NURTURE THE IMPULSE OF GOOD
August 2005, the Ron Brown Scholar Program convened its third triennial conference in the picturesque Berkshires, uniting nearly 200 individuals for an extraordinary five-day journey. Our theme, The Ties that Bind Us celebrated our shared artistic and cultural heritage as well as the interpersonal connections that enable us to uplift one another and build stronger communities.
During the opening session, our esteemed benefactor, Tony Pilaro, addressed the gathering, urging the assembled Scholars to do good in the world. When one of them asked Tony why he was so dedicated to social causes and charitable endeavors, his answer was simple yet profound: “I do this because I can.”
Tony has always believed we can nurture this impulse to do good. The cornerstone of this Program is the belief that the Scholarship—the often lifechanging financial support all our Scholars receive—is just the means to a much greater end. Becoming a Ron Brown Scholar means committing to a lifetime of growth and connection. From day one, the Program has worked to ensure that each Scholar is welcomed into a network of individuals committed to supporting one another and their communities.
This is why we select our Scholars not only on the basis of academic excellence, but also for their demonstrated commitment to community service. Even before they are introduced to one another, they embody the spirit of selflessness that led Tony to create the Program in the first place. As high school students, they led or founded service clubs
and cultural diversity initiatives, served in food kitchens, tutored peers, raised funds for refugees and contributed to boards and commissions. Their dedication to addressing the needs of their communities through shared ideas and personal stories broadens our collective understanding and commitment. Our volunteers and staff are likewise inspired by this drive to give back. We do what we do because we can—and because we feel we must.
As I write this, members of the Ron Brown Scholar class of 2024 are just beginning to head off to their first year of college. Not one of them had yet been born when we gathered
WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE CAN— AND BECAUSE WE FEEL WE MUST.
in Western Massachusetts in 2005. Even so, the ties that bound us then, have grown to embrace them as well. I had conceived of that as an exploration of the arts, but it has become clear to me since that event itself, like this Program as a whole, was a radical, collective act of creation—it was itself a work of art. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending one of our events, you’ll recognize the experience: beautiful, fleeting and profound, these
gatherings inspire us to return to our families, lives and communities reenergized and filled with purpose.
I am so grateful to all of you who have shared in this profound, prolonged act of creation. Ultimately, the success of this Program will not be judged by its scale, but by its details—by the helping hand, the welcome phone call, the easy laugh, the shared tear. Our events may be ephemeral, but their impact is enduring.
On behalf of the Program team and Scholars, we thank you for your incredible involvement and support, which strengthens the connections that bind us together and make our community thrive. •
With heartfelt thanks,
Michael A. Mallory PRESIDENT & CEO, RON BROWN SCHOLAR FUND
BUILDING LEGACY THROUGH COMMUNITY
This summer, Ron Brown Scholars and Alumni came together across the country for our 2024 August Regional Gatherings, celebrating the bonds that unite us and the legacy we continue to build. Typically, we meet in Washington DC, however this year, over 100 Scholars and Alumni were able to build and reinforce connections with one another in cities nationwide. These events were more than just meet-ups; they were moments of connection, reflection and growth, echoing our commitment to building legacy through community.
With the theme, Building Legacy Through Community, the weekend kicked off on Friday, August 2, with a virtual event, where Scholars from across the nation joined together for an evening of fun and cultural celebration. One of the highlights was Folake Dosu’s (RBS 2007) Trivia for the Culture, a team trivia game centered around Black culture that brought everyone together in a spirited and engaging way. It was a fantastic way
to set the tone for the weekend, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.
Through a variety of activities on Saturday and Sunday, RBS gathered in Boston, New York, Maryland, Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, each event offering a unique blend of activities and opportunities to connect. Margaret Ivey (RBS 2007) perfectly captured the spirit of the gatherings in New York City: “LOVED getting to know older and younger scholars. Loved that there were two events—one more activity focused/bonding, one more chilling over food.” The warmth and intimacy of these gatherings fostered deeper connections, allowing participants to engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
In Chicago, host Folake Dosu highlighted the importance of shared experiences: “I enjoyed the opportunity to have substantial conversations with fellow RBS while doing something relaxing and different (riv-
BOSTON
DC, MD, VA
er cruise away from the typical, busier area where these cruises take place). I also enjoyed being able to share a meal with fellow RBS (especially from a Black-owned business on the river) and connect with RBS from earlier years.” The event allowed Scholars to connect as professionals and friends, strengthening the ties that bind our community.
Lydia Shimelis reflected on the value of
BOSTON
DC, MD, VA
local gatherings, saying, “I really loved how intimate it was, especially because it made it feel less intimidating to talk to more people! It was also nice to see the people who we are more likely to see at school and other RBS meet-ups throughout the school year (build relationships). It was nice that we didn’t really have to travel far to attend, which I feel like is a big reason it can be difficult to attend events.” Her words emphasize the importance of accessibility and familiarity in fostering lasting connections within our network.
As we reflect on the success of this summer’s gatherings, we are reminded that the legacy we are building is not just about individual achievements, but about the community we continue to nurture and grow. Whether through shared meals, engaging activities or simply the opportunity to con-
nect, these gatherings are a testament to the enduring power of the Ron Brown Scholar Program to create spaces where our community can thrive, a fact which we can all be proud.
A special thank you to our sponsors, Virginia National Bank and Deloitte for their financial commitment to making this weekend possible and to the RBS who helped organize and host in each city:
• Chicago: Jonah McArthur (RBS 2022), Folake Dosu (RBS 2007), and Travis Gayles (RBS 1997)
• New York City: Peter Boyce II (RBS 2008), Jonathan Marable (RBS 2004), Kara Pierre (RBS 2000), Jason Adulley (RBS 2015), and Madison Webb (RBS 2021)
• Austin: Ray Pryor (RBS 2015) and Brit-
tany Coleman (RBS 2009)
• Houston: Ray Pryor (RBS 2015) and Karla Aghedo (RBS 2001)
• Los Angeles: Chris Hunter (RBS 1998)
• Boston: Maurice Gilbert (RBS 2018) , Ja’Karri Pierre (RBS 2021) Jennifer Near (RBS 2018), Jadal Williams (RBS 2017)
• Atlanta: Ade Sawyer (RBS 2006)
• San Francisco: Jonte Craighead (RBS 2009) Meg Christiansen (RBS 1997), and Leo Jean-Baptiste (RBS 2019)
• DMV Area: Hosted by Kristian Edwards (RBS 2005), Haleigh Quinn (RBS 2018) Faith Maggard (RBS 2012)
• Seattle: Hosted by Randy Tripp, Jr.
