Javion Peterson 

Javion Peterson is a Master of Public Administration student at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a certificate in Nonprofit Management. A Virginia native, he brings a strong commitment to public service shaped by lived experience and years of community engagement. Javion serves as a Wilder Fellow at The Cameron Foundation, where he supports grantmaking, nonprofit capacity building, and regional philanthropic strategy.

His background includes legislative work in the Virginia House of Delegates, youth‑centered policy engagement, and experience as an educator supporting diverse learners. Javion has contributed to research on equitable funding and workforce development, and he remains active in environmental and civic volunteerism across the Commonwealth.

He is driven by a commitment to strengthening nonprofit–government partnerships, expanding civic literacy, and advancing equitable resource allocation. Javion plans to use his training to support organizations that improve outcomes for underserved communities and to help build a more accessible and collaborative public sector in Virginia.

David Glass

David Glass was born in South Carolina, although he has lived in Virginia for most of his life. David is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University. He graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2020 with a degree in political science and two minors in psychology and human rights and conflict resolution. David has a particular interest in security, intelligence, disaster response, and counterterrorism. In the future, David aims to work as an intelligence analyst within the federal government to help protect Americans from domestic and foreign threats. David is a returning fellow, continuing his placement at the Richmond International Airport. While working at the airport last year, David was nominated for and received a “Living the Values” award for going above and beyond in his service for a passenger in need. David is excited to continue developing professionally as an emerging leader through his experience with the Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship Program.

Zateya Jackson

Zateya Jackson is a Master of Public Administration student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science from VCU in 2025. Her academic and professional interests include public policy, equity-driven public service, nonprofit leadership, legislative research, and community engagement. Jackson has developed experience in state government, advocacy, and program coordination. She previously served as an intern in the Office of Delegate Herring, where she conducted research, drafted memos, prepared briefings, and supported legislative offices. She has also served as a Virginia 21 Student Leadership Member, a New Leadership Virginia Fellow, and a Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellow. She is also the lead for the newly introduced feminist generation chapter in Richmond. Through the Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship, Jackson hopes to gain more meaningful public-service experience, strengthen her research and leadership skills, and build professional relationships that will support her future career in public policy.

Ayden Traynor

Ayden Traynor is a Master of Urban and Regional Planning candidate and Urban Revitalization Certificate student in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Originally from Orlando, Florida, and now residing in Moseley, Virginia, Ayden holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Central Florida. His background includes teaching American history with Orange County Public Schools, alongside earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Ayden’s academic and professional interests focus on community revitalization, sustainability planning, and building climate-resilient, sustainable communities. As a 2026–2027 Wilder Graduate Scholar Fellow, he is placed with the Capital Region Airport Commission, where he applies regional planning and environmental frameworks to airport operations and infrastructure projects. Through the fellowship, Ayden seeks to gain practical public-sector experience and bridge policy research with actionable climate adaptation strategies. Ultimately, he aspires to work as an urban planner dedicated to advancing sustainable, resilient development across Virginia communities.

Andrew Fennel

Andrew Fennel, raised in Vienna, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science from VCU as a double major in Psychology and Political Science, with a concentration in international relations. Driven by a passionate interest in social research and public policy evaluation, Fennel spent his undergraduate years gaining hands-on research experience. His introduction to professional research started with an internship at the VCU Discrimination and Health Laboratory, followed by two years as a data entry clerk at the VCU Center for Public Policy, where he has established himself as a key member of the Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory (SERL) data team. While Fennel is completing his second year in the Master of Public Administration program, the Wilder Fellowship allows him to continue supporting research projects that evaluate and inform public policy in Virginia. Fennel looks forward to applying his graduate education to forge a career in policy research. 

Ure Nwokoji

Ure Nwokoji is a Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Master's student from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from VCU. Ure is interested in equity, community engagement/development, and social justice, especially as it relates to emergency management. She aspires to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or within state government, where she will have the space to make sure historically disadvantaged communities are accounted for in all phases of the emergency management cycle. During her undergraduate years, Ure served as the Vice President of the VCU Cross Country and Track Club. She helped pioneer the sprints side, which kicked off success after years of inactivity. Her vice presidency has given her facilitation, project management, and conflict-resolution skills, which have developed her as a leader. Through the Wilder Fellowship, Ure hopes to refine her skills through practical experience and make an impact with the Center for Public Policy.

Jade Simpson

Jade Simpson, a Chapel Hill native, is currently pursuing a Master's in Criminal Justice at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University. Her research and professional interests center on rural communities, intimate partner violence, and corrections. Jade hopes to continue her education by pursuing a PhD, with career goals in policy, program development, or research. She looks forward to her second year as a Wilder Fellow, strengthening her skills, expanding her professional network, and preparing her for the next step in her career.

