2025 Ron Brown Scholar Program Fall Newsletter

WHAT’S OUR SECRET SAUCE?

I’m often asked how the Ron Brown Scholar Program measures success. Almost always, the follow-up question is: What’s your secret sauce? How have you thrived for more than three decades?

Before I answer, I usually turn the question back: What do you think it is? And almost always, people get it right.

The truth is simple. Our “secret sauce” isn’t complicated—it’s all of you.

It’s the extraordinary Scholars we select each year—their drive, their sense of social responsibility, their commitment to giving back. It’s our friends, supporters and leaders who believed in this mission from the very beginning. It’s the countless ways we stay connected—as a network, as a family.

Just in the past few weeks, I have seen powerful reminders of this:

• An Advisory Board member and our VP of Advancement partnered to secure a gift more than twice what we requested.

• Friends of the Program have stood by us as

we navigate today’s challenges, including pressures surrounding DEI.

• A Scholar called to check in on a classmate in difficulty—because here, we look out for one another.

• Our community rallied to honor Lance Blanks by establishing an emergency fund to serve as a safety net for Scholars.

• Alumni deepened their commitment by increasing their monthly giving.

• Scholars hosted gatherings in cities across the country to reconnect and support each other.

With so much division in the world, it is a privilege to be reminded daily of what is possible when we work together. The secret to our success has always been this community—generous, talented, and courageous individuals willing to show up for one another.

Thank you for being part of the Ron Brown Family. I hope you enjoy the updates in this newsletter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With heartfelt thanks,

Michael A. Mallory PRESIDENT & CEO, RON BROWN SCHOLAR FUND

REGIONAL GATHERINGS HIGHLIGHTS

THE TIES THAT BIND US

RBS GATHER AROUND THE COUNTRY TO RECONNECT & NETWORK

From coast to coast, our Scholars, Alumni and staff came together in August for a weekend filled with laughter, shared meals and unforgettable experiences. In cities across the country, our community gathered for family dinners, axe throwing, arcade games, Top Golf, scenic boat cruises and more. Each event had its unique flavor, but they all shared the same heart—a chance to be together. These gatherings are more than just fun; they’re a vital part of what keeps our bonds strong. In a world that often pulls us in different directions, taking the time to connect face-to-face allows us to recharge, share stories and deepen the relationships that make this community so special. May Lugemwa, RBS 2000, who hosted our event in Philadelphia noted, “What struck me most was how across three different generations (boomer, millennial, and Gen X) we bonded and shared our commitment to building up community.”

We hosted more events this year than last, and are deeply grateful to our hosts, whose energy, hospitality and creativity brought these events to life. And to everyone who attended—thank you for showing up, for engaging and for making the effort to strengthen our network. Olivia Woods, RBS 2022 and Dallas organizer, reflected on her time together, “It was an unforgettable experience, and we are excited to meet with one another again!”

As we look ahead, we’re reminded that our community thrives when we come together, not only to celebrate but to support, inspire and uplift one another. The regional gatherings are proof that no matter where we are, the ties we share remain strong. •

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CITY HOSTS

CHARLOTTESVILLE

DALLAS

CHICAGO

ATLANTA

LOS ANGELES

PHILADELPHIA

2025 RBSP LEGAL LAUNCH

The fourth annual RBSP Legal Launch took place June 26th-27th in New York City. This year, twelve aspiring legal professionals-7 Ron Brown Scholars, Captains and Alumni, and 5 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars-came together, each with their sights set on law school in 2025 or 2026. The program kicked off with an exclusive visit to Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP, where attorneys shared insights into diverse legal fields, career tracks and the unique culture at

“Legal Launch was an amazing opportunity to connect with various legal professionals, resources, and my fellow RBS peers who are interested in law. The insights and advice I received will be very valuable as I prepare for law school applications and my future career.”

-DESTINI RUFFNER

RON BROWN SCHOLAR 2022

the firm. That evening, the group gathered for a networking dinner, joined by distinguished attorneys Michelle Ifill (RBSP Board of Trustees), Elijah Turner (Ron Brown Captain 2012), and William Stone (RBS 2008). The students forged connections, received guidance and built relationships that will support their journeys for years to come.

The event concluded with a powerful panel at Paul Hastings, LLP, featuring attorneys from a variety of backgrounds. Panelists can-

FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED

didly shared their personal paths to the legal profession and to Paul Hastings, offering practical advice and inspiration. Students left with fresh perspectives and renewed motivation to pursue their dreams.

We extend our gratitude to our firm sponsors, Paul Hastings, LLP and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP, whose partnership and commitment make this transformative program possible. •

“Legal Launch provided me with an amazing opportunity to connect with current and future legal practitioners in the Ron Brown network. Visiting law firms and meeting with attorneys offered a firsthand look into the realities of legal practice. I gained practical insights that will undoubtedly guide my professional development as I prepare for law school.”

-VALERIE AKINYI

RON BROWN CAPTAIN 2019

AI INNOVATION TAKES CENTER STAGE

AT RON BROWN ALUMNI GATHERING IN NYC

The Ron Brown Alumni Association recently brought together a dynamic group of Scholars and Captains who are driving the future of Artificial Intelligence. On June 17, the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan buzzed with energy as Ron Brown Scholars Njeri Grevious, Senior AI Product Manager at Microsoft, and Jonté Craighead, AI-focused Product Leader and Engineer in fintech, hosted an inspiring evening dedicated to the latest breakthroughs in generative AI.

Attendees included business leaders, engineers and innovators at the cutting edge of applied AI. The event featured lively discussions on the transformative impact of generative AI across industries, an interactive Q&A session and valuable networking opportunities. As AI technology rapidly evolves, Ron Brown Alumni are leading the charge—revolutionizing business practices and driving solutions to complex challenges.

This gathering was more than just a meet-

ing; it was a launchpad for collaboration, knowledge sharing and visionary thinking. If you’re passionate about technological innovation and want to be part of a community that’s shaping the future, now is the time to get involved! Stay ahead of the curve by following the Ron Brown Alumni Network and be the first to hear about our 2026 AI event. To learn more or support this initiative for 2026, reach out to Holly Duke at hduke@ ronbrown.org

2025 RBSP LEADERS SUMMIT

KNOW YOUR WORTH, SHOW YOUR WORTH

We’re thrilled to share highlights from the 2025 Ron Brown Leaders’ Summit, held June 16–27. This year’s Summit brought together more than 130 Ron Brown college students and alumni for two weeks of inspiration, connection and professional growth.

The festivities began with a dynamic virtual networking session, setting the stage for meaningful conversations and new relationships. On Friday, June 17, we gathered in person at the SUNY Global Center in New York City for an unforgettable kickoff event. Students rotated through round robin meetings with our valued corporate Partners, gaining firsthand career advice and learning about exciting opportunities. The evening featured a thought-provoking panel on Black Innovators & the Future of AI, moderated by Njeri Grevious (RBS 2013) and Jonté Craighead (RBS 2009), followed by a lively rooftop reception where participants celebrated community and achievement.

Throughout the following two weeks, our virtual programming kept the momentum

going, with sessions covering a wide range of industries and topics. Students and alumni from across the country joined in, making the Summit more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Your support made it possible for our young leaders to connect with mentors, explore career paths and build lasting relationships. Thank you for investing in their futures and helping us accelerate the impact of these changemakers!

• • •

“This was my first Ron Brown event I’ve attended as an alum, and it did not disappoint. I was able to connect with the full spectrum of Ron Brown Leaders, all the way from the newest class of scholars to seasoned alums. I will definitely be attending the next event.”

-HANNAH CLARKE RON BROWN CAPTAIN 2017

VENTURE LAB BACKS EIGHT ALUMNI FOUNDERS

IN ITS INAUGURAL YEAR

In the inaugural year of the Ron Brown Venture Lab, there are dozens of Ron Brown Scholars and Captains actively launching their own companies, and the Venture Lab has been with them every step of the way. This past summer, we announced that we’ve backed 8 Ron Brown Scholars, Captains and Alumni with $10,000 of equity-free, non-dilutive grants. From AI-powered software to TikTok-viral beauty brands, these ventures are diverse in industry, bold in vision, and united by a shared foundation: values-driven leadership cultivated through the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

“This is an exciting moment for me and especially for all of the people who have been a part of the Venture Lab, back when finding ways for us to invest in and with each other was just an idea. Each one of these founders embodies what it means to be a Ron Brown Scholar or Captain—the perfect balance of genius, leadership, social consciousness, and humility—and I’m grateful they chose to have us be a part of their journey.”

-RAY PRYOR RBS 2015 FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE RON BROWN VENTURE LAB

MEET THE FOUNDERS AND THEIR VENTURES:

SCHOLAR UPDATES

RBS 2008

CLASS NOTES

The Class Notes section provides an opportunity for Ron Brown Scholars to share professional and personal updates—whether it’s a new job, a big move, a family celebration, or a personal accomplishment, these updates highlight the many ways our Scholars continue to make an impact.

RBS 1997

MEG DONOVAN CHRISTIANSEN: This year has been a big one for me and my family—we relocated from San Francisco to Copenhagen at the start of January. My son Kasper (age 4) is now happily settled into the Lycée International, and our dog Nopa is loving the parks and open spaces here.

Professionally, I’m continuing my work in consumer technology and marketplace growth, currently consulting with the U.S.-based company Fabric, where I’m shaping strategy and execution around dropship expansion and automation. This includes advancing AI-driven product enrichment and supplier enablement to help retailers operate more efficiently and grow at scale. At the same time, I’m exploring opportunities for a longterm placement with a company here in Copenhagen.

