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.S., Commerce, 1993; University of Michigan, M.B.A. 1998
  • Location: Houston, Texas

Shannon Bryan is an experienced strategic marketer with over 25 years in brand growth, marketing strategies, and leadership roles. Currently, he is the head of North American Payments Operations & Marketing for Shell’s retail business. His previous roles include Director of Brand Marketing at Pizza Hut and positions at Frito Lay and Procter & Gamble. Shannon serves on several boards, including Colbea Enterprises, L.L.C., and the University of Virginia IDEA Fund. He enjoys golf, socializing, and traveling.

Jennifer Gilbert Mencarini HeadshotJennifer Gilbert Mencarini: Board Vice Chair

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., English Language & Literature, 1994
  • Location: Greensboro, NC

Jennifer Gilbert Mencarini has over 10 years of law practice and six years in law school career services. She now focuses on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion at Fox Rothschild LLP. Her past roles include litigator in Dallas and career services at Elon University School of Law. She is involved in several community services and serves on multiple boards, including the Greensboro Bar Association and the UVA IDEA Fund.

Dr. Yen Lin Shek HeadshotDr. Yen Ling Shek: Board Secretary

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A. Psychology, 1999; University of Maryland College Park, M.A, Counseling and Personnel Services, 2005.; UCLA, Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change, 2013
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Yen Ling Shek leads nonprofit and social impact efforts at Russell Reynolds Associates. With approximately 25 years in diversity, equity, and inclusion, her career spans roles in higher education and as a policy and academic researcher. She has held various student leadership positions and is actively involved in alumni networks at UVA. She has published academic articles on diversity, gender roles, and leadership.

Meryam Karad HeadshotMeryem Karad: Board Treasurer

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.S., Political Philosophy and Law, 2011
  • Location: Richmond, VA

Meryem Karad currently serves as the Policy and Communications to the Secretary of Natural Resources in Governor Ralph S. Northam’s Administration. Her career includes roles in environmental policy, wildlife management, and working for ExxonMobil and the American Thyroid Association. A native of Rabat, Morocco, she immigrated to Virginia and is actively involved in community engagement and alumni networks.

Tracie Dickerson HeadshotTracie Dickerson: Committee Chair, Nominations & Governance

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., English and Government, 1993; The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1998
  • Location: Upper Marlboro, Maryland, United States

Tracie Dickerson, with over 18 years at WMATA, specializes in commercial real estate and contracts. She has held positions at K&L Gates and Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly in transportation law. Tracie is also a Trustee at Holy Trinity: An Episcopal School and has been actively involved in several law student associations.

Dallas Ducar HeadshotDallas Ducar: Committee Chair, Marketing

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Cognitive Science and Psychology, 2014; MSN, CNL, 2017; Harvard University, PLC, Public Leadership, 2023
  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Dallas Ducar NP is the CEO of Transhealth Northampton. She has faculty roles at Northeastern University, UVA School of Medicine and Nursing, Columbia University, and the MGH Institute for Health Professions. Dallas focuses on healthcare innovation, community-based research, and gender-affirming care. She enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, and community-focused healthcare initiatives.

John Hodge HeadshotJohn Hodge: Committee Chair, Finance

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Sociology, 1995; Temple University, MBA, General and Strategic Management, 2007
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA

John Hodge is a Deputy Director of Finance for the City of Philadelphia and Executive Director of the Finance Program Management Office. His career started in IT, focusing on software implementations. John is involved in the city’s COVID-19 Recovery Steering Committee and the Racial Equity Working Group. He enjoys motorsports, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Matthew Kirsch HeadshotMatthew Kirsch: Trustee

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., 1990; University of Arizona, MFA, 1994; The Darden School, University of Virginia, MBA, 2001
  • Location: New York City

Matthew Kirsch is the Vice President of Digital Marketing at DIRECTV with a background in digital, ecommerce, and operations across various sectors. A double Hoo from UVA, he also has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Born and raised in Charlottesville, Matthew currently resides in New York City with his wife Daniella and their two dogs. He visits his family in Charlottesville regularly.

Alvin Fisher HeadshotAlvin Fisher: Trustee

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.S., Sociology with a minor in African American studies, 1991
  • Location: New Kent, Virginia

Alvin Fisher is the Senior Category Manager at Owens & Minor, a Fortune 500 healthcare company. He has experience in product development and global sourcing in various startups and corporate settings. Alvin’s professional journey includes over 15 years at Lenox Brands in product development and global sourcing. Raised in Virginia, he is an Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. member and enjoys showcasing Virginia’s rich history and landscapes to friends and family.

