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Wilder Fellows: shaping the future of public policy

Empowering the Next Generation: The 2024 Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellows, pictured here with Governor L. Douglas Wilder and Dean Susan Gooden. These 24 ambitious students are set to make significant contributions to public policy and administration across Virginia.

By Tiffany Murray-Robertson

This year, 24 full-time graduate students are set to transform public policy and administration through the prestigious Wilder Graduate Scholars' Fellowship.

The Wilder Graduate Scholars' Fellowship, established in 2006 by then-professor Dean Susan T. Gooden, has played a pivotal role in attracting top talent by offering substantial financial and professional support. Each Wilder Fellow in this record-setting cohort will receive full-time, in-state tuition and a stipend totaling $32,752, summing up a significant $786,058 investment in direct student support for the academic year. In exchange, fellows provide 20 hours of service a week throughout the academic year.

This year's cohort showcases a remarkable diversity of talent, underscored by an impressive average GPA that highlights the program's stringent academic standards. Fellows come from varied academic backgrounds including Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Public Administration, and Urban and Regional Planning.

The Wilder Fellows are collaborating with 18 influential host organizations across Virginia, reflecting the program's broad reach and their diverse interests. These organizations play a crucial role in providing real-world experiences that complement the fellows’ academic pursuits, preparing them for impactful careers in public service. This year’s agency hosts include:

• Bent Ear Solutions: Lydia Schauss
• Capital Region Airport Commission: Jada Whitley, Ashley Van Buskirk, Kyala Pulliam
• Chesterfield County Planning Department: Dagny Oakley
• Greater Richmond Transit Company: Nate Joyner, Derrick Watkins, Jr.
• Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Virginia: Tarnika Edmunds
• Locus: Sarah Miller
• Race Forward: Daniel Cantrell
• Virginia CDFI Coalition: Emma Tilley
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation: Eleanor Plisko
• Division of Legislative Services (Legislative Fellow): Faith Holmes
• Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (Legislative Fellow): Sofia Simmons
• Virginia State Crime Commission (Legislative Fellow): Sha'keila Bond
• Center for Public Policy: Sofia Tortolero Calanche
• Ceasefire Project, Center for Public Policy: Kayla Howard & Jordan Brooks
• Survey and Evaluation, Center for Public Policy: Destiny Brown
• Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute: Armando Somoza
• Research Institute for Social Equity: Cameron Williams, Emily Schreer, Mariam Al-khafaji 
• RVA Eviction Lab: Cameron Hart 

A Legacy of Success and Support

The Wilder Graduate Scholars' Fellowship has consistently opened doors for students by connecting them with opportunities to apply their knowledge in professional environments. Over the years, the Fellowship has provided substantial support, totaling millions in scholarships and stipends, enabling students to focus fully on their studies and professional development without the burden of financial stress.

As we celebrate the achievements and potential of this year’s cohort, the Wilder School remains committed to fostering the next generation of public leaders and policymakers. The extensive support and opportunities provided by the Wilder Graduate Scholars' Fellowship help ensure that these aspiring professionals are well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing our society today.