Thank you to all who attended and made these events so special. We look forward to continuing to build our legacy together. •
CHICAGO
AUSTIN
ATLANTA
HOUSTON
SAN FRANCISCO
2024 RBSP LEADERS SUMMIT
KNOW YOUR WORTH, SHOW YOUR WORTH
The 2024 Ron Brown Leaders Summit, held in the vibrant heart of New York City, was an inspiring gathering of Scholars, Captains and Alumni and was hosted at the prestigious offices of Latham & Watkins, Skadden and Paul Hastings.
This year’s theme Know Your Worth. Show Your Worth. resonated deeply throughout the Summit. The event underscored recognizing our value, supporting each other and confidently showcasing our talents and achievements. The collective energy and enthusiasm of over 200 attendees were palpable, highlighting the enduring strength of the Ron Brown Scholar Program community.
The Summit commenced on June 19th with a virtual Juneteenth Family Night. Ron Brown Scholar Program Vice President Vanessa Evans-Grevious led a heartfelt family meeting, setting the tone for the days ahead. The evening featured an uplifting keynote speech from Karla Aghedo (RBS 2001), who inspired attendees with her powerful words. The virtual kickoff allowed everyone, regardless of location, to join the celebration and connect with the Ron Brown Scholar community.
On June 20th, we continued the Summit with a Virtual Partner Night. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and network with our esteemed corporate partners, including Deloitte, Dodge & Cox, General Catalyst, Goldman Sachs, Jane Street and many more. The evening was filled with informative sessions, networking opportunities and exciting giveaways, making it a memorable event for all involved.
The in-person events in NYC began on June 21st with a welcoming happy hour reception at Latham & Watkins. Scholars and Captains gathered in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying appetizers and drinks while wearing their favorite college gear. The reception was an excellent start to the on-site portion of the Summit, allowing attendees to reconnect and forge new friendships.
The final day of the Summit, June 22nd, started with the Femmes in STEM Breakfast, sponsored by Deloitte. This event, held at Latham & Watkins, brought together women and gender-expansive individuals from our community interested in STEM careers. The breakfast featured a panel discussion on the theme Know Your Worth, providing valu-
able insights and inspiration.
Following the breakfast, the main Summit Conference took place. The day was packed with engaging sessions, including coffee and networking, joint opening sessions, breakout sessions and a career expo. The Alumni Lounge provided a space for Ron Brown Captain and Scholar alumni to relax and network with industry peers. The day concluded with closing sessions, leaving attendees motivated and equipped with new knowledge and connections.
We are immensely grateful to our hosts and partners, Latham & Watkins for their generous support and hospitality. Their commitment to our mission helped make this year’s Summit a resounding success. •
LEADERS NETWORK
SEAN MEANS, RBS 2014 OF DELOITTE LEADS SESSION
RON BROWN VENTURE LAB
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURS
The data is clear: Black founders – even Ron Brown Scholars, Captains, and Alumni – face significant challenges in securing the capital they need to launch and grow their entrepreneurial ventures.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL) to help provide crucial early-stage funding for founders in our network who might not otherwise have access to more common sources of “friends and family” financing. Much more than just a funder, however, RBVL is a business development hub offering the services, networks and support founders, needed to transform their brilliant ideas into impactful enterprises.
RBVL isn’t just about providing access to the opportunities which Black founders are often left out; this initiative will make possible the opportunity to scale innovative solutions the world needs, while having a profound impact on Ron Brown founders’ families, our communities and society.
For over 25 years, the Ron Brown Scholar Program has been helping prepare some of the nation’s most intellectually gifted, community-minded young African Americans to take on impactful leadership roles. By nurturing the talents of these exceptional young people, Ron Brown programs have supported their education– and helped launch the careers of nearly 10,000 Black engineers, doctors, lawyers, academics, artists and public servants.
Ron Brown Scholars, Captains and Alum-
ni have a proven track record of launching successful for-profit and non-profit startups. With $50,000,000 in capital and counting, our entrepreneurs have garnered significant backing from some of the world’s most prestigious venture capital firms and major corporations, demonstrating the strength and impact of their innovative ideas.
SHAPING
THE FUTURE
Now, RBSP will help usher the next generation of socially minded innovators with the kinds of big ideas and transformative technologies that promise not only to grow into viable businesses, but also to positively impact the communities of which they are a part. With your support, RBVL will continue this legacy by fostering the next generation of innovators. Your involvement can make a profound difference. By partnering with RBVL, you help provide:
• Mentorship and Guidance: Connect with experienced mentors and advisors who can guide our founders through their entrepreneurial journey.
• Comprehensive Business Services: Offer critical support services to help navigate the complexities of launching and scaling a business.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate exclusive networking events to connect our founders with industry leaders and potential investors.
Reach out today to discover more about RBVL and explore how your support can help build a brighter, more equitable future. Contact Ray Pryor, Director of Ron Brown Ventures at rpryor@ronbrown.org.
JOIN US
AT THE #PLUMESTRONG GALA PHILANTHROPIC DINNER, OCTOBER 19, 2024
To celebrate the launch of the Ron Brown Venture Lab, #PlumeStrong is hosting a Gala Philanthropic Dinner on Saturday, October 19, 2024. During harvest season, this exclusive fundraising event will occur amidst the beautiful backdrop of Sonoma County vineyards. The evening will take place at a Michelin-starred restaurant, featuring a four-course dinner, rare wine pairings, as well as both live and silent auctions for luxurious items and experiences offered by our partners including Bentley, Skipstone, Amles Wines and the Montage Healdsburg.