Warren Prescott HeadshotWarren Prescott: Trustee

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Col, 1993; George Mason University, MSCAR, 1997; University of Virginia, MSMIT, 2009
  • Location: Richmond, Virginia

Warren Prescott is the head of Technology Adoption and Change Management at Blue Acorn iCi. He has over 20 years of consulting experience with firms like PwC, IBM, and Accenture. A double Hoo from UVA, he is also an entrepreneur, founding A to B Kid Shuttle LLC. Warren has been actively involved in various leadership positions at UVA, including the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship Program. He enjoys sports and travel photography, and fine dining.

Kevin Carrington HeadshotKevin Carrington: Trustee

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in Economics, Col 1983
  • Location: Leesburg, VA

Kevin Carrington is a Senior Vice President at Segal in Washington, DC, with over 30 years of experience in human resources and employee benefits. He has worked at Hewitt Associates and Xerox Corporation. A former Chair of the UVA IDEA Fund Board of Trustees, Kevin is involved in various organizations, including the Ron Brown Scholars Program. He lives in Leesburg, VA, with his wife Sandra, and their children, all UVA graduates.

Teri Reaves HeadshotTeri Reaves: Trustee

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: College of Arts & Science, UVA, 1994, B.A. Music
  • Location: Northern Virginia

Teri Reaves is a veteran healthcare business development and sales leader with over two decades of experience. She began her career in pharmaceutical sales and has worked in diverse healthcare sectors. Teri launched Hemings Lucas, a healthcare business development consulting firm. A UVA graduate and a descendant of Mary Hemings, she is an active member of several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Teri lives in Northern Virginia with her labradoodle, Wilson.

Jennifer Green Godette HeadshotJennifer Green Godette: Trustee

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, SARC, B.S. Architectural Design, 1995; Duke University, MBA, 2000
  • Location: Washington, DC

Jennifer Green Godette is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Cognizant. She focuses on DEI, marketing, and client relationship management. Jennifer holds a BS from UVA and an MBA from Duke University. She is involved in renovating her century-old home and participates in Cultural and Racial Equity for Every Dragon (CREED). Jennifer recently moved to Washington, DC, where she supports her basketball-playing son and remains active in her former community of Southlake, TX.

Bren Herrera HeadshotBren Herrera: Trustee

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Political Science, 1998
  • Location: Washington, D.C.

Bren Herrera is a celebrated chef, TV host, author, and philanthropist. Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Washington, D.C., she has showcased her Afro-Cuban roots through cooking. She has appeared on various TV shows and authored ‘Modern Pressure Cooking’. Bren’s show, ‘Culture Kitchen with Bren Herrera’, airs on CLEO TV. She is dedicated to philanthropy, focusing on disenfranchised communities in Washington, D.C.

Sophie Dougadir HeadshotSophie Dougadir: Trustee

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Psychology, 2011; M.Ed. Counselor Education, 2017
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA

Sophie Dougadir is a school counselor at Farragut Elementary School in Culver City, CA. She completed a report for the IDEA Fund Early ID Program Assessment at UVA. Her memories at UVA include running in Charlottesville and singing with the Virginia Sil’hooettes. Sophie enjoys traveling, reading science fiction, and seeking physical challenges.

Lindsey Kijewski HeadshotLindsay Kijewski: Trustee

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Media Studies and American Studies, 2013; University of Pennsylvania, MS, Nonprofit Leadership, 2017
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lindsay Kijewski is Senior Vice President at SeaChange Capital Partners. She manages grantmaking activities and has experience in strategic planning and leadership development. Lindsay began her career at the University of Virginia Alumni Association. She teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on several advisory boards. Lindsay lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Will, and their cat, Cat Stevens.

Monica Nixon HeadshotMonica Nixon: Trustee

  • Education: University of Virginia, M.Ed. Counselor Education, 1999; B.A. English, 1995; Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Washington, 2013
  • Location: Higher Education Administration

Monica Nixon is the Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at NASPA. She has held various roles in student affairs, DEI, and administration at multiple universities. Monica’s research focuses on women of color in leadership roles in higher education. She co-authored a chapter in a NASPA-published book and is actively involved in professional associations in higher education.