Rachel Richardson

Rachel Richardson is an Urban and Regional Planning Master's student from Midlothian, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation with a minor in Urban Studies and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Mary Washington.

During her undergraduate studies, she interned at Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO), and after graduation, she transitioned to a full-time position. During her time as a Transit Planner, she is proud of her contributions to FXBGO’s Transit Strategic Plan, which effectively redesigned and implemented fixed-route bus service across the Fredericksburg region. 

She has a keen interest in transportation, historic preservation, land use, accessibility planning, and community engagement. In the future, she hopes to improve mobility and accessibility options for vulnerable populations in the greater Richmond area by using community-focused planning techniques. Through the Wilder Fellowship, she is eager to collaborate with Chesterfield County to become familiar with land-use planning, map their park systems, and assist with zoning cases.

Victor Green

Victor Green is a first-year Master of Public Administration student from Richmond, Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Data Science with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems from William & Mary, where he explored his academic interests in community revitalization and food security through research. After serving native communities in Oklahoma through Teach for America, he found an interest in education policy and went on to develop and implement STEM curricula in Richmond Public Schools. In the Wilder Fellowship, he looks to develop the skills necessary to bridge the gap between statistics and lived experience.

Katherine Stewart

Katherine Stewart is a graduate student in the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program with a strong interest in national security and the intelligence community. Originally from Fairfield, California, she earned a B.A.in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies from Prairie View A&M University. Her academic and professional interests include intelligence collection, particularly within the Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) fields, with an emphasis on targeting analysis. Through her studies, Katherine has developed strong research, critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills while expanding her understanding of national security challenges. 

Her career goal is to pursue a position within the intelligence community focused on GEOINT, HUMINT, and targeting analysis, with the long-term goal of advancing into intelligence planning or a senior intelligence role supporting national security. Through the Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship, Katherine hopes to gain valuable mentorship, professional connections, and practical experience while applying her academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges.

Megan Forbes 

Megan Forbes is a second-year Master of Urban and Regional Planning student at VCU’s Wilder School, focusing on environment and resilience planning. With a background in social work, international education, and public service, Megan brings a community-centered perspective to planning and land use.

As a returning Wilder Graduate Scholar Fellow with the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI), Megan coordinates the Land Use Education Program (LUEP), supporting professional education for planning and land use officials across Virginia. She oversees the Land Use Legal Seminar, the Certified Planning Commissioner Program, the Board of Zoning Appeals Program, and the Architectural Review Board Program. Her work also examines gaps in access to land use education and strategies to broaden outreach and diversify participation across the Commonwealth.

Megan recently studied urban design and placemaking in the Netherlands through the University of Amsterdam. She earned her B.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University and previously worked with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Richmond Public Schools’ Center for Families in Transition.

Catherine Quidas

Catherine Quidas, originally from Alexandria, VA, is a first-year Master of Urban and Regional Planning student. She graduated from VCU in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is interested in transportation and is placed with GRTC for the 2026-2027 academic year. She is passionate about promoting equity and safety in planning, and hopes to work on a pedestrian safety or essential transit infrastructure project when she graduates. She has past legislative experience from completing the Virginia Capitol Semester as an undergraduate at VCU and from serving a term with AmeriCorps at Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, promoting active transportation and bike safety skills for elementary-aged kids. She is looking forward to gaining professional experience at GRTC and expanding her professional network. Working on the Transit Access Partnership (TAP) team at GRTC, she is excited to support efforts to secure funding and maintain fare-free service for all riders in the Richmond community.

Kayla Sanders

Kayla, a Jacksonville, Florida native, is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student at the Wilder School. Her alma mater includes The Florida State University (BA in History, Minor in Japanese, BS in International Affairs, '16, cum laude), and The George Washington University Law School (JD, '21). Kayla is also an FSU Jim Moran Scholar ('12), GW Law Peggy Browning Legal Fellow ('20), and, during her time at GW, gained exceptional experience as a summer law clerk and student attorney. Throughout her academic and professional career, Kayla has focused on understanding the historical lessons of the past to provide context for our current political, socioeconomic, and cultural environment and to identify the most appropriate solutions to long-standing issues. 

At the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), Kayla will learn more about how state-level program evaluation influences policy and legislative decisions while expanding her real-world knowledge of intergovernmental systems. After graduating, Kayla plans to sit for the Virginia Bar and use her expertise to manage nonprofit or government programs that help vulnerable populations thrive, whether that means protecting civil liberties or expanding educational and social services where they're needed most.