We hope you will join us for this incredible event and take the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals committed to driving innovation and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. Your support at this Gala will help drive our mission forward and empower the next generation of visionary leaders. We would be honored to count you as a premier partner in our mission for this wonderful cause.
Ticket & Sponsorship information at https://plumestrong.plume.com/p/3 •
RON BROWN FOUNDERS
A DECADE OF COLLABORATION
2025 WILL MARK A DECADE OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM AND DELOITTE
As we head into the final quarter of the year and begin planning for 2025, an exciting milestone awaits us. 2025 marks the 10 year anniversary of the partnership between Deloitte and the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Our two organizations share a commitment to putting purpose and inclusion efforts into action. Beyond the financial support, RBSP leverages a variety of Deloitte’s development opportunities when it comes to communication, knowledge sharing and personalization in serving the diverse needs of Ron Brown Scholar and Captains.
“As we celebrate a remarkable decade of partnership, it’s clear that this collaboration has been a cornerstone in driving RBSP’s mission,” shared Holly Duke, Director of Ron Brown Leaders Network. “Deloitte has not just been a funding provider; they have been a pivotal partner in our journey toward accelerating academically motivated students into impactful careers.”
Highlights of the Deloitte and Ron Brown Scholar Program partnership include:
• Deloitte employees 20 Ron Brown alumni in divisions across the company
• More than 80 Ron Brown alumni launched their careers through internship or early career opportunities with Deloitte
• The beautiful location of Deloitte Rosslyn has played host to more than 6 Ron Brown conferences
• Deloitte professionals have logged hundreds of hours volunteering for Ron Brown in programs such as Women in STEM, Resume Clinics, Case Interview Prep, Career Expos and Networking Events
A very special thanks to our longtime champions at Deloitte who made this partnership possible: Brian Siegel, Lacy Blalock,
Ariana Gibbons, Idris Mitchell (RBS 2014), Sean Means (RBS 2014), Mylan Henderson (RBC 2014), Michelle Osagie (RBS 2018), Marcus Shallow (RBS 2018), Monique Plenty, Jenna Black and Michelle Causey.
REFLECTIONS ON A PATH FROM RON BROWN TO DELOITTE TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
CRYSTAL CHUKWURAH
2011 RON BROWN CAPTAIN
My journey as a Ron Brown Captain to Deloitte and now to Yale School of Medicine has been shaped by a steadfast belief: faith
over fear is essential for navigating life and one’s career. When I joined Deloitte in 2015, I was inspired by leadership that encouraged me to embrace the unbeaten path with courage. Supported by the Ron Brown community—an incredible network of Scholars and Captains who embody this spirit—I found the strength to chart my own course.
As a Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s technology practice in Washington, DC, working on healthcare projects revealed my desire to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare system and support individuals with their health challenges. With invaluable support from mentors, colleagues at Deloitte, the Ron Brown community and my family, I took the courageous step to transition from consulting to medicine. Returning to school after a break was challenging, but it taught me the importance of hard work, seeking support and above all, leaning on my faith.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TYRONE CLAY (RBS 2014), VANESSA EVANS-GREVIOUS (RBSP), BRIAN SIEGEL (DELOITTE) AND MICHAEL MALLORY (RBSP)
This fall, I am incredibly excited to begin my medical journey at Yale School of Medicine. My story is uniquely my own, and I am dedicated to carrying these experiences forward as I support patients with their own distinct narratives.
For those contemplating their own leap of faith, remember that even the most unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary opportunities. The Ron Brown/Deloitte partnership has been a cornerstone of my career, providing the foundation, confidence and community I needed to pursue my dreams. •
LEGAL LAUNCH 2024
RON BROWN – RUTH AND NORMAN RALES LEADERS NETWORK
Now in its third year, Ron Brown Legal Launch took place in New York city over two days on June 20-21st. This program champions our Ron Brown Scholars and Captains as they embark on their legal education and career. Our pre-law students spent two days immersed in the legal community as they visited the law firms of Latham & Watkins, Paul Hastings and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Attorneys and staff provided valuable insight to the practice of law as our students attended panel sessions and met with over a dozen attorneys on the Ron Brown legal community. Participants were treated to a special Q&A session over breakfast with William Stone (RBS 2008), Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (who works under fellow Ron Brown Scholar and U.S. Attorney Damian Williams). Many thanks to our firm sponsors for making this
event possible – Paul Hastings, Latham & Watkins, Steptoe & Johnson and Skadden.
SAVE THE DATE
LEGAL LAUNCH 2025
JUNE 19-20 | NYC
Want to know more and get involved? View details about our Legal Launch program and community of legal scholars, visit https://alumni.ronbrown.org/d/2023-ronbrown-legal-launch-community/ •
CRYSTAL CHUKWURAH • RON BROWN CAPTAIN 2011
WILLIAM STONE • RBS 2008
LEADERS NETWORK PARTNERS
VENTURE CAPITAL EXTERNSHIP WITH GENERAL CATALYST
Which new skincare brand should get the next investment from one of the world’s most prominent venture capital firms? What internet service provider startup in Africa has best shown proof of concept? Which up-and-coming educational technology company is best positioned to revolutionize learning?
These aren’t questions you might expect high school students to be answering (much less answering in front of some of the most prominent leaders in venture capital). But this is exactly the task six Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program Navigators were given as part of the 2024 General Catalyst x GPS Summer Externship—an externship made possible by the annual partnership between the global venture capital firm and GPS.
A WEEK OF INSIGHT
For one week in June, selected GPS Navigators participated in a comprehensive deep dive into the world of venture capital. The immersive program gave an inside look into how firms like General Catalyst operate. Participants engaged in various General Catalyst-led sessions covering topics like:
• 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.
• Exposure to Innovative Companies: Gaining insights into some of the market’s most innovative and rapidly growing companies.
• Operational Functions: Understanding the internal operations that support the in-
vestment team.