Outside of work, I’ve taken a sink-or-swim approach to learning Danish. It’s not easy, but I’m diving in—focusing on vocabulary, practicing every day, and pushing myself to use the language in real-life situations. I’ve also started to build new friendships, both with Danes and fellow expats, which has made the transition easier. While I miss my friends and connections in the U.S., I’m incredibly happy we made the move. If anyone finds themselves visiting Copenhagen, I’d love for you to drop me a line!

RBS 2001

RBS 2002

AMANDA JOHNSON: My husband, Paul Lockhart-Korris, and I welcomed Oliver Albert Korris to the NYC heatwave on June 21, 2025. Right now, I am enjoying maternity leave.

RBS 2005

LOWELL CAULDER: I am working in business development at UCSF Health after selling my startup Studio Dental in 2022. I live in San Francisco with my husband and daughter, who turned 3 in October.

RBS 2006

CRYSTAL BOYD: I am excited that my short film SAVAGE SEASON debuted at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood this August. Inspired by true events, the film explores mental health, friendship, and the courage to reinvent yourself. My next step is to develop the project into a TV series set in my hometown of Washington, DC (what’s up 202)! I’m also happy to be back at NYU’s LA campus, teaching “Writing the Comedy Pilot,” and I coach how to pitch television at https://howtopitchtv.com.

DESIREÉ MONTGOMERY: This past year has been a season of both joy and growth. In December, I married my husband and stepped into two new roles I deeply cherish—bonus mom to an incredible teenage daughter and dog mom to an energetic husky who keeps us all on our toes. Our home is full, lively, and constantly teaching me the art of balance and patience. Professionally, I continue to serve at World Vision U.S., where I lead business transformation and innovation efforts within our fundraising team. In light of the recent USAID funding cuts, this work has been both challenging and deeply meaningful. My focus has been on reimagining systems, driving operational efficiencies, and shaping strategies to ensure we can continue delivering life-changing impact where it’s needed most. Even in the midst of trials, I’m reminded daily that hope prevails—in our families, our communities, and the causes we serve. I’m grateful for the RBS community and the inspiration I continue to draw from the incredible work you’re doing across industries and around the globe.

RBS 2011

KEON PEARSON: Life has been so good to me since the last update. I recently transitioned out of hospital medicine, with all of its hustle and bustle, and into a new field of medicine called Longevity Medicine. My goal is to help prevent people from getting life-threatening illnesses through aggressive prevention and advanced diagnostics. I am the medical director of the clinic, which is flexing my MBA skills as well as my medical training. I look forward to connecting with my RBS classmates at future meetups.

RBS 2013

WILLIAM CHICHESTER, III: My oldest son, Cade, just started Kindergarten! He loves riding on the school bus! Big milestone in our house! We are so proud of him!

MAIKHA JEAN-BAPTISTE: I am currently working as a faculty physician at Valley Family Medicine Residency in Renton, WA, and I’m enjoying hiking and exploring all the PNW has to offer!

JORDAN ALSTON: I completed a clerkship with Justice Sotomayor in July. I’ll be starting as an associate at Gibson Dunn this winter.

DESIREÉ MONTGOMERY

LOWELL CAULDER

MEG DONOVAN CHRISTIANSON

RBS 2015

DEVIN KILPATRICK: I’m working on my PhD dissertation at the University of Michigan -- Stephen M. Ross School of Business. I’m studying hybrid teams and performance. If you are a member of an organization that would like to partner with the Ross School of Business on a research project on hybrid teams, I’d love to hear from you!

JASON ADULLEY: After working in NYC City Hall for nearly two and a half years, I am now leading the Intergovernmental Affairs Team at the Department of Small Business Services. I get to review legislation, meet with elected officials and community stakeholders, and fellow government agencies on ways to support small businesses, job seekers, and neighborhoods. I currently live in Harlem after a stint of living in Atlanta!

ANTHONY MAYFIELD: Recently, I left Amazon to join a startup in the AI wealth management space called Range. I also got married back in February!

CHRISTOPHER MCKINNIS: I am almost finished getting my degree in Media Communications and will be looking at post-graduate programs in the spring!

MATT SHEARIN: I was recently promoted to Senior Manager, Football Administration, where I handle player contract negotiations, salary cap and cash spending management, and CBA compliance, among other things. I recently bought a home, and my teenage sister just started her senior year of high school.

RBS 2019

DESTINY BROWN: I was promoted to Department Chair of Arts and Athletics at the school where I teach theater; I just had my first appearance in a film that had a nationwide theatrical release in AMC theaters on 8/20.

HALLE CLOTTEY: I am celebrating my 2-year anniversary at Microsoft! Went on a recent trip to Japan; looking forward to more travel.

CAMERON COLE: This summer, I had the chance to mentor and manage an intern from my Alma Mater.

MAKAYTA COLE: I started working at McMaster-Carr after graduating from my Master’s last September and was promoted in June. I also recently moved to Philly!

LEAH YARED: I graduated from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School with a JD/MBA in May! I’m looking forward to moving to NYC to work at a law firm this fall.

DIVINEASIA MILLER: I’m entering my third year of my doctoral program, and living in Canada currently!

T’ANGELA KNIGHT: I am continuing to thrive in my passion for continuous learning as a Regional Learning Manager for Amazon! After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2019, I moved to Dallas, TX, where I re side now for work. 2 years later, while working full-time, I graduated Magna cum laude in the university’s inaugural class for their new Master’s Program in Higher Education Administration. This led to my transition into the corporate education space at Amazon, where I am currently preparing for the next level to become a Senior Manager. Outside of work, I still love music and golf, hitting the course weekly! I have an amazing partner, who keeps me calm and constantly laughing. Life is good, and gratitude is my attitude!

BRUKE KIFLE: After a few years as a Product Manager at Microsoft building AI products, and a short stint in consulting with McKinsey in Ethiopia, I’m now back in school pursuing my MBA at Harvard Business School. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, full of learning, travel, and new connections. I’m excited for what the next year holds and for the chance to explore my entrepreneurial interests more deeply.

IMAN DANCY: I made my playwriting debut this summer; my play, The Switch, was selected for production and performance in the Variations on Night ten-minute play festival in Baltimore, which ran July 11–27. I also recently returned from a trip to Amsterdam and Copenhagen, which was great!

MORGAN EMOKPAE: I’ve started as an M1 at Brown this fall!

WALLACE GREENE: I am starting law school

JOVONI JOHNSON-MCCRAY: Graduating this December from business school.

RBS 2017

FRELICIA TUCKER: Hey RBS fam! I hit 1 year as a DMV resident, where I continue to work as a software engineer for Meta. Out of office, I’m involved with local book and fitness clubs (if you’re in Maryland or DC and want to hit tennis, please lmk!!). For the rest of the year, I’m looking forward to growing my community in the area as well as up-skilling in the tech/AI space.

RBS 2018

JENNIFER NEAR: I started medical school at Duke!

MICHAEL LAWES: I’ve started a new job at Redfin.

CHRISTIAN MALACHY PORTER: I have started medical school this fall at UPenn.

INDIGO WRIGHT: I am now Program Coordinator for Prison + Neighborhood Arts/ Education Project.

MIA WRIGHT: I just started a new job and moved to Michigan in June of this year! I work for Whisker (the Litter-Robot company) as a mechanical engineer, and it’s been really fun!

DEVIN KILPATRICK

JENNIFER NEAR

BRUKE KIFLE

RBS 2020

JOURNEY WASHINGTONHIGH: I was selected as a 2024-25 Julie Kennedy Public Service Scholar. I am currently working at a startup called Geoship where we design and build sustainable dome homes out of ceramic material. I just returned from Korea where students from Stanford, Oxford, and Taejae University were selected to meet South Korean gov ernment and business leaders, and participate in the AI-Powered Sustainability Policy Debate Competition.

DAVID PALMER: I just graduated from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health with my MPH in Ep idemiology; looking for a new role in public health, health equity, research, data, and administrative work, and just moved into my new apartment.

YAA NKRUMAH: I’m finishing up a onemonth Hausa language immersion and research trip to northern Nigeria. I’ll be back in the US at the beginning of September

RBS 2021

MADISON WEBB: I started working at Mastercard and completing a follow-on service project with Harvard’s Office of International Education as part of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program, awarded by the US Dept of State in February 2025.

RICKEY MCGREGOR: I recently moved to SF and started a new job

CHRISTAYLN AUSLER: Two papers I am working on got submitted (to Cell and EMBO Journal), and I am currently working through revisions on both.

MARIAM KEITA: I just completed a summer internship at the U.S. Embassy, Dakar as a part of the Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship. Starting a labor union apprenticeship through the WILL Empower program at the AAUP headquarters in DC.

IMANI POWE (GUNNISON): Just got married!

AISSATA BAH: I am currently producing a television pilot about literary freedom in a small Black southern town. We are looking to film in January, and are currently accepting tax-deductible donations to cover production costs. Visit our website for more details: https://bookclubpilot.web flow.io! If anyone is interested in donating or being a potential crew member, please reach out to me.

ABEL GELETA: I recently completed a summer internship with CVS Health/Aetna in their Finance organization and have accepted a return offer for their Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP), which I will start after graduation in May 2026 from a dual BA/MPH in Healthcare Management at Yale.

DEVONTE BILLINGS:

I recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia to begin working as a Software Engineer in the Azure Division of Microsoft. Graduated from Georgia Tech in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

RBS 2022

KARASI COLTER: I’ve just finished 3 weeks in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mexico, staying with a host family and studying Spanish at the Na’atik Language and Cultural Institute while learning about Mayan-Mexican history/culture.