Kate Zak 

Kate is from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is currently pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Administration from Florida State University. Her academic and professional interests include community development, public policy, health equity, spatial analysis, community engagement, resilience, program evaluation, and strategic planning. Kate worked at the Hampton Roads Alliance, an economic development organization in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she gained experience researching regional economic development and community needs. Her career goal is to work as an urban planner on project-based community development initiatives that improve the quality of life and equitable access to resources, with a particular focus on community engagement and incorporating community perspectives into the planning process. Through the WIlder Graduate Scholars Fellowship, Kate hopes to gain professional experience and deepen her understanding of community development and urban planning through learning how community development financial institutions (CDFIs) support and fund community projects.

Rawan Elbanna 

Accelerating through her academic career and driven by a commitment to public service, Rawan Elbanna has graduated not just high school early with dual-enrollment with Criminal Justice credits, she had graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in just 2.5 years with a Double Major in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness whilst serving her time in the Emerging Leaders Program as both a mentee then progressing as a mentor in her second year, completing more than 100 volunteer hours of community service, was an Honors College student throughout her undergrad studies all the while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Furthermore, she served on the VCUPD Student Voice Committee and was also awarded the Kohlbeck Memorial Scholarship for Service and Excellence. 

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Criminal Justice through VCU’s Accelerated Master’s Program, Rawan is also earning a Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention while preparing for law school. Her interests include criminal justice policy, wrongful convictions, sentencing reform, and public safety. She hopes the Wilder Graduate Scholarship will further develop her leadership and policy skills while connecting her with scholars committed to public service and meaningful change.

Jaclyn Fierro-Jefferson

Jaclyn Fierro-Jefferson, born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Richmond, Virginia, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. She holds a dual-degree Bachelor's in Urban and Regional Studies and Cinema from Virginia Commonwealth University. During her undergraduate studies, she was the Advocacy and Outreach Intern at VCU's RamBikes, designing educational materials and engaging the campus community around sustainable transportation and safety. In 2025, she led advocacy for the installation of a new bike rack on VCU's campus, and in 2026 she brought her skills to the Virginia General Assembly through the VCU Capitol Semester Program. At the end of her undergraduate career, she received the Carter G. Woodson Award for Academic Excellence in Urban Studies. Through the Wilder Fellowship, Fierro-Jefferson is committed to building trust between legislators, planners, and communities by using creative, educational communication strategies to advance sustainable urban development.

Paris Woods

Paris Woods is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University and is also pursuing a certificate in Urban Revitalization. A Richmond native and committed public servant, Paris is passionate about creating more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities through public policy, community development, and engagement. Her professional and academic experiences span sustainability, urban development, social equity, and local government, including work supporting research on green space and community resilience in Richmond and serving as the Mass Engagement Intern for 3rd District Representative, Councilwoman Kenya Gibson. As an L. Douglas Wilder Graduate Fellow with the Research Institute for Social Equity, Paris is eager to deepen her understanding of how research, policy, and public service are leveraged to address inequities and improve the quality of life for communities across Virginia. Her career aspirations are to ultimately contribute to the development and implementation of policies that drive change by serving in strategic public leadership positions. She expects to graduate from VCU in May 2027.

Lia Deasy

Lia Deasy, born and raised in Henrico County, is a second-year Fellow pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in environmental planning. She earned her B.A. in Art History and Environmental Science at the College of William & Mary. Deasy maintains an interest in environmental justice and sustainable food systems. Her recent work includes several safety analyses for the Chesterfield County Transportation Department and helping create a digital network map of Richmond’s environmental organizations with the Urban Green Equity and Resilience Project. She envisions an interdisciplinary planning career promoting regional land stewardship and resilient communities. As a Wilder Fellow with RVA Eviction Lab, Deasy looks forward to conducting data analysis that supports community-responsive policy for stable housing across Virginia.

Rowan Baylosis 

Rowan Baylosis (she/they) is a second-year Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellow in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program. Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, she has professional experience in landscape architecture, research on national parks, and historic preservation. After earning her degree in Geography from Old Dominion University in 2023, she took a position as a junior planner for Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates, a nationally recognized urban design firm specializing in brownfields development. As the company's GIS specialist, she managed geospatial projects for state and local clients across the country. Upon enrolling in the VCU MURP program in 2025, she held her first fellowship position with the Wilder School's Research Institute for Social Equity.

Her professional interests are in the role of open data and information design in facilitating effective communication and bridging community/client trust. As a planning professional, she aims to leverage these practices to further regional economic and community development efforts. During her placement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, she hopes to gain interdisciplinary experience in implementing mass transportation policy and large-scale capital improvement projects.