Trustee Emeritus

Karima Buuchenafa HeadshotKarima Bouchenafa: Trustee Emeritus

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.A., Col 1994; Georgetown University, M.A. 1997
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Karima Bouchenafa is the Assistant Dean and Director of the Black Cultural Center at Swarthmore College, PA. With 23 years in higher education, she has served in various roles across institutions in the Greater Philadelphia area. Karima has also been involved in non-profit leadership and community development. She is a member of several organizations, including The Links, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the UN Association of the US. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Karima is a doctoral candidate at Rutgers University and enjoys the arts and volunteering.

Tierney Fairchild HeadshotTierney Fairchild: Trustee Emeritus

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1989; University of Virginia, Commerce, MBA, 1994; Ph.D., Education/GSAS, 1996
  • Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Tierney Fairchild, as the first chair of the IDEA Fund, focused on acknowledging UVA’s historical relationship to slavery. She holds a BA from UPenn, an MBA, and a Ph.D. from UVA. Tierney has worked in education reform, focusing on leadership development and school turnarounds. She co-founded Resilience Education, a non-profit providing education programs in prisons. She is an author and a member of the Raven Society, living in Charlottesville with her family.

Stephanie Johnson HeadshotStephanie Johnson: Trustee Emeritus

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Education: University of Virginia, ,B.A., Col 1993; Howard University School of Law, JD, 1997
  • Location: Hartford, Connecticut

Stephanie Johnson is Senior Counsel in the Reinsurance, Claims, and Group Benefits Law Group at The Hartford. She co-chairs the Attraction & Retention Committee of the Black Insurance Professional Network and is involved in various other committees. Stephanie’s career includes roles in Washington, DC, and she is active in the community, serving on several boards and volunteer programs. She enjoys cooking and participating in the arts community in Connecticut.

Russell Logan HeadshotRussell Logan: Trustee Emeritus

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Education: University of Virginia, B.S., Systems Engineering, 2005; University of Virginia Darden School, General Management, MBA, 2009
  • Location: Washington, DC,

Russell Logan is the Managing Advisor at Sugaer Business Advisors in Arlington, VA, advising on transactions and growth strategies. As the former Chair of the UVA IDEA Fund, he focused on community inclusion and fundraising strategies. His career spans roles at MarketBridge, Accenture, and other corporations. A Certified Board Advisor Russell holds an MBA from UVA Darden School and a BS in Systems Engineering from UVA. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife, Cheryl Logan.

Student Representatives/Support Interns

Noel Ayala Gallo HeadshotNoel Ayala Gallo: Student Representative & Support Intern

  • Pronouns: he/him/his
  • Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
  • Education: University of Virginia, Public Policy & Leadership andForeign Affairs, minor in Astronomy

Noel Ayala Gallo, from Harrisonburg, VA, is a third-year student at UVA, double majoring in Public Policy and Foreign Affairs with a minor in Astronomy. He’s been previously involved in research through the USOAR program, focusing on American opinions on international bodies and the Cuban Migration Crisis. Noel has held leadership positions, including President of the Multicultural Greek Council. He participated in the L2K 2023 Institute and the Meriwether Lewis Institute for leadership and policy development skills. Noel aspires to enter foreign service or human rights legislation while focusing on education reform.Throughout early January 2024, Noel participated in the Tadley fellowship and explored impact investing throughout Appalachia.

Neha Amamath HeadshotNeha Amarnath: Student Representative & Support Intern

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Location: Loudoun County, VA
  • Education: University of Virginia, Class of 2027, B,A., Economics and Neuroscience

Neha Amarnath, from Loudoun County, VA, is part of the University of Virginia’s Class of 2027 and a first-year student. She is involved in cultural activities as a bhangra liaison for East Coast Showdown at UVA. Neha plans to major in Economics and Neuroscience and is actively engaged in student life at the university via the College of Arts and Sciences.

Former Trustees

  • Elizabeth Birdsall
  • Elgin Cleckley
  • Gregory Dyson
  • Raynell Grace
  • Chet Hurwitz
  • Cheryl Logan
  • Cicely Peterson-Mangum
  • Marcus Martin Jr.
  • John Muleta
  • Tina Shah Paikeday
  • Jennie Savage
  • Daria Torres
  • Maurico Velaquez
  • Carol Williams
  • John Wright