• Fireside Chats with Industry Leaders: Asking industry professionals—like Chairman of General Catalyst, Ken Chenault—questions directly to gain insight on navigating the business and entrepreneurship world.
One of the standout features of the externship was the peer and professional networking opportunities. Students connected with like-minded peers and professionals, building a network that will support their future career aspirations.
A PAID OPPORTUNITY WITH LONG-LASTING IMPACT
In addition to the wealth of knowledge and experience gained, participants were compensated with a $1,000 stipend, recognizing their dedication and commitment throughout the program.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is incredibly grateful to General Catalyst for their continued partnership and support. By providing these opportunities, we help equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.
Past externs have used their experience to secure other internships in related fields. We asked this year’s interns to reflect on the week, and here’s a sample of what a few of them had to say…
“Reflecting on the past week, my proudest moment was definitely my presentation. After hours of research, putting the pitch deck together, and attending various workshops where I picked up valuable nuggets of wisdom, it felt incredibly rewarding to finally showcase all of my efforts to the GC team. Presenting my work and seeing it come to fruition was a truly great experience.”
- Caleb J.
“The highlight of the week was the workshop with Mary Gao. I had a great conversation with her where I shared my interests and future desired career. She gave a great overview of her experiences and education. Her knowledge about different fields was inspiring…” - Elizabeth O.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS FROM THE WEEK
The goal of the externship is to give GPS Navigators an experience that they can carry forward with them to college and beyond.
“I will take the multitude of advice received and get to know myself and re-evaluate what I want for myself in the future. I [will] continue learning and being the best at what I will become in the future.” - Nadia D. •
GPS NAVIGATOR SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
The Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program prides itself on nurturing talented students as they navigate their educational journeys. This summer, four of our Navigators embarked on diverse experiences that showcased their ambition, creativity and dedication.
ROBERT MORRIS, a rising senior from New Jersey, balanced work and academics. The highlight of his summer was his participation in the prestigious New Jersey Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology on the campus of Rutgers University. This three-week program helped him discover his true passion for engineering. Additionally, Robert participated in an ACT study group with other GPS students, worked on college applications and prepared for his next academic chapter. A homeschooled student, he works part-time at Saladworks and maintains a rigorous fitness regimen, training five days a week with a focus on bodybuilding. He’s lost over 100 pounds since last summer.
These four Navigators exemplify the diverse opportunities and growth experiences facilitated by the Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program. From research internships and academic enrichment, to professional development and personal growth, each student’s summer experience contributed significantly to their educational journey and future aspirations.
BELLA PROVO, a rising senior from Georgia, focused on advancing her academic and professional skills. Bella hosts an SAT/ACT study group that brings together students across the GPS platform. A talented pianist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, she is a piano instructor for 21 students and has maintained her involvement in her nonprofit, where she tutors children in music and STEM project-based learning. Bella also continued her dual enrollment studies by taking a course in social media marketing. Balancing academics with personal time, she enjoyed a week in Mexico with her family, engaging in activities like creating vision boards and exploring.
CALEB JOEL’S summer was highlighted by two exceptional experiences he obtained through his participation in GPS: a Venture Capital Externship with General Catalyst and a scholarship-funded, for-credit summer class at Cornell University. These opportunities provided Caleb with valuable insights into venture capital and advanced his academic pursuits. He participated in Tar Heels Boys State and was also admitted into the highly selective Bovard Scholars Program, where he spent three weeks on USC’s campus in Los Angeles. Caleb is a rising senior from Charlotte, North Carolina.
AISHA BATISTA, a graduating senior from Baltimore, Maryland, spent her summer engaged in cutting-edge research at the National Institute of Aging Summer Institute Program. As one of only nine high school students in a program predominantly composed of college students, Aisha worked in the epidemiology and population science lab. Her experience included learning to code in R Studio Pro and creating a research poster analyzing a five-year change in biological aging, comparing factors like smoking and physical activity. Aisha’s participation in various activities, seminars and presentations enhanced her research skills and allowed her to network with university representatives for future internship opportunities. Aisha began working with the GPS team during the summer of 2023 and was accepted to her dream school, UCLA, but chose to join an honors program at the University of Maryland, where she is enrolling this fall. •
THE GUIDED PATHWAY SUPPORT PROGRAM
During the last academic year, the Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) served its largest class of students in the program’s history, providing college counseling services to 1,349 African American high school seniors graduating in the Class of 2024. Of these students, 56 percent were eligible for free and reduced lunch, while 23 percent were first generation college students.
As the 2024-2025 college admission cycle begins, GPS has provided free college counseling resources and an online community for over 6,800 African American high school students since 2016. Furthermore, GPS estimates that it has helped African American high school students to secure at least $80,637,480 in financial aid and scholarships since the 2016 – 2017 cycle. “My senior year was transformed by becoming a GPS Navigator,” 2024 Ron Brown Scholar Gaelle Valmir said. “The Program went far beyond being a resource for college appli-
cations. It became a supportive community where I could ask any question and receive personalized guidance from people genuinely invested in my success. This sense of community extended beyond applications.”
The Guided Pathway Support Program will transition to a new platform to host its virtual college access community: Circle. Earlier this year, GPS Program partner and global social media giant Meta announced that it is ending service for all of its Workplace platforms beginning in 2026. An allin-one community for creators, Circle will be the new home for GPS college advising beginning next year.
CHIDALU EMY-MUNONYE • RBS 2024
For many students, the college and scholarship application process has grown more challenging in recent years. Last year, the United States Supreme Court banned race-conscious college admission, overturning decades of standing legal precedent. Moreover, in response to the Supreme Court’s decision, universities have ended or altered more than $45 million in race-based scholarship programs. With more colleges re-imposing the requirement that students submit standardized exam scores with admission applications, and administrative delays with the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA), many African American students and parents are struggling to navigate their college journeys.
“Throughout the process of college applications, GPS was a place of constant support and guidance,” 2024 Ron Brown Scholar Chidalu Emy-Munonye said. “All in all, I am so grateful to programs like GPS which give young high achieving students of color the support we need.”
With its launch on the Circle platform in 2026, GPS will celebrate its tenth admission season of helping African American high school students navigate changes to the college admissions landscape.
GPS EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
GAELLE VALMIR • RBS 2024
MYA DOELLING
RBS 2007
HOMETOWN: ITHACA, NY
UNDERGRAD: HARVARD COLLEGE, AB, HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY
CURRENT OCCUPATION: INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC)
Mya is a proud mom of a 9-month-old and has returned from that completely life-changing moment to deliver the first non-Covid Olympics in four years. The first Olympics truly in a city center and the first time the world has come back together.
Having created the IOC’s Purpose Partnerships Strategy over the past five years, this Olympic Games was the first where these programs came to life – Mya was so proud to see programs like the first ever Nursery in an Olympic Village to support parent athletes with young children, Airbnb’s support of the Refugee Olympic Team, Allianz MoveNow program, Corona’s campaign to conserve biodiversity, Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition, P&G’s Athletes for Good program and more come to life. Mya is passionate about the way sports can be a platform to drive change and inspire millions to dream
boldly and aspire to try harder. She is motivated by the sheer scale of partners she works with daily to drive impact and have a real opportunity to deliver on the IOC’s mission to make a better world through sport. Having such a global footprint and the backing and resources of some of the largest global entities in the world, Mya remains steadfast in wanting to go higher, faster and stronger –together with the partners.
Mya Doelling is currently a Senior Partnership Manager on the IOC Global Partnerships team. She has also created an additional role, leading all the Global Purpose Partnerships work. Her official title is Senior Partnership Manager, Purpose Partnerships Lead. Mya splits her time in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Paris, France, with her husband and son. •
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
WELCOME MICHELLE PACKER RBS PODCAST SERIES
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT
We are excited to welcome Michelle Packer to the Ron Brown Scholar Program team. Michelle joins the Program as Chief Advancement Officer and Vice President, bringing over two decades of expertise to fundraising, development and advancement strategy to the organization. In this newly created role, Michelle will work closely with President and CEO Mike Mallory to inspire transformational philanthropic investments.
Michelle is an accomplished fundraising strategist with over two decades of extensive experience and key leadership roles in advancement. She spent nearly fifteen years at the University of Virginia, and as Director of Development, making extraordinary contributions to advancement. In particular, she contributed to the success of the university’s need-based scholarship program, the first fundraising initiative of its kind at UVA.
Her deep experience securing funds to support less resourced students is a tremendous asset to our Program. For the last four years, Michelle served as Chief Development Officer at the University of Maryland where she helped to transform the culture of philanthropy by recruiting and engaging leadership volunteers and board members and developed strategies to increase engagement of alumni both domestically and abroad. Again, important skills for the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
Michelle received a BS in Finance from Hampton University and completed the Executive Program (TEP) at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
As Chief Advancement Officer for RBSP, Michelle will be leading the charge to raise awareness, excitement and financial resources to support our students and programs. •
THE VALUE OF ONE, THE POWER ALL SEASON #2 TRAILER IS LIVE!
This fall, Ray Pryor (RBS 2015), Host of the Value of One, The Power of All podcast is excited to release a series of episodes on the impact and insights of Ron Brown Scholars in the public sector. With powerful messages that couldn’t be timelier, Season #2 will provide guidance to the next generation of Ron Brown public servants, as well as, inspire listeners around the importance of the public good and help to expand their horizons on what public service can look like. Season #2 will be available at www. ronbrown.org/podcasts, as well as on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
RAY PRYOR (RBS 2015)
MICHELLE PACKER
MILES JOHNSON
HOMETOWN: OAKLAND, CA
UNDERGRAD: HARVARD COLLEGE, AB, SOCIAL STUDIES
CURRENT OCCUPATION: GLOBAL HEAD OF BELONGING STRATEGY AND BRAND, GOOGLE
One effort Miles is incredibly proud of is founding Google’s Inclusive Marketing practice, which he has led for the past six years. Sensing an opportunity to help the company better represent the billions of people it serves, in 2018, Miles established inclusive marketing as a discipline. As part of this work the company created detailed guidance to help marketers to create work that authentically reflects the world, trained 4000 marketers and Google’s agency partners
in inclusive practices, pioneered a new system to use AI to measure Google’s creative work for representation and stereotypes, and established a network of hundreds of inclusive marketing experts who ensure Google’s creative work meets the highest standards of inclusion in front of and behind the camera. What started as a project has now grown into a movement. To drive progress across the advertising industry, in 2021 Google partnered with organizations like Cannes Lions, the Geena Davis Institute and GLAAD to share everything Google learned in an open source toolkit at www.google.com/all-in. Today, this toolkit is widely regarded as the best-in-class resource for the industry and is visited hundreds of thousands of times per year by the world’s largest brands and advertising agencies. Miles and his team continue to unlock new possibilities to make these insights even more helpful with AI and are excited about what the future will hold.
Miles is a lover of plants and people with a loud easy laugh and a tendency to get lost in books. He grew up in Oakland, CA, lives in New York City, and sorts out his thinking through writing. Miles is the head of Belonging Strategy and Brand at Google, where he drives forward Google’s work to build an accessible world where everyone can belong.
An evolution of Google’s long standing DEI efforts, Miles and his team lead a holistic company strategy to build belonging where Google can have the greatest impact: at work, in products and in society through internal activations, product marketing, brand storytelling and partnerships and industry engagement. This is a global effort, and focuses on tackling barriers and spreading joy across key issues like racial equity, disability inclusion, gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion and veteran inclusion.
As part of this work, Miles leads Google’s Inclusive Marketing efforts, where he helps Google and the advertising industry share creative work that authentically reflects the diversity of our world.
Before his current role, Miles spent many years launching products and leading Brand Strategy at Google, where he shaped Google’s story on sustainability, health, philanthropy and computer science education.
Mostly though, Miles wakes up every morning feeling that much luckier to be able to work on getting us all closer to a world where no one is left out and we all have what we need to thrive. •
CMU RALES FELLOWS PROGRAM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Ron Brown Captains Hilton Stallworth, Natural Premier and Zoe Mercado have all been named members of the inaugural cohort of the prestigious CMU Rales Fellows Program. All three began their graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University this fall. CMU Rales is a distinctive graduate fellows program with an audacious goal: to cultivate the next generation of American STEM leaders and drive innovation by increasing access to a life changing graduate education. Fellows receive a cohort-based experience and onboarding, mentorship and full tuition as well as a stipend to cover living expenses, such as housing and health insurance for the length of their graduate programs. They are selected through a national competition with successful candidates demonstrating not just academic excellence but leadership, a passion for innovation and a determination to further human progress while inspiring and building a path for others to follow.
If this leave-the-ladder-down mentality seems familiar, it’s no coincidence: the CMU Rales Fellows Program was established with funding from longtime friends of Ron Brown, the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation. Like the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP), the Rales Foundation believes that talent is more widely distributed than opportunity, and that we are all better off when our leaders and innovators
are drawn from this deeper and broader well. The Rales Foundation backed up this belief with investment, providing an endowment of $110 million to CMU to support the program. Carnegie Mellon itself committed an additional $30 million in endowed funds and the two organizations also are jointly establishing a $10 million startup fund to get things up and running. This $150 million will be used to create an ecosystem of holistic opportunities to ensure the fellows’ success as they work to develop into future STEM leaders. Hilton, Natural, and Zoe, like all CMU Rales fellows, will have access to concierge career coaching and internship preparation, faculty mentoring, programs to build their personal networks, and opportunities to hone their leadership skills in local and global communities.
The RBSP couldn’t be prouder to be partnered with CMU Rales, and we look forward to continuing to connect our incredible students to this fantastic opportunity! As you can read below, the Captains selected as part of this first cohort exemplify the intellectual, personal, and communitarian qualities that are fast becoming defining features of this exciting program. And because these same attributes have long been hallmarks of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, we’re confident that these three CMU Rales Fellows are just the beginning!
ABOUT OUR FELLOWS
ZOE MERCADO
Brooklyn native Zoe Mercado is pursuing a Masters in Human-Computer Interaction at CMU’s School of Computer Science. Zoe graduated this year from Washington University in St Louis where she earned a B.A. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with Magna Cum Laude distinction, as well as two minors: one in Computer Science and another in Human-Computer Interaction.
HILTON STALWORTH
Hilton Stalworth is studying for a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at CMU’s College of Engineering. Hilton grew up just south of Raleigh in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, and graduated from North Carolina State University this year with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. A Goodnight Scholar at NC State, he brings both hands-on engineering experience and the public spirit characteristic of members of the RBSP network and CMU Rales.
NATURAL PREMIER
Natural Premier joins the Masters program in Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering. Natural, who grew up in Washington, DC, graduated from Harvard with an A.B. in Environmental Science and Engineering and Computer Science. He credits his experiences growing up in Washington, DC with inspiring his devotion to creating sustainable infrastructure not only for the US but in developing countries around the world. •
THE RITZ-CARLTON, WASHINGTON, DC 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
DESIREÉ MONTGOMERY
The Program is proud to boast that over sixty percent of the recipients of the Ron Brown Scholarship have donated money back to the Program. Of those Scholars-turned-donors, ten percent donate every single month. We are grateful to everyone who supports the work of the Program—financially or otherwise—but want to highlight one Ron Brown Scholar in particular who has been donating faithfully ever since she was an undergraduate student.
A NETWORK OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Desireé Montgomery (RBS 2008) was first made aware of the Ron Brown Scholarship by a college and career counselor who thought Desireé would be a good fit for the Program.
Looking for a path out of her personal circumstances, which included the foster care system as a teenager, Desireé applied for the scholarship during her senior year of high school and was named a Ron Brown Scholar in the spring of 2008.
Since then, Desireé has maintained a deep connection to the Program. Not just because Ron Brown himself was once a case worker working on behalf of children and families from similar backgrounds as herself. Not just because the money the scholarship provided lifted a great financial burden. Her longstanding connection stems from the Program serving as a “network of encouragement” for her for over sixteen years. To this day, over a decade into her career, she still seeks advice and
guidance from Ron Brown Scholar Program CEO Mike Mallory.
Desireé is currently working for World Vision U.S., a Christian humanitarian organization, where she serves on the strategy and operations team, the fundraising arm of the organization. Needless to say, she has a full understanding of the importance of philanthropic giving. But it seems that Desireé has had an intuitive understanding of giving long before she joined World Vision U.S.
GIVING OFTEN
Desireé’s first gift to the Program was made the first month of her freshman year as an undergraduate student, long before the Program had firmly established itself as a network of support in her life. Even then, Desireé recognized within herself a feeling of obligation to those coming behind her. “Ten dollars,” she said to herself. “I think I can handle that.”
Since then, the Program has been a regular beneficiary of her giving. The young age at which Desireé first donated to the Program speaks volumes. But what speaks even louder is the fact that she established her gifts as recurring. “We live and die by our habits,” Desireé said. “It’s the system that we put into place that allows us to move forward on the things that are important to us.” Informed by her Christian faith and its practice of tithing, Desireé wanted to establish the habit of giving early on because she saw (and still sees) the Program and its impact as important.
LEGACY
Desireé’s motivation to maintain the Ron Brown Scholar Program as a constant in her philanthropic portfolio also keeps in mind legacy—both hers and that of our world. “Legacy,” Desireé said, “is not a what but a who.” In this case, that “who” is the young Scholars, aided by the Program, that go out and impact their communities.
When asked why others should consider giving regularly to the Program, Desireé said that a donation was “investing in the future of our world.” The Program opens possibilities for some of the brightest students in the country who go on to shape our world. “Who,” Desireé asks, “wouldn’t want to invest in that?”An excellent question.
YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE
It’s never too late to add to your own legacy through giving. Whether it’s a $5, $50, or $500 monthly donation, all contributions go to support the mission of uplifting the next generation of transformational leaders. In the words of Desireé, “you can make a difference at any level.”
For maximum compounding impact, designate your donation as a contribution to the Program’s endowment fund, which will help sustain our efforts for years and years to come.
Thank you to all of our Scholars and Friends who already contribute on a recurring monthly basis. Your established pattern of giving helps us support Scholars in the present and plan for the future. •
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
RBS 2008
THANKS TO OUR MONTHLY SCHOLAR DONORS
• Elizabeth Alicea-Fischer (RBS 1998)
• Jordan Alston (RBS 2013)
• Joseph Browne (RBS 2005)
• Jasmine Browne -Lambert (RBS 2007)
• Tyrone Clay (RBS 2014)
• Brittany Coleman (RBS 2009)
• Natalie Davis (RBS 2005)
• Mamadou Diallo (RBS 2016)
• Marco Ellis, MD (1997)
• Travis Gayles, MD-PhD (1997)
• Geraldine Pierre Haile, PhD (RBS 2004)
• Caroline Haoud (RBS 2015)
• Ellen Yiadom Hoover (RBS 2002)
• Desmond Howard (RBS 2015)
• Christopher Hunter, PhD (RBS 1998)
• Miles Johnson (RBS 2004)
• Danielle Lovell
• Jones (RBS 2002)
• Luis Jones (RBS 2002)
• Sarah LaBrie (RBS 2003)
• Diarra Lamar, MD (RBS 1997)
• Sade Lawrence (RBS 2004)
• Miles Malbrough (RBS 2012)
• Keylonnie Miller (RBS 2017)
• Desireé Montgomery (RBS 2008)
• Dasia Moore (RBS 2014)
• Brandon Nicholson, PhD (RBS 2001)
• Gregory Perryman (RBS 2022)
• Kara Lee Pierre (RBS 2000)
• Raymond Pryor IV (RBS 2015)
• Jerry Registre (RBS 2017)
• Tyrell Russell (RBS 2012)
• Kynnedy Smith (RBS 2021)
• Ryan Stewart, EdLD (RBS 1999)
• Lora Strum-Vaitsas (RBS 2013)
• Kiah Thorn (RBS 2008)
• Frelicia Tucker (RBS 2017)
• Maurice Ware (RBS 2016)
• Olivia Woods (RBS 2022)
WAYS TO SUPPORT RBSP
Because of you, we are able to grow and provide support to over 2,000 students annually - Scholars, Captains and GPS Navigators across our three initiatives. Together we are ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders have what they need to help shape an even brighter future. We hope you will join us by renewing your support or consider making a gift today.
We have assembled a list of frequently asked questions about giving. If you have other questions that were not answered here or want to have a conversation. Please reach out to Michelle Packer at 434.964.1588 or email us at give@ronbrown.org
All gifts, no matter the size, make a difference and help fuel our mission. Thank you for your support! •
HOW DO I ESTABLISH AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP?
An outright gift or multi-year commitment of $250,000 or more will be invested and a portion of the earnings will be used to award a scholarship which creates a lasting legacy for future generations of Ron Brown Scholars.
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME GIVING, WHERE DO I START?
Begin today by establishing a reoccurring monthly gift by going to our webpage at www.ronbrown.org and click GIVE or use the enclosed remittance envelope. (Donors giving monthly for two or more consecutive years or making annual gifts of $2,500 or more will be invited to join one of our new donor recognition societies.)
HOW DO I MAKE A GIFT FROM MY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT?
If you are interested in making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) gift to RBSP via your IRA or Roth IRA and are 70 ½, please contact your fiduciary company and request a qualified distribution. Your IRA administration may require the use of a specific form for the request. Let us know of your QCD gift or contact us for more information.
CAN I MAKE A NON-CASH GIFT?
Yes, a gift of securities, a beneficiary designation, or a gift in your will or estate costs you nothing today and provides an easy way to give. Contact us to learn more.
HOW CAN I ENGAGE MY COMPANY IN THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM?
There are lots of ways to engage your company with us, first, check to see if the company has a matching gift program to amplify your personal giving. Second, we have sponsorship opportunities, and finally, we welcome the opportunity to build relationships with companies interested in recruiting our students. Contact us to discuss.
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
SCHOLARS IN THE NEWS
GABRIELLE DEMUREN (RBS 2024)
HOSTS FREE SPORTS CLINIC IN THE DC, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA (DMV) AREA
We are delighted to highlight the incredible work of Gabrielle Demuren, a 2024 Ron Brown Scholar recently interviewed on Fox 5 News DC.
Gabrielle, a Howard County native and recent high school graduate, is significantly impacting her community before heading to Harvard University this fall.
Gabrielle’s ‘You Can Do It All’ summer initiative is more than just a free sports clinic. It’s a platform that empowers youth in the DMV area, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills, stay active and build confidence. This clinic, run with the help of her brother and sister, is a testament to Gabrielle’s unwavering dedication to her community and the spirit of the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
In her interview with Fox 5 DC’s “DMV Zone”, Gabrielle shared her passion for sports and motivation for starting the clinic. She emphasized the importance of staying engaged and active during the summer break, a message at the heart of her clinic’s mission. She expressed her excitement about helping young athletes realize their poten-
tial, underscoring the clinic’s benefits.
We invite you to watch Gabrielle’s interview on Fox 5 DC to learn more about her inspiring journey and the You Can Do It All Sports Clinic. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, community service and the positive influence of young leaders. https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1486914 •
AHMED MUHAMMAD (RBS 2021) INTERVIEW ON FOX 2 KTVU OAKLAND FOR KITS CUBED
Kits Cubed is a youth-led organization based in Oakland, CA. Ahmed founded it in April 2020 while he was still a student at Oakland Technical High School. What started as a small passion project to inspire a love of science in Ahmed’s younger niece and nephew, has become a thriving nonprofit dedicated to making STEM education fun, affordable and accessible for all youth. Ahmed is a prime example of what makes our Ron Brown Scholars truly special. These young leaders give back to their communities and make the world a better place by taking action and creating initiatives that inspire and uplift others. Through Kits Cubed, Ahmed and his team of young leaders have been making a significant impact in the Bay Area, nurturing the curiosity and passion of countless young scientists. •
RBSP BOARD MEMBERS
BOARD MEMBERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024
SAMUEL Z. ALEMAYEHU (RBS 2004) Co-Founder and General Partner, C1 Ventures (C1V)
PATRICK BAKER Manager/Producer
NICOLE K. BATES, DRPH Director of Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives, Pivotal Ventures
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 Chief of Staff, Region 3, Environmental Protection Agency
AMBASSADOR DIANA DOUGAN Chairman, Cyber Century Forum
MEREDITH EGGERS Philanthropist
JONATHAN GREENBLATT CEO, Anti-Defamation League
DANE E. HOLMES Chief Administrative Officer, KKR
MICHELLE C. IFILL ESQ. Executive Coach and Consultant, McIfill Consulting, LLC
KANI KEITA (RBS 2008) Principal, 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
BRIAN SIEGEL Principal, Deloitte
MARY SNITCH
Senior Manager, Global S&T Industry Engagement, Lockheed Martin Corporation
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
2024
KARLA AGHEDO (RBS 2001)
Founder and CEO, The Aghedo Firm & Houston Wellness Workshops for Women (H3W)
MARCUS BANKS
Basketball Strategy and Team Counsel, LA Clippers
JOEL BERVELL (RBC, 2013)
Medical Student, Washington State University
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
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
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Weber Shandwick
RITZA Y. HENDRICKS
Communications Manager, Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System
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
CALVIN C. LAROCHE
Co-Founder, DC Ventures & Associates, 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
DR. 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
JONATHAN PIPER (RBS 1998) Chief Scientific Officer, MIM Software
JOSHUA B. RALES
President, The Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation
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
SVP-Strategic Partnerships, EverFi, Inc
ELSIE WILSON THOMPSON Attorney
DR. MICHAEL A. WILLIAMS
Chief Medical Information Officer, University of Virginia Health System
TYRONE “WOODY” WOODYARD
VP, Corporate Communications, Lockheed Martin
DANIELLE PURFEY WRIGHT
Managing Director and Head of Global Talent Brand and I&D, Accenture •
THANKS
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 TO AUGUST 31, 2024
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 in Memory of Thomas Hales Boggs, Jr.
• Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998)
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS:
• Anthony and Laurel Bennett
• Brown Advisory
• Harry and Jeanie Burn
• Stephen and Mary Anne Burns
• Jonice Gray
• Kani Keita (RBS 2008) in Honor of Dawn Kim
• Donald and Mary-Mac Laing
• Phyllis and Melvyn Leffler
• Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008)
• Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation
• PepsiCo Foundation
• Anthony M. Pilaro
• The Pilaro Family in Honor of R, Kenly Webster
• Susan and Vince Pilato
• Joshua B. Rales and Susan Weissman
• Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association
• Bowdy Train and Georgina Sanger
• The Webster Family in Honor of R. Kenly Webster
RON BROWN – RUTH AND NORMAN RALES 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
• Capital One
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Cornerstone Research
• Deloitte
• Dodge & Cox
• General Catalyst
• Goldman Sachs
• H.J. Russell & Co
• Jane Street Capital
• LA Clippers
• Latham & Watkins LLP
• Morgan Stanley
• Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation
• Plume Design
• RTI International
• Siemens Healthineers
• Wake Forest University School of Business
• Weber Shandwick
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
• Boule Foundation
• Capital One
• Ambassador Diana L. Dougan
• Fund II Foundation
• HJ Russell Company
• Meta
• Motivate Labs
• S. Sonjia Smith
• The College Board
• Walmart
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
• Amherst College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• College of William & Mary
• Cornell University
• Florida A&M University
• George Washington University
• Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy
• Johns Hopkins University
• Middlebury College,
• Mount Holyoke College
• Northwestern University
• St. John’s University
• Tufts University
• University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Williams College
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.
• Iman Abbasi
• Fahri Diner
• Badhri Varanasi
MATCHING
GIFT PROGRAMS
• Accenture
• Apple
• AT&T
• Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area
• Comcast NBCUniversal
• Ecolab
• ESPN
• Exelon Corporation
• Goldman Sachs Gives
• 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
OUR FRIENDS
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
• Ambassador Diana L. Dougan
SCHOLARSHIP CIRCLE
• Anonymous (3)
• Meredith and Barry Eggers
• Robert and Dana Emery Family Foundation
• Jonice Gray
• The Peter B. And Adeline W. Ruffin Foundation
• Peters Pharis Foundation
• Sondra Raspberry
• Silver Lake
• Sonjia Smith
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
• The Cochran Firm
• Gayle and Roland Driver
• Epsilon Zeta Boule Foundation Inc.
• Chris Foley, PhD
• Dane E. Holmes
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
• Ann Horner
• Andrew McFarland
• Merck
• Cathy and Andrew Moley
• Skadden
• Kim and Troy Stanfield
• Virginia National Bank
BRIDGE BUILDERS
• Binnacle Family Foundation
• L. D. Britt, MD, MPH
• Lee Corey
• Katie Couric
• Michael Davidsen and Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen
• Terri P. Dean
• John M. Fuscoe and Dr. Gayle DiLalla
• Dana Goldsmith and Dr. Stephen Gunther
• Shavonne Gordon
• Lynne Hale
• Ben and Caroline Holt
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• Earvin Magic Johnson
• Jonathan D. Mariner
• Sharon Brickhouse Martin
• Maximus Inc.
• Lynn and Chuck Mills
• Lesia Bates Moss
• Kaja Orkand
• Reginald Lewis Foundation
• Marcy Dutton Segre and David Segre
• Cari and John Shurman
• The Stephen A. Schwarzman
Education Foundation
• Angela Vallot
INNOVATORS
• Anonymous (3)
• Jenny Ewing Allen
• Ryan Athearn
• