Class of 2022
Garvey Cummings
Maynard, MA
Holland-Blackburn
I am majoring in Human Biology with a minor Bioethics on the pre-med track. I’ve spent this past year working in the Bouton Lab with the help of the Double Hoo Grant, to help isolate specific cellular pathways that influence triple negative breast cancer therapies. I’ve also been training to work as a Medical Scribe at the UVA Emergency Medicine Department, where I help record doctor-patient interactions. At the University, I serve as a tour guide for the University Guide Service, work as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for introductory chemistry, and put on bi-annual performances as the Vice President of the Virginia Dance Company.
Isaiah Jenkins
Danville, VA
Ridley Flagship Scholar
I study sociology with a minor in African & African American Studies, with hopes to attend medical school. On Grounds, I serve as the Probationary Chair for the University Guide Service, work as a Peer Teacher for the Biology department, and serve as the co-director of finance for Fashion for a Cause (FFC). This summer I worked as an intern for UVA’s Office of Admission; worked as an EMT in the Charlottesville community and interned as a nurse for the Charlottesville Free Clinic. One of my long-term goals is to open a practice that will aim to serve marginalized and underserved communities.
Andrea Parrish
Midlothian, VA
Richmond Ridley Clarence Cain Scholar
I am studying Systems Engineering with minors in Engineering Business and Data Science. Over the summer, I completed a virtual internship in the Cybersecurity and Privacy sector at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC). On Grounds, I serve as an RA for Housing and Residence Life and work at the Rotunda. Additionally, I am a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a member of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and give tours of the Engineering school to prospective students and their families.
Takara Washington
Gordonsville, VA
Hoel-Perkins Scholar
I am pursuing a degree in nursing. In the School of Nursing, I serve as Co-President of Diversity in Nursing for a Better Community (DNBC), which promotes diversity within the nursing profession. I also serve as a peer advisor for the Office of African-American Affairs. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a Labor and Delivery nurse, while working toward my ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
Class of 2023
Tracy Agyemang
Woodbridge, VA
Gregory Ledford Scholar
I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in commerce at McIntire, with concentrations in marketing and information technology and a track in real estate. In addition to this, I am minoring in architecture, specifically the design thinking concentration. I was raised in both New York and Virginia but I have traveled to other countries for my education, such as The United Kingdom and Ghana and I plan on continuing my McIntire education in Paris. Outside the classroom, I am a student-athlete – I play women’s rugby. I am an MLT and SEO Fellow working as a Business Development Intern at a technology company in New York, known as Upstream. After graduation, I aspire to work as an associate product marketing manager at Google.
Kennedy Carter
Goochland, VA
Sylvia V. Terry Scholar
I am pursuing a degree in architecture. The presence of Covid-19 has allowed me to easily get involved with numerous organizations on grounds, so if I am not in the A-school studio, you can find me hosting an event with the PINK Campus team, fighting to promote change with the Black Student Alliance, going on a lunch date with my peer advisee, or engaging in a community service with my sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. After graduation, I plan to work towards owning my own architecture firm while continuing to be a large part of whatever community I land myself in.
Kendall Davis
Arlington, VA
Gregory R. Batipps Memorial Scholar
I am majoring in biology and plan to minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies on a pre-optometry track. On Grounds, I am involved with medical services and youth mentorship through Madison house, the Daniel Hale Williams Pre-Health Society, and ReMix Acapella Group. This past summer, I participated in the Summer Health Professions Education Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which solidified my interest in optometry and addressing health disparities.
Maxine Deveaux
Takoma Park, MD
Holland-Blackburn Scholar
I am a double major in global public health and sociology, on the pre-med track. I recently received my EMT certification, and now volunteer with the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad assisting with patient care and transport. On grounds, I give tours through the University Guide Service, and work as a research and teaching assistant. I am a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. After graduation I plan on taking a gap year and apply to medical school.
Selam Herring
Richmond, VA
Richmond Ridley Clarence Cain Scholar
I am a youth and social innovation major, with a psychology minor. I am very passionate about equitable and effective education for children and enjoy learning how research in psychology and cognition can inform those best practices. On grounds, I am a member of the Virginia Belles acapella group. I also do volunteer work with children each semester. This past spring, I was a classroom tutor for a group of high school government students through a program run by Madison House. This year, I am excited to discover my focus areas within my major.
Milan Marsh
Richmond, VA
Hoel-Perkins Scholar
I am a mathematics major, and plan to also minor in Spanish. This past year, I had the amazing opportunity to be a virtual marketing and business development intern at a startup company in Amsterdam, called WeSayHej. It was a truly life changing experience. This year, I hope to study abroad in Valencia. I also hope to one day get my PhD in mathematics.
Alexis Stokes
Richmond, VA
Richmond Ridley Clarence Cain Scholar
I am a psychology major, with a minor in women, gender & sexuality studies. Every summer I volunteer my free time at a local recreational center, serving as a summer camp counselor for children ages 5-14. On Grounds I was a member of Black Monologues, serving as hair and makeup designer for the film. I also joined a ministry on campus which was really helpful during this tough semester that we all overcame. This year I hope to be more active on Grounds.
Class of 2024
Jalon Thomas
Reistertown, MD
Holland-Blackburn Scholar
I am a Computer Science major with plans to minor in Data Science or Engineering Business. Over the summer, I participated in remote research as part of the Shin Lab, during which our team used machine learning to help diagnose vestibular and neurological conditions in mice. This year, I hope to continue working in the Shin Lab as well as further my involvement in the Google Developers Club and Computer and Network Security Club.
Gabrielle Jefferson
Richmond, VA
Ridley-Reid Scholar
I attended Glen Allen High School, where I served as SCA president and Executive Caucus representative of Equity Ambassadors, a county-wide organization advancing equity in schools. Alongside preparing for my varsity tennis and track seasons, I spent my summers volunteering at the Peter and Paul Development Center, an outreach center in the city. I plan to pursue global studies and journalism alongside a potential major in Leadership and Public Policy to refine my passion for activism and social justice at the University of Virginia. I am excited to begin my UVA journey and extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a Ridley Scholar!
Class of 2025
Sophia Chambliss
Mechanicsville, VA
Ridley-Bryce Scholar
I am a graduate of Atlee High School. In high school I was captain of the varsity cheer team, along with being president of various clubs. I am also the CEO and founder of the non-profit Brown Ballerinas for Change. At UVA, I plan to study Biology and hope to one day become a Physician’s Assistant.
Mary Hall
Chesterfield, VA
Ridley-Reid Scholar
I attended Monacan High School in North Chesterfield, Virginia. There I served as SGA Vice President, Theatre Club Vice President, and President and Founder of the school’s BIPOC Student Union, an organization advocating for a multicultural curriculum in schools. I was also an active participant in Monacan’s choral program, NHS, and Beta club. During my time at UVA, I plan on majoring in Politics and continuing to fuel my passion for social justice and civil equity.
Zoë Jenkins
Lexington, KY
Holland-Blackburn Scholar
I am a storyteller, facilitator, founder, constant learner, and pie-baker. I am the founder and Executive Producer of Get Schooled podcast with the Kentucky Student Voice Team, an organization elevating Kentucky students as partners in education research and policy. As a part of my podcasting work, I was named a 2020 National Geographic Young Explorer. I was an inaugural fellow with Civics Unplugged and serves as the Chair of the Civics 2030 Steering Committee. I also founded DICCE, which creates curriculum and resources for Gen Z to be more culturally responsive, empathetic, and equity-driven.
Gabriella Watson
Richmond, VA
Richmond Ridley Clarence Cain Scholar
I attended Maggie Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies in Richmond. I have been a Girl Scout for the past ten years and love volunteering at the Chesterfield Food Bank. On the School Advisory Council, I chaired the Campus Life During COVID Committee and served on the Removing Structural Barriers Committee. I surveyed current students to improve the racial climate at my high school and presented recommendations to the school board which will be implemented next year. My intended major of study at UVA will either be Chemistry or Biology. The dream is to be a pharmacist by day and an author by night.
Taylor Whirley
Midlothian, VA
Ridley-Reid Scholar
I attended James River High School in Midlothian, Virginia where I was a part of the Center for Leadership & International Relations. I served as a council member for the Leadership Program, Secretary for our show choir, Anything Goes, and President of our Spanish Club. I am an active member in my church community where I enjoy volunteering at community outreach events and working with young children. While at UVA, I plan to study Leadership and Public Policy prior to attending law school. After completing my education, I hope to combine my passion for serving young children and my interest in public policy to help shape our country’s education system.