I also spent 3 weeks in Helsinki and Vantaa, Finland, to study Finnish ethos and work culture to write a (now) 12-page paper about my findings in comparison to American work culture. I was invited by my host professor (William Cardwell) to speak at a UNC Global Affairs event this year, which I’m excited about.

RBS 2023

FAITH BUGGS: I was a Spring 2025 initiate of the Iota Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I visited London in May 2025 on a study abroad trip to learn about international film production, created a film pitch for Sony Pictures, met with executives at Netflix, and attended AKA’s Leadership Seminar in May 2025.

KYNNEDY SMITH: I’ve just begun my PhD at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction Institute, where I am researching socioculturally aligned AI. I have joined CMU as a Rales Fellow and GEM Employer Fellow. My GEM sponsor is MIT Lincoln Lab, where I recently completed an internship as an AI/ML Researcher developing trustworthiness evaluations for RAG models. I’m excited to pursue my research at the #1 school in the world for AI and human-computer interaction!”

VICTORIA AYODELE: This summer, I went to Edinburgh, Scotland, as part of Duke’s Laidlaw Scholars Program to conduct health policy research on the trustworthiness of direct-to-consumer health tests advertised to the public. Through this, I was able to conduct interviews with citizens in the UK and Germany, and have my research contribute to the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine conference. Additionally, I will be creating and presenting my own poster at Brown University this fall. While there, I had the opportunity to climb Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, while exploring the community.

ESTHER CLAYTON: I have made the decision to pursue medicine and spent this summer living in Taipei and interning at Taipei Medical University! We were transfecting cancer cells with viral proteins as a first step in the larger goal of boosting the body’s immune response to cancer, which aligns pretty well with what I’m interested in pursuing in the future (gynecologic oncology, possibly?). I also got to shadow an orthopedic surgeon, which was a really interesting experience. •

SCHOLAR UPDATES CONT’D

ESTHER CLAYTON

FAITH BUGGS

KARASI COLTER

GPS PROGRAM CELEBRATES

NATIONAL DECISION DAY 2025

The transition from high school to college marks a defining moment in a young person’s life. It is both the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and opportunity. This May, the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025—a remarkable group of students whose resilience, determination and achievements are nothing short of inspiring.

Most members of the Class of 2025 joined GPS as high school juniors, seeking the mentoring, guidance and college-going culture that the Program provides. In their graduating class, roughly 16 percent will be the first in their families to attend college. Nearly half (48 percent) are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and about 30 percent come from households earning less than $60,000 annually.

With dedication and support, they went on to secure admission to some of the most competitive institutions in the country. In fact, 58 percent of the class gained admission to the nation’s most selective colleges and universities, both public and private. Among the most popular college destinations for this year’s graduates are:

• University of Chicago

• Columbia University

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• Howard University

• University of Pennsylvania

• Rice University

• Spelman College

• Stanford University

• Washington University in St. Louis

• Yale University

Their accomplishments extend well beyond acceptance letters. Together, the Class of 2025 has earned more than $14 million in college scholarships. Over 70 percent of seniors received at least one scholarship, with the average award totaling $20,008 per student. Their success also shines on the national scholarship stage, where competition can be as rigorous as elite college admissions. This year, GPS seniors earned distinctions that include:

• 5 Ron Brown Scholars and 30 Ron Brown Captains

• 17 Questbridge National College Match full-tuition scholarship winners or finalists

• 7 Gates Scholarship winners and finalists

• 4 Coca-Cola Scholars and finalists

• 3 Hagan Scholars

• 3 Robertson Scholars

• 2 Meyerhoff Scholars

• 2 Morehead Cain winners and finalists

• And, for the fifth consecutive year, an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship winner

Behind these statistics are stories of grit and gratitude. “I’m beyond grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received throughout this journey. Thanks to the encouragement of my mentors, counselors, and this incredible community, I was blessed to be accepted into 13 wonderful institutions,” GPS senior Jaden Sanders shared. “I truly couldn’t have done this without the GPS counselors, mentors, and the incredible support of this community. Thank you for believing in me and uplifting me every step of the way. I’m excited for this next chapter and proud to represent the GPS and Ron Brown community wherever I go.”

The GPS Class of 2025 has demonstrated what is possible when talent meets opportunity and support. Their journeys affirm the power of mentorship, perseverance and community in shaping futures. We celebrate their remarkable achievements and look forward to the impact they will make on campuses across the country—and beyond. •

EXPLORING INNOVATION WITH GENERAL CATALYST

GPS NAVIGATORS DIVE INTO VENTURE CAPITAL

This summer saw the successful completion of the 2025 General Catalyst X GPS Summer Externship. In collaboration with the global investment and transformation company General Catalyst, the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program was able to offer this special opportunity for GPS Navigators to get an invaluable look into the venture capital world.

A WEEK OF INSIGHTFUL LEARNING

From June 23 - 27, 2025, seven selected high school juniors and seniors from the GPS community participated in a comprehensive virtual externship to deepen their understanding of venture capital. This immersive program covered many functions in venture capital, offering students rare insights into how startups acquire and manage capital. Participants engaged in various sessions that explored:

• Strategic investing philosophy. Understanding the thought processes and strategies behind successful venture investments.

• Investor relations 101. Learning where and how venture capital firms acquire capital.

• Support for founders. Discovering how VC firms provide managerial and operational support to the startups they back.

• Operational functions. Understanding the internal operations that support the investment team.

• Leadership in venture capital. Asking industry professionals questions directly to gain insight on navigating the business and entrepreneurship world.

Throughout the week, externs processed what they learned through an independent project. This assignment required externs to research startup companies, evaluate their potential for growth and longevity, and recommend one startup to invest in based on market research and analysis.

One of the most standout features of the externship was the opportunity to build meaningful peer and professional connections. Participants connected with like-minded peers and professionals, building a network that can support them as they grow into their college years and beyond.

”The connections I formed with some of the speakers, along with the knowledge they shared will aid me in advancing my career; I plan to use their insights to grow in the private equity and venture capital fields.”

-JUDY O GPS NAVIGATOR

EMBRACING INCLUSION IN VENTURE CAPITAL

General Catalyst is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, and creating opportunity from the start, ensuring that its strategies support the conditions for bold thinkers to thrive. This externship is a testament to that commitment, offering high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds the chance to explore careers in venture capital.

“When I mention the Ron Brown Scholar Program at General Catalyst, my colleagues know what to expect: students who are talented, curious, engaged in their communities, and eager to learn. We are proud to be an RBSP partner and to welcome Guided Pathways Support Program students for a virtual externship. Just as they gain exposure to General Catalyst and the world of venture capital, we are equally eager to learn from them.”

- TRAIANNE PEEK COMMUNICATIONS AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AT GENERAL CATALYST

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is incredibly grateful to General Catalyst for its continued partnership and support. Through partnerships like this, we’re not just offering career exposure; we’re empowering the next generation of diverse leaders to shape the future of innovation.

For more information about General Catalyst and their work, visit www.generalcatalyst.com •

JUDY O

CORNELL UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

Ten students from the Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) were selected to engage in rigorous college-level, virtual summer courses with Cornell University faculty. Now in its seventh year, this partnership removes financial barriers for talented high school juniors and seniors, providing the kind of access, exploration and mentorship that shapes futures.

GPS Navigators receive full scholarships to participate in the university’s precollege summer program, choosing from a catalog of credit-bearing courses often costing thousands of dollars per student. This year, those scholarships were valued at $58,200, which allowed our students to focus on discovery and learning rather than cost. Participants earned a Cornell transcript while building the vital study and self-advocacy skills needed for college success.

This summer, GPS Navigator Sascha Reveron explored Cornell’s broad array of courses, pushing her to hone in on her interests. “I thought, ‘Do I want to do Middle Eastern studies? Do I want to do this, that, and the third?’ I ended up choosing creative writing, because I’ve been taught how to write to a rubric, not how to create. It made me sit down and really think about my options, what I want to study, and what excites me.”

Her creative writing course met daily and was both academically challenging and highly collaborative. The instructor encouraged students to draw from personal experience, leading Sascha to write about her Puerto Rican and Haitian roots. Peer reviews, spirited discussion, and diverse perspectives enriched each assignment. “The class itself was really diverse, not just in ethnicity, but age. I was on the younger side of the group, but we had people who were older with gray hair.” Sascha noted that the support from GPS advisors was invaluable in navigating this new

academic environment and making the most of Cornell’s resources.

Programs like this underscore why expanding access and increasing visibility for high-achieving students matters. As Sascha put it, “It was one of my favorite things I did this summer, but mainly because it was so different from what I’ve been taught in the standard education system. It makes me excited for college because if I’m going to have classes like this, that’s exciting.” •

SASCHA REVERON

REFLECTIONS FROM RON BROWN SCHOLAR

JOHNATHAN MCGEE ON CAPITOL HILL

Hello Ron Brown Scholars Community!

My name is Johnathan McGee, and I am originally from Los Angeles, California, a member of the RBS Class of 2024 and current sophomore at Yale University pursuing a dual degree in both Political Science and History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health on the pre-law track.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to join the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) team in Washington, DC, on Capitol Hill for nine weeks. In my cohort, there were 55 students serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. I worked in the Office of the U.S. Senator John W. Hickenlooper as a congressional legislative intern, where I focused on policy issues under National and Homeland Security, Veteran Affairs, Foreign Relations, Budget, Appropriations, and Space Defense. I compiled evidence for my legislative team, wrote memorandums, attended hearings, briefings, and press conferences, and spoke directly with Coloradans and Americans from across the country about the issues impacting their communities and our nation.

I met directly with members of the Congressional Black Caucus before the House Representatives were going to vote on H.R. 1 – The Big Beautiful Bill on July 2nd, 2025. The CBC held an urgent press release confer-

ence in front of the Capitol on live television with over 100,000 viewers. I was able to meet my representative, Maxine Waters (CA-43), and CBC Chair Yvette Clark (NY-9). They wanted us to speak to the press following their call to action, and it was one of the most inspirational forms of activism I pursued while on the Hill. Additionally, I introduced Amendments on the Senate floor on behalf

of my Senator to strike provisions in H.R. 4 – The Recissions Act of 2025 (Defunding of Public Media, PBS, Corporate Broadcasting, and International Organizations). It felt chaotic to work in this Congress during such a historic period in our country, as I witnessed the first-hand consequences of legislation being passed through both chambers of the legislative branch. Constituents from across the country called my office, urging members of the GOP and Democratic parties to work together because of how consequential these bills would be to their lives–whether they were in rural or urban areas.

My CBCF Cohort attended mandatory workshops to ensure we were learning how to work together and in our respective offices. I have gained invaluable knowledge about myself and our government. This experience has reaffirmed my passion for public service, governance, law, and advocacy. I am confident it will serve as a catalyst for me as I continue this journey both on and off my college campus, and in communities across the country, building on the foundation I have started. If anyone would like to connect with me about my summer experience, I would be happy to! I would also like to connect with any RBS lawyers, Public Servants, Policy Makers etc! Thank you, RBSP, I hope to continue growing as a student and pouring back into our community! •

Best, JOHNATHAN MCGEE

YALE UNIVERSITY ‘28, RBS 2024

JESSICA LARCHÉ

RBS 2003

Jessica Larché (RBS 2003) was recently honored with the prestigious Salute to Excellence award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for her reporting on suicide and its disproportionate impact on Black women. The award marks Jessica’s third national honor from the journalism organization for her investigative and in-depth reporting on issues that affect marginalized communities.

Jessica is an Emmy Award–winning television news anchor and reporter at WTKR

News 3, where she has spent the majority of her career. She is also a motivational speaker, wellness advocate, and creator of the independent Decide to Live online talk show and podcast.

A native of the New Orleans area, Jessica graduated summa cum laude from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism in 2007, where she produced award-winning documentaries on Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath and student protests over the death of a teenager in a Florida-run boot camp.

Throughout her professional career, Jessica’s investigative reports have shed light on wrongful incarcerations in Virginia and led to life-saving improvements in communities, such as the installation of fire hydrants in Mississippi. Jessica has also been a strong advocate for increasing media coverage of missing Black women and girls. Her dedication to ethical journalism and her ability to uncover impactful stories have established her as a respected professional in the industry.

Over the course of her career, Jessica’s work has earned a regional Emmy® Award; multiple NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards for investigative reporting; Virginia Association of Broadcasters Award; Virginia Associated Press awards; Mississippi Associated Press awards; Florida Associated Press awards; and William Randolph Hearst awards.

In addition to her work as a journalist, Jessica has pulled back the curtain on her own life to inspire others to rise above their greatest obstacles—and decide to live. “I don’t know what the mountain you face is made of,” Jessica writes. “But I do know what’s inside of you: a champion!”

As Jessica’s career in television news was taking off, doctors diagnosed her with dangerously high blood pressure. She feared she was on the same path as her father, who died from complications related to food addiction and morbid obesity. As she left the doctor’s office after her diagnosis, Jessica was faced with two options—continue to use food as a coping mechanism for anxiety, or make a change. She decided to live.

Jessica’s journey over the next several years to lose 100 pounds—and to do the mental, physical and spiritual work to keep it off— saved her life. Her inspiring story was even featured on the cover of Woman’s Day magazine in 2016.

“Do not despair in the middle of the storm. It’s there to clear your path,” Jessica writes. “When the clouds clear, your rainbow will appear, and the treasure that comes with it will bring peace, purpose and joy.”

Jessica later expanded her mission with Decide to Live®—a podcast and online talk show series—where she shares wisdom and tools from other overcomers through candid conversations.

Jessica’s commitment to life-changing storytelling is evident in every aspect of her life. She credits the support of the Ron Brown Scholar family as a foundational element of her success in serving her communities. •

CRYSTAL BOYD DEBUTS SAVAGE SEASON

AT HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

Ron Brown Scholar, Crystal Boyd debuted SAVAGE SEASON at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood on August 16th. Inspired by a true story, SAVAGE SEASON follows a relationship junkie who ends things with her long-term partner of seven years and finds herself alone and lost in a late-night pharmacy, tortured by her own thoughts.

Ambushed by her friends, she is challenged to dream bigger and awaken from autopilot before her 30th birthday. This 15-minute proof-of-concept film is about mental health, reclaiming your inner child, burning down

everything that comes with “adult autopilot,” and reinventing yourself. It explores the intimacy that happens when you let your friends witness you as you’re falling apart.

Crystal’s next move is to pitch and turn the film into a TV show that is shot in her hometown of Washington, DC and put on for the culture.

Follow the journey of the film by following @savageseasonthefilmon Instagram.

You can chat with Crystal about the vision of turning the film into a TV show at savageseasonthefilm@gmail.com

Crystal is a TV creator and multi-hyphenate actress and writer that has sold four pilots to Warner Brothers and SONY, as part of the woman-comedy trio, The Downtown Girls. Recent projects include BLACK GIRL MAGIC at NBC, with Sony Pictures Television and Gabrielle Union, as well as DOWNTOWN GIRLS at TBS, alongside Elizabeth Banks. The Downtown Girls are currently working with Warner Bros. Animation on developing an animated show about service animals in Los Angeles, through the lens of two dogs and a cat.

Crystal is a proud native of DC and Maryland, her mother is a DC pre-school arts teacher and her father taught at Banneker High School in the Howard-Shaw area for 30 years. Although the DMV has her heart, Crystal left to attend New York University for college, as a musical theater B.F.A. at Tisch School of the Arts. It was there that she performed in arenas such as Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden for crowds of 40,000 in the musical, The Reality Show. Crystal studied under theater legend and Tony winner Liz Swados and learned how to create, devise and perform her own material. She formed a woman comedy-trio, The Downtown Girls, with her college best friends Chandra Russell and Emebeit Beyene, and they’ve been developing television together for 10+ years. Over the span of a decade, the women have written television, pitched and sold four pilots to TV studios and Crystal has been featured as an actress in SOUTH SIDE on HBO Max and in sketches on Jimmy Fallon.

Crystal is the CEO of How to Pitch TV, a digital Masterclass for people looking to create and sell television. This idea came from the realization that there’s a lack of accessibility and easy information about what is really required in the TV pitching game. How to Pitch TV offers a hands-on Mastermind Membership for the business of television, a Video Storyteller’s Bundle, College Workshops and Individualized Coaching. Visit her at https://howtopitchtv.com for more information. •

RBS 2006

HONORING LANCE BLANKS

A LEGACY OF CARE & SUPPORT

Lance Blanks was a true champion for the Ron Brown Scholar Program. To honor him, the Program, with the support of the Blanks family and close friends, is launching the Lance Blanks Emergency Fund campaign to benefit Ron Brown Scholars.

Ron Brown Scholars are at the heart of our community, and many come from backgrounds where every dollar counts. With average family incomes of $45,000 or less, they’re often hit hardest by rising costs and inflation, leaving them vulnerable when faced with an emergency.

When an emergency occurs, your gift can help make a real difference to help empower them to overcome unforeseen challenges that could derail their dreams—from medical emergencies to mental health support, from housing insecurity to unexpected caregiving needs, this fund will be a safety net for our most vulnerable students. This fund

RBSP PODCAST SERIES

Season 3 of The Value of One, The Power of All is live, featuring 12 Ron Brown startups where they talk about the origins of their ideas, diving into their personal upbringings and backgrounds, the origins of their ideas, and the successes and challenges they’ve had along the way.

This season was sponsored by Spira Capital, Founded by 2008 Ron Brown Scholar, Ethan Monreal-Jackson, Spira Capital is your fractional C-Suite. Whether you’re a startup or a venture firm, a freelancer or a family office, Spira Capital gives you the scale, support, and stability to grow. Stop worrying about stuff like bookkeeping, accounting, FP&A, operations, HR, payroll &

benefits, or your international workforce. Let Spira Capital run those for you so you can run your business.

• Why American factories need robots: Colin Webb (RBS ‘14) @ Avatar Robotics

• How Stablecoins can bridge global trade: Emmanuel Udotong (RBC ‘15) @ Shield

• Streamlining Healthcare on College Campuses: Tsikata Apenyo (RBC ‘14) @ Volta

• Shopify for AI-generated courses: Tyrone Davis, III (RBS ‘18) @ Miyagi Labs

• Saving Horses with Computer Vision: Jadal Williams (RBS ‘17) @ Vision Sense Analytics

• FinTech for Gen-Z Entrepreneurs: Shawn

will honor Lance’s legacy and ensure that no Scholar has to choose between their education and their well-being.

Here are just a few recent examples of how emergency support has made a difference:

• A Scholar awaiting a heart transplant who needed housing support.

• A Scholar whose home was destroyed in a fire.

• A Scholar requiring her mother’s presence during a critical medical procedure.

These situations are far from rare—each year, 3 to 4 out of every 20 Scholars face similar crises. With your help, we can continue to provide the vital support that allows them to stay on course, pursue their dreams and thrive.

To make a gift or to request instructions on how to make a gift of stock or through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), please contact us at give@ronbrown.org •

Filer (RBC ‘17) @ Catch It

• Empowering independent artists and creatives: Mylan Henderson (RBC ‘14) @ Certo Music

• Building PropTech for Africa: Feyi Makinde (RBC ‘16) @ Reeka

• AI for F500 Legal: Phillip Champagne (RBC ‘17) @ Touchpoint

• #1 Brightening Bar on TikTok: Rusty & River Fields (RBS ‘17 & RBC ‘21) @ Honey Glow

• The “Android” of EV Charging: Steve Leke (RBS ‘22) @ Zap-It

• Democratizing the data economy: Dr. Jay Cunningham (RBC ‘16) @ AmendLabs

LANCE BLANKS 1966 – 2023

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

ALUMNI MEETUP AT THE DRAWING CENTER IN SOHO

Ron Brown Alumni recently gathered at New York City’s, The Drawing Center for an exhibition showcasing artist Beauford Delaney (1901-1979), the city’s first major Delaney exhibition in over thirty years, and the first dedicated to his drawings. Delaney is remembered for his signature abstract style in his portraits and other work during the height of the Harlem Renaissance.

Throughout the evening, Ron Brown Alumni reflected on Delaney’s evolution from Greenwich Village portraits and cubist street scenes to the bold abstractions he developed in Paris. His drawings, layered with questions of identity and belonging, offered a powerful lens on creativity as survival and resilience.

The evening also featured a talk moderated by writer Jessica Lynne, with literary responses from Najee Omar, Joe Tolbert Jr., and Justin Allen. Through poetry, personal reflection, and experimental performance, each illuminated different dimensions of Delaney’s life and legacy, and how his courage continues to ripple outward.

For the Scholars and Captains, the gathering was as much about connection as it was about art. The evening gave them a chance to engage with complex art that doesn’t fit neat categories and raises difficult questions. Beyond the powerful artwork of the night, what was especially profound was Alumni being able to reconnect with one another in an intimate, cultural setting. Art can be a catalyst for encouraging unique, organic conversations when discussing themes of creativity, careers and identity with your peers.

These moments of connection matter and remind us that the Ron Brown community extends far beyond any single program or event. When you’re navigating spaces where you might be the only one who looks like you or shares your background, having these

touchpoints with people who understand that experience becomes essential. Standing in front of Delaney’s drawings and discussing his courage to create authentically despite the barriers he faced, felt like its own form of artistic collaboration. This served as a reminder that staying connected to this community isn’t just nice to have, it’s part of how we all keep pushing forward. •

IN THE PHOTO L-R: JAYLEN COCKLIN, CAMILLE CARR, JOHNATHAN ANDERSON, AND HARMONY ARUNGWA (NOT PICTURED BUT IN ATTENDANCE, BETHLEHEM ENGEDA).

CLASS OF 2015 CELEBRATES 10-YEAR REUNION

BY TAYLOR HOWELL, RBS 2015

While I had some time to myself on vacation last year, I started reflecting on all the events that led up to me being where I was. At the time, I was coming up on five years since graduating from Georgia Tech and starting my career with FM, as well as ten years since my high school graduation. That, of course, also meant ten years since becoming a part of the Ron Brown Scholar Program – and it struck me just how fast the time had flown by!

So much had happened in that timespan, and yet, I still had such vivid memories from initially applying and being named a Scholar all those years ago, to keeping in touch with and meeting new staff members and Scholars throughout undergrad, and eventually becoming “seasoned” enough to be considered as a mentor for some of the younger Scholars. Reminiscing led me to think back to all my fellow RBS from the illustrious Class of 2015 and made me genuinely curious about what everyone was up to, especially the ones I hadn’t seen or heard from in a while.

There are twenty-eight Scholars in our class, and most of us were going to be turning twenty-eight within the next year, which coincidentally happened to also be the twen-

ty-eighth year of the Program. With the numbers aligning like that, I had the idea to reconnect and celebrate throughout the year over everyone’s birthday, just reaching out to let them know we were thinking of them and sending a small gift - no strings attached. We sent out birthday wishes and also put together a couple of Zoom calls, ultimately reviving our class group chat on WhatsApp. To make sure our messages and gifts reached the right recipients, we asked that everyone confirm their contact information as current, and I was thrilled that we heard back pretty quickly and enthusiastically from about 90% of our class, which I thought was a nice testament to the ties that bind at RBSP. It’s been a wonderfully full-circle moment seeing how far all of us have come since we were teenagers first getting to know each other—and keeping our nerve amidst our finalist interviews—in the law offices of Squire Patton Boggs.

To commemorate our tenth anniversary milestone as Ron Brown Scholars, a group of us were able to attend this year’s Selection Weekend in-person in Washington D.C., and as a class, we managed to raise an appreciable sum through setting up a class gift page, external company matches, as well as established recurring donations. Even more than the total amount raised, I was proud that so many of us thought so highly of the Program to want to give back a decade later, especially at a time when the RBSP community and its mission matter more to our future than ever. I’m glad that I was able to realize that random thought that crossed my mind on vacation and all that has come out of it, best of all, the chance to catch up with so many still-extraordinary people. I couldn’t have done it without the full support of Randy Tripp, Jr. and the RBS Alumni Association, my fellow RBS 2015 Devin Kilpatrick, and the entire RBSP family. •

INAUGURAL SUMMER INSTITUTE LAUNCH

This past summer, seven Ron Brown Scholars participated in our inaugural Ron Brown Summer Institute—a new initiative designed to provide meaningful, mission-driven work experiences within the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). The Summer Institute offers Scholars the chance to engage in purposeful projects, contribute to the growth of the organization and develop professionally within a supportive, high-achieving community.

Participants worked on six diverse projects spanning multiple disciplines and program areas—from Scholar and Captain support to GPS programming and fundraising, and development. The program was specifically created for Scholars who had not secured a summer opportunity or were seeking a supplement to their internship. Every student who applied was assigned a dedicated project and a mentor from within the RBSP team.

Two students focused on supporting the fundraising and development team by researching potential grant opportunities. Reflecting on his experience, Tinarie Dacres (RBS 2024) shared: “This project taught me that grants are not just about money— they’re about alignment. You have to stop and ask what a funder cares about, and then figure out how RBSP’s mission connects to that. That’s where the real work happens.”

Other Summer Institute projects included creating presentations for our GPS Program, improving student engagement through text communications, and researching platforms for a potential RBS Marketplace. Toni Martin (RBS 2023) conducted a technology audit for RBSP and emphasized the importance of digital tools in nonprofit work: “Technology plays an increasingly vital role in a nonprofit’s impact and long-term sus-

tainability. The right tools can foster transformative change, while those recklessly adopted or poorly researched could impede growth.” Toni’s insights helped us better understand our current tech infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement.

We’re proud that the Summer Institute not only provided much-needed support to our program, but also gave Scholars valuable, real-world experience to enhance their résumés and career readiness. Jonah McArthur (RBS 2022), who also worked on the grant writing project, reflected: “I leave the Summer Institute with a deeper respect for the work that goes into successful fundraising— and with tools I know will serve me well as I grow in this field.”

We are incredibly grateful to our Summer Institute Fellows for their hard work, insight and dedication. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on the Ron Brown Scholar Program, and we look forward to growing this initiative in the years to come. •

GABRIELLE BAPTIST (RBS 2023)

TONI MARTIN (RBS 2023)

TINARIE DACRES (RBS 2024)

KISHANTI BARMOH (RBS 2023)

THE POWER OF GIVING

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reminded of the power of generosity and the impact it can have on someone’s life. Your support of the Ron Brown Scholar Program helps open doors and create educational opportunities for our Scholars striving to build a brighter future through education. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. This year, this season, we invite you to be a

part of something bigger. By making a gift before December 31, you not only help all of our students achieve their dreams you are also investing in the hope for a better world. Let’s finish the year strong—together.

We have assembled a list of frequently asked questions. Reach out to Michelle Packer at 434.964.1588 or email us at give@ ronbrown.org for assistance.

MY RESOURCES ARE LIMITED, BUT I WANT TO MAKE A GIFT. AS AN UNDERGRAD (OR A RECENT GRADUATE), HOW CAN I START GIVING TO RBSP?

Begin today by establishing a recurring monthly gift of $5 or more through your bank or online at www.ronbrown.org. That’s less than the cost of a latte or smoothie at your local cafe. In fact, anyone can establish a recurring gift to RBSP.

I’M OVER 70 ½ AND OWN AN IRA, CAN I MAKE A GIFT VIA A DIRECT TRANSFER FROM MY IRA TO RBSP?

Yes, please contact your fiduciary company or log into your IRA online account to request a qualified distribution to Ron Brown Scholar Fund and call us for more information.

HOW DO I ESTABLISH AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP?

You can establish an endowed scholarship with a commitment of $250,000 or more. The fund corpus will be invested, and a portion of the earnings will be used to award a scholarship, creating a lasting legacy for future generations of Ron Brown Scholars.

CAN I USE MY CORPORATE MATCHING TO DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF MY GIFT TO RBSP?

Yes, contact your Human Resources department to see if you qualify to take advantage of your company’s matching gift program.

I OWN APPRECIATED STOCKS AND MUTUAL FUND SHARES. HOW DO I DONATE THESE NON-CASH ASSETS TO RBSP?

Donating stock or mutual fund shares are a great way to give to RBSP. You may be eligible to take a tax deduction, and generally you avoid paying capital gains tax—to make a gift, and to ensure a smooth transfer, please call our office 434.964.1588 to request instructions.

WHAT IS YOUR MAILING ADDRESS TO SEND A CHECK DONATION?

Please make checks payable to Ron Brown Scholar Fund and mail to our new address: Ron Brown Scholar Program 2410 Old Ivy Road, Ste 200 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

CHLOE WALKER (RBS 2023)

LAURENCE NUNES (RBS 2023)

JONAH MCARTHUR (RBS 2022)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

DR. L.D. BRITT

As an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, one name consistently surfaced among alumni and faculty as a model of brilliance and service: Dr. L.D. Britt. His reputation for mentoring, academic achievement, and leadership was legendary. Today, we’re grateful to call him a friend and advisor.

Recently, Dr. Britt was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Insight Into Academia STEM Award, featured prominently in the magazine. True to form, his response was humble—reflecting a lifetime of achievement that is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

Dr. Britt’s journey has been remarkable. A valedictorian of Booker T. Washington High School, he went on to earn his medical degree from Harvard, complete his surgical residency, and serve on the University of Virginia Board of Visitors. He is now the Brickhouse Professor of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and has held leadership roles as President of both the American College of Surgeons, the Southern Surgical Association, and the American Surgical Association (ASA), the oldest and most prestigious surgical organization in the United States. He has authored more than 220 peer-reviewed publications, 50 book chapters, and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine—the first and only faculty member from EVMS to earn that honor.

But beyond his countless accolades, Dr. Britt has always given back. He was one of the first people we called when launching the Ron Brown Scholar Program. He joined our inaugural Leadership Conference in 1999, mentored countless Scholars, interviewed applicants, and later served eight years as a Trustee on our Board. His wisdom, mentorship, and presence have left a permanent mark on our community.

Perhaps most dear to him is the L.D. Britt Pre-Medical Scholars Program, created at EVMS to increase the number of talented students of color entering the health professions. Now a nationally recognized and award-winning program, it reflects his lifelong commitment to opportunity and excellence.

As Dr. Britt concludes his service on the Ron Brown Scholar Program Board of Trustees, we extend our deepest gratitude. His legacy—as a surgeon, scholar, mentor, and friend—will continue to inspire future generations of Ron Brown Scholars.•

BOARD MEMBERS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2025

SAMUEL Z. ALEMAYEHU (RBS 2004) Co-Founder and General Partner, C1 Ventures (C1V)

PATRICK BAKER Manager/Producer

DOUGLAS C. BOGGS Partner, DLA Piper LLP (US)

PETER A. BOYCE, II (RBS 2008) Founder & Managing Partner, Stellation Capital

DR. L.D. BRITT

Brickhouse Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School

TERRI DEAN Retired Corporate Executive

AMBASSADOR DIANA DOUGAN Chairman, Cyber Century Forum

JONATHAN GREENBLATT CEO, Anti-Defamation League

DANE E. HOLMES Chief Administrative Officer, KKR

MICHELLE C. IFILL

Executive Coach and Consultant, McIfill Consulting, LLC

KANI KEITA (RBS 2008) Vice President, TPG Capital

MICHAEL A. MALLORY

President & CEO, Ron Brown Scholar Fund Executive Director, Ron Brown Scholar Program

GAVIN MCFARLAND Philanthropist

ANDREW C. PILARO Chairman, CAP Properties Ltd

ANTHONY M. PILARO

Chairman Emeritus RBSF Board of Trustees

JONATHAN PIPER (RBS 1998) Chief Scientific Officer, MIM Software

AARON WILLIAMS

Senior Advisor—Emeritus, International Development & Government Relations, RTI International

MICHAEL WINGER President, Monumental Basketball

EMERITUS

JACK LESLIE

Senior Advisor and Former Chairman, Weber Shandwick

THADERINE D. MACFARLANE Philanthropist

JONATHAN MARINER Former Corporate Executive

MARVA A. SMALLS

EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, Paramount EVP, Public Affairs, Kids & Family Entertainment Brands, Paramount

KATHY THORNTON-BIAS

President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

MICHAEL TREISMAN

General Counsel, Global Capital Markets, Bain Capital

TOM WERNER Chairman, Boston Red Sox Partner and Co-Founder, Carsey-Werner LLC

ADVISORY

BOARD 2025

KARLA AGHEDO (RBS 2001) Founder and CEO, The Aghedo Firm & Houston Wellness Workshops for Women (H3W)

MAX ARONIN

Sr. Director, Product Management ServiceNow

MARCUS BANKS

Basketball Strategy and Team Counsel, LA Clippers

JOEL BERVELL, MD (RBC, 2013) Social Media Medical Educator

MICHAEL BILLINGS (RBS 1997) Global Investor

MATTHEW D. CUTTS

Head of US Policy & Government Relations, Dentons US LLP

ELIZABETH BOGGS DAVIDSEN VP, Office of Development Policy, U.S International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

CHRIS FOLEY, PHD Principal Consultant, Plus Delta Partners

DANA GOLDSMITH

Entrepreneur; VP, Business Development & Strategy, CvilleBioHub

ANTHONIE GOUDEMOND

Mentor, Coach, Advisor and Business Leader

JONICE GRAY Partner, Paul Hastings LLP

LYNNE HALE

VP, Publicity and Communications, Lucasfilm Ltd. (Retired)

AZADEH HARDIMAN

Business Leader, Level20, Progressive Insurance

MORGAN HARPER (RBS 2001) Director of Policy & Advocacy, American Economic Liberties Project

JUDITH HARRISON

Founder, The Judith Effect

RITZA Y. HENDRICKS

Founder and Chief Content Producer, R.Y.Ink! LLC

ANN D. HORNER

Retired Business Executive

TRACEY BROWN JAMES

Managing Partner, The Cochran Firm

STEPHAN JOHNSON (RBC, 2011) VP, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Goldman Sachs

ROBERT KABERA (RBS 2007) President of Arebak, LLC

GREG LORJUSTE

Executive Director of Operations & Protocol, State of Maryland, Office of the Governor

JERMAINE LOWERY

VP, Financial Advisor, Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley

SHARON BRICKHOUSE MARTIN

VP, Health Services Integration, VHC Health

Founder and President, Brickhouse Martin Healthcare Engineering

ETHAN MONREAL-JACKSON (RBS 2008)

Founder, General Partner, Newtype Ventures

LESIA BATES MOSS

President/CEO, Bates Consulting Group

CYNTHIA R. MURRAY

President, Cynthia Murray Enterprises, LLC

Attorney-at-Law (Admitted VA/GA)

RIA NICKENS

Vice President, Dodge & Cox

CARMELLE NORICE, MD-PHD, (RBS 1997)

Clinical Director, Infectious Diseases Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories

CHANDLER NUTALL

Program Assistant, The Volcker Alliance

KAJA ORKAND

Manager, Orion Technology Solutions, LLC

DANIELLE PURFEY

Managing Director and Head of Global Talent Brand and I&D, Accenture

EILEEN CASSIDY RIVERA VP of Communications, MAXIMUS Corporation

M. MICHELLE ROBINSON, PHD (RBS 1997)

Associate Professor of American Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

GEORGINA SANGER

VP-Strategic Partnerships, EverFi, Inc

ELSIE WILSON THOMPSON Attorney

MICHAEL A. WILLIAMS, MD

Chief Medical Information Officer, University of Virginia Health System

TYRONE “WOODY” WOODYARD

VP, Corporate Communications, Lockheed Martin (Retired) •

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 2025

THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM WISHES TO THANK ALL OF THE FOUNDATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, FRIENDS AND RON BROWN SCHOLARS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED OUR MISSION.

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

Scholarship Sponsors are very special and generous people who have provided the funding to fully support a Ron Brown Scholar and without whom we could not award the number of scholarships we do, nor support Ron Brown Scholars in the unique way that is the foundation of our mission.

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS:

• Boggs Family inMemoryof ThomasHalesBoggs,Jr.

• Ann D. Horner

• The Peter B. And Adeline W. Ruffin Foundation

• Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998)

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS:

• Laurel and Anthony Bennett

• Harry and Jeanie Burn

• Stephen and Mary Anne Burns

• Jonice Gray

• Kani Keita (RBS 2008)

• Donald and Mary-Mac Laing

• Phyllis and Melvyn Leffler

• Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008)

• PepsiCo Foundation

• Anthony M. Pilaro

• The Pilaro Family in Honor of R. Kenly Webster

• Susan and Vince Pilato

• Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association

• C. Bowdoin Train and Georgina Sanger

• The Webster Family in Honor of R.KenlyWebster

LANCE BLANKS EMERGENCY FUND

Donations to the Lance Blanks Emergency Fund provide the financial resources and support to Ron Brown Scholars who face unforeseen challenges—from medical emergencies to mental health support, from housing insecurity to unexpected caregiving needs—ensuring a safety net for their well-being.

• Jonice Gray

• Thomas Penders

• Phil Wendel

• Michael Winger

RON BROWN –LEADERS NETWORK PARTNERS

Our Leaders Network Partners share valuable career advice with our young leaders while introducing them to professional opportunities within their organizations.

• Apex Clean Energy

• Brown Advisory

• Cornerstone Research

• Dodge & Cox

• General Catalyst

• Goldman Sachs

• Jane Street Capital

• LA Clippers

• Morgan Stanley

• Plume Design

• Silver Lake

• Weber Shandwick

• Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP

GUIDED PATHWAY SUPPORT (GPS) PROGRAM

Colleges, universities, educational organizations, foundations and friends who share in the Guided Pathway Support Program’s mission to help talented African American youth defy the college access gap.

FRIENDS

• BelleJar Foundation

• Ambassador Diana L. Dougan

• H. J. Russell & Company

• S. Sonjia Smith

• W. Keith and Patricia Woodard

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS

• Amherst College

• George Washington University

• Middlebury College,

• St. John’s University

• Tufts University

• University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation

• Williams College

OUR FRIENDS

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

• Anonymous (6)

• Peter A. Boyce, II (RBS 2008)

• The Cochran Firm

• Ambassador Diana L. Dougan

• Roland and Gayle Driver

• Epsilon Zeta Boule Foundation Inc.

• Evercore Group LLC (In Honor of Dane Holmes)

• Chris Foley, PhD

• Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation

• Dane E. Holmes

• Ann D. Horner

• Tiffany R. Jackson, MD (RBS 1999)

• Jonathan D. Mariner

• Andrew R. McFarland

• Ethan G. Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008)

• Carmelle T. Norice, MD-PhD (RBS 1997)

• Paul Hastings LLP

• PepsiCo Foundation

• The Peter B. And Adeline W. Ruffin Foundation

• Peters Pharis Foundation

• Pilaro Family

• Andrew and Charlotte Pilaro

• Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998)

• The Rales Foundation

• Sondra Raspberry (InMemoryof WilliamRaspberry)

• Jerry W. Registre (RBS 2017)

• Robert and Dana Emery Family Foundation

• Schwarzman Scholars

• Brian Siegel

• Sonjia Smith

• Virginia National Bank

BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE

• Anonymous (2)

• Bates Consulting Partners

• Devon Cash (RBS 2014)

• Lee Corey

• Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen (In memoryofThomasH.Boggs,Jr.)

• Terri P. Dean

• John M. Fuscoe and Gayle DiLalla

• Mark and Stephanie Goodwin

• Lynne Hale

• Heiner Family Fund

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

• Johns Hopkins University & Medicine

• Gavin R. McFarland

• Lynn and Chuck Mills

• Sean P. R. Nolan, PhD (RBS 1999)

• John and Cari Shurman

• Elsie Wilson Thompson

• Aaron S. Williams and Michael Williams, MD

INNOVATORS CIRCLE

• Amber M. Bailey (RBS 2009)

• Michele Ballantyne

• Jasmine M. Browne-Lambert (RBS 2007)

• Tyrone Clay (RBS 2014)

• Cecila A. Conrad, PhD

• David Dunn and Amy Bondurant (In memoryofThomasH.Boggs,Jr.)

• The Honorable Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado

• Travis A. Gayles, MD-PhD (RBS 1997)

• Shavonne Gordon

• Mark and Theresie Houghton

• Taylor L. Howell (RBS 2015)

• Miles A. Johnson (RBS 2004)

• Luis M. Jones (RBS 2002)

• Barbara and Jay Kessler

• Dale McElveen

• Phyllis and Mel Leffler

• John Webster Leslie, Jr. and Caroline Pech

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

• Paul McKee and Dana Tornabene

• Lynn and Charles Mills

• Lesia Bates Moss

• Jeffrey Osterman and Susan Matula

• Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity/Gamma Boule

• Ian Solomon

• Mark Zachary Taylor

• Carolyn Thornhill

CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS

• Anonymous

• Patrick Baker and Esme Howard (In MemoryofChristopherA.Pilaro)

• Chaz M. Beasley (RBS 2004)

• Marcy Betzer

• Jordan C. Brewer (RBS 1997)

• Asila Calhoun

• Terence S. Carter (RBS 1997)

• Michele Causey

• Elizabeth and David Chesler

• Jim and Lisa Considine

• Jeff and Jacky Copeland

• Thomas W. Courtney, Jr. and Phuong-Vien Thi Nguyen (In HonorofNicholasCourtney)

• Jim W. Cunningham (RBS 2013)

• Kaye Husbands Fealing

• Immanuel Foster (RBS 2002)

• Catherine and Kevin Gallagher

• Terry E. Gaskins

• Tom Geismar

• Melanie Forbes Goins (RBS 1998) and Jason Goins

• Anthonie Goudemond

• Tatia and Earl Granger

• Frederik Groce (RBS 2010)

• Lee and Bob Harper

• Judith Harrison

• Grady Hedgespeth

• Marcia Invernizzi

• Deborah Thompkins Johnson

• Julie Katzman

• Katharine King

• Calvin and Esperanza LaRoche

• Javaughn Lawrence (RBS 2010)

• Sade M. Lawrence (RBS 2004)

• Dexter Love

• Sandra Stiner Lowe

• Jermaine Lowery

• MacFarlane Partners

• Brandon L. Nicholson, PhD (RBS 2001)

• Hana C. Page (RBS 2011)

• Danielle Purfey

• Kimberly Robinson

• M. Michelle Robinson, PhD (RBS 1997)

• Kai X. Ross (RBS 2005)

• Andrew Lewis Shepherd

• Jon Shoates and Laura Washington-Shoates

• Angela A. Smedley (RBS 2000)

• U.S. Charitable Gift Trust

• University of Virginia – Engineering

• Beth and Skip West

• Auriel Wright (RBS 2015)

• Michelle Zwickl

AMBASSADORS

• Jason Adulley (RBS 2015)

• Karla Aghedo (RBS 2001)

• Gbenga Ajilore

• Akintobi Akinseye (RBS 2015)

• Elizabeth V. Alicea (RBS 1998)

• Danielle M. Allen (RBS 2005)

• Jordan Alston (RBS 2013)

• Myia Alston (RBS 2017)

• Anonymous (4)

• Anonymous (InMemoryofSteven H. Rubin)

• Joseph Arnold

• Dana Ayebare (RBS 2023)

• Kareen Ayuk

• Tamika E. Bailey, MD (RBS 2002)

• David Beach

• Elaine Becraft

• Winell Belfonte

• Heidi Bell

• Howard Bell, III

• Dr. George Beller and Ms. Katherine Brooks

• Andrew Bempah (RBS 2015)

• Sue and John Berry

• Benjamin Binswanger (InMemory ofRobertBinswanger)

• John and Gay Binswanger (In MemoryofRobertBinswanger)

• Mary Blakebrough

• Karin Bonding

• David Boone (RBS 2012)

• Crystal N. Boyd (RBS 2006)

• Walter Boyd

• Mary Brady

• Fabienne Bressot

• Morgan Brewton-Johnson (RBS 2014)

• Donna Broshek

• Brown Advisory (Charlottesville) (In Honor of Ann Horner)

• Angela Brown

• Jason Brown (RBS 2019)

• Montell Brown (RBS 2015)

• Kelly Brown-Morris

• Joseph P. Browne (RBS 2005)

• Traci R. Burch, PhD (RBS 1998)

• Janice Burnham and Steve Cooper

• Angela Butler

• Keith Cain

• Jonsette Calloway

• Yolanda Caraway

• Anne Carbone

• Stacey Carver

• Belinda Chan

• Christopher J. Churchill

• Michael Clarke

• Caroline Coburn

• Jaylen N. Cocklin (RBS 2021)

• Tod Cohen

• Brittany N. Coleman (RBS 2009)

• Jeanette Conrad-Ellis

• Christopher Conte

• Brandon L. Cook (RBS 2003)

• Jade A. Craig (RBS 2002)

• Jonte Craighead (RBS 2009)

• David and Patricia Crowe

• Dorian D. Dargan (RBS 2007)

• Maame Darkwah

• Jerlawnda Davis

• Joshua Davis (RBS 2014)

• Natalie R. Davis, PhD (RBS 2005)

• Victor Alex Davis (RBS 2001)

• Arthur Dean

• The Honorable Alice Dear

• Linda Denson (RBS 2019)

• Mamadou Diallo (RBS 2016)

• Marvin Dickerson

• Lynn and John Dillon

• Margaret Dodson-Hatcher

• Regina Donaldson

• Mary Donovan

• Reggie Dorsainvil

• Folake I. Dosu (RBS 2007)

• Cameron W. Drake (RBS 2006)

• Matthew D’Urso

• Ericardo H. Edwards, Jr. (Ron Brown Captain 2015)

• Andrew Eggers

• Stuart Eizenstat

• Kenneth Epps

• Matthew H. Espy (RBS 1999)

• Vanessa Evans-Grevious

• Roger and Lisa Fairfax

• Richard Feinstein

• Greg Fenner

• Mariya Filippova

• Jenna Flack

• Sebastian Flores (RBS 2009)

• Howard A. Foard III

• Ragan and McDara P. Folan, III

• Alvin Fonkoua

• Courtney Francis

• Wendy F. Francois (RBS 2003)

• Maxine Franklin

• Gerald Gangaram

• Christie Garton

• Autumn George

• Maurice A. Gilbert (RBS 2018)

• Alem T. Giorgis (RBS 2002)

• Lima Gnagne

• Brennan (RBS 2001) and Andre Gould

• Willie Green

• Markus Grunewald

• Bradley and Meredith Gunter

• Geraldine Pierre Haile, PhD (RBS 2004)

• Sara Hailu (RBS 2017)

• Zachary T. Hall (RBS 2011)

• Cindy Hamady

• Kate Hamilton

• Caroline Haoud (RBS 2015

• Morgan G. Harper (RBS 2001) and Sam Davis

• Devin Harris

• Ashley V. N. Hayes (RBS 2002)

• Andrea Headley, PhD (RBS 2010)

• Ritza Y. Hendricks

• Antonia J. Henry, MD (RBS 1998)

• Hewitt Hudson King Gift Fund

• Teresa Hickey

• Linda Hill

• Rodney and Freda Hobbs

• Andy and Pamela Holden

• Ben and Caroline Holt

• Quinton Hood (RBS 2024)

• Ellie Horner

• Desmond Howard (RBS 2015)

• Ollie M. Howie (RBS 2013)

• Yolanda Hudson

• Christopher A. Hunter, PhD (RBS 1998)

• Michelle Ifill, Esq.

• Janelle Jenkins

• Justin Johnson

• Danielle C. Lovell Jones (RBS 2002)

• Tiombe Jones (RBS 1998)

• Prof. and Mrs. Ervin Jordan Jr.

• Cindy Joseph

• Robert M. Kabera (RBS 2007)

• Kory D. Kantenga (RBS 2006)

• Anita Karadia

• Katherine L. Keaton (RBS 2021)

• Nza-Ari Khepra

• Bruke Kifle (RBS 2015)

• Cameron G. Kilpatrick (RBS 2018)

• Devin Kilpatrick (RBS 2015)

• Geraldine D. Kruger

• Sarah B. LaBrie (RBS 2003)

• Diarra K. Lamar, MD-MBA (RBS 1997)

• Michael Lau

• Michael J. Lawes (RBS 2019)

• Maura Leary

• Jackie Lee

• Lansing Lee III, JD (Inmemory ofThomasH.Boggs,Jr.)

• Yann G. LeGall (RBS 2003)

• Denise Levitan

• Floyd H. Lewis, Jr.

• Peppy Linden

• Julian Lloyd

• Jeffrey London

• Kimberly Lorjuste

• Kia Lowe

• Paul and Nancy Mack

• Rob Maggin, MD

• Miles Malbrough (RBS 2012)

• Mary Magloire and Beatrice Birman Fund

• Anthony Mayfield (RBS 2015)

• Demetria McCain

• Joshua E. McLeod (RBS 2024)

• Ku McMahan, PhD (RBS 1999)

• Sean Means (RBS 2014)

• Deborah Meyers

• Edward and Janet Miller

• Keylonnie L. Miller (RBS 2017)

• Drew Moghanaki

• Desiree C Montgomery (RBS 2008)

• Dasia Moore (RBS 2014)

• Sherri Barrow Moore

• Paulette J. Morant

• Dr. and Mrs. David L. Morris

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

• Dorcas Morrow

• Ian Morse

• Maggie Mosteller

• Svenja Mueller

• Cynthia Murray

• Jessica Nagle

• Jordan Neal

• Manuel Niebla

• Amy and Owen Nolasco

• Anita D. and John T. O’Connell Family

• Matthew O’Connell

• Doris A. Ofori (RBS 2013)

• Lisa Olsen

• Kaja Orkand

• Chidera Osuji (RBS 2015)

• Michelle Packer

• Moises Padilla

• Knychelle Passmore

• Anya Patel

• Lucas Patterson

• Katelyn Perryman

• Jacquie and John Pickering (InHonorofPeppyLinden)

• Doresa Pickett

• Kara M. Lee Pierre (RBS 2000)

• Benjamin Piper

• Kelli Poindexter

• Raymond Pryor, IV (RBS 2015)

• Dr. Jonathan Queen

• Natalia Quintero

• Junius Randolph, Jr.

• Verna Reamy

• Scott Rechler

• Marques J. Redd (RBS 2000)

• Ann Reilly

• Joe Reilly

• Margaret Reilly

• Drs. Anthony Rene & Mary Ann Sestili

• Ryan Revel

• Martu Richards

• Eileen Cassidy Rivera

• Austen J. Roberson (RBS 2019)

• Lisa Roberts

• John and Kyoko Robinson

• Michael L. Robinson (RBS 2011)

• Jason and Eleanor Rocker

• Richard Rosenfeld

• Derrick Rowe, Ph.D., J.D.

• Lovette Russell

• Tyrell Russell (RBS 2012)

• Petra M. Sander Ybarra, PhD (2002)

• Ade A. Sawyer (RBS 2006)

• Julie Guerrero Schor

• Shades of Greatness LLC

• JD Shamwell

• Rhonda Sharpe (In Honor of Cecilia A. Conrad, PhD)

• Matthew Shearin (RBS 2015)

• Edward Shelton, IV

• Peter Sherin

• Susan Shortreed

• AynNichelle Slappy (RBS 2016)

• Kynnedy Smith (RBS 2021)

• Nikkisha Smith Howard

• Linda Sobel

• Victor Spano

• Monica Spruill

• Herbert Spurlock, III (RBS 2014)

• Troy and Kimberley Stanfield

• Kelle Stewart, J.D. (RBS 1997)

• Ryan A. Stewart, EdLD (RBS 1999)

• Lora Strum-Vaitsas (RBS 2013)

• Joni C. Stuart, MD (RBS 2000)

• Camden Sutherland

• Jenny Swanson

• The Honorable Jay Swett

• Jonathan Tate

• Melanie Terry

• Harriett Thompson

• Kiah C. Thorn (RBS 2008)

• Cheryl Thornton

• Veronica H. Threadgill (RBS 2001)

• Daria Torres

• Frelicia N. Tucker (RBS 2017)

• Thomas Waller

• Maurice Ware (RBS 2016)

• Chanel E. Washington (RBS 2011)

• Kierra Watson

• William J. Whelan III

• Adrienne Wichard-Edds

• Tony Wilkins

• Armon Williams (RBS 2023)

• Bryan Williams (RBS 2024)

• Michael A. Williams, MD

• Ryan O. Williams-French (RBS 2008)

• Benjamin and Ruth Wilson

• Claudia Withers

• Casandra R. Woodall (RBS 2006)

• Olivia J. Woods (RBS 2022)

• Charles W. C. Yancey

• Ellen T. Yiadom Hoover (RBS 2002)

• Marion Yongue

• Jason W. Young (RBS 2000)

RON BROWN VENTURE LAB (RBVL):

RBVL provides Ron Brown Scholars, Captains and Alumni with the social, human, and financial capital to launch and scale their entrepreneurial ventures and support needed to succeed.

• Adam Arsenault

• ATC Partners

• Brian Ball

• Margaret Shupnik Barr

• Richard Beliveau

• Iztok Blazinsek

• Natasa Bozic

• Shane Brown

• Nathaniel Burdick

• Kevin Callahan

• David Camell

• Joseph Caprio

• Terence S. Carter (RBS 1997)

• Matej Cigler

• Cognitive

• Jasna Coustaury

• Thomas Cox

• Miguel Cruz

• Neil Dalal

• Fahri Diner

• Dodge & Cox

• Dr. Bruce Doyle

• Octavian Dragan

• Meredith and Barry Eggers

• Fil Rouge Capital

• Jaka Gaal

• Bill Gartner

• Sean Glavin

• Nadia Goodman

• Ales Gosek

• Frederik Groce (RBS 2010)

• Marco and Ashley Guido

• Mark Gunn

• Kelly and Michael Halper

• David Harris

• Shepard “Shep” Hoffman

• Ramsey Homsany and Vijaya Gadde

• Ales Horvat

• Horwitz Family Memorial Foundation

• Matej Hribernik

• Iteratti Inc

• Felix Jimenez

• JP Morgan

• Deepak Kamra

• Ziga Klemencic

• Miha Klokocovnik

• Murat Kocaman

• Kiril Krsteski

• Nameeta Kumar

• Javaughn Lawrence (RBS 2010)

• Elizabeth Lefever

• Levi Leipheimer

• Nicole Madonna

• Svetozar Makivic

• Dejan Mandic

• Tajinder Manku

• Rose Marx

• Martin McNealis

• Matic Merela

• Nicholas Miltrano

• Kay Min

• Christopher Moreira

• Thomas Morneault

• Scott Morris

• Gary Muhs

• Tadej Mulh

• The Nicholas and Marion Madonna Foundation UAD

• Brandon L. Nicholson, PhD (RBS 2001)

• Ria Nickens

• Jason Olivar

• Ben Ostapuk

• David Pardue

• Damjan Pegam

• Carlos Perez

• Hannah Perry

• Bostjan Pintar

• Plume Design

• Dejan Pojbic

• Bojan Potocnik

• Kerith Pucci

• Kanagavel Ravindran

• Rayan Rawashdeh

• Kevin Richardson

• David Rook

• Samo Music

• Cody Sanford

• Marcy and Dave Segre

• Jaka Semrov

• Silvercrest

• Gregor Sinkovec

• Tomasz Skapski

• Skipstone Winery

• Alan Stevenson

• Ganesh Sundaresan

• Michael Supino

• Jason Tofsky

• Jamie Troiano

• Mojmir Tuljak

• Badri Varanasi

• Rok Vidmar

• Sarin Vongkusolkit

• Gal Vreca

• Craig Wyatt

• Martin Zahariev

• Gasper Zakelj

• Mustafa Zukic

• Tina Zwittnig

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS

• Accenture

• Apple

• AT&T

• Cause Charitable Fund

• Comcast NBCUniversal

• Ecolab

• ESPN

• Exelon Corporation

• Giving Basket - Give Lively

• Goldman Sachs Gives

• Google

• Lockheed Martin Employees’ Political Action Committees (LMEPAC)

• Melcare Fund - Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc.

• Microsoft Rewards

• One Hope

• Pivotal Ventures LLC

• Plus Delta Partners

• Progressive Insurance Foundation

• Surdna Foundation

• The Walt Disney Company Foundation

VOLUNTEERS

We extend a special thanks to the phenomenal members of our Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, National and Regional Selection Committees, GPS volunteers and our many community volunteers. We thank you for your dedication, time, advice and wisdom. Without you, we could not do what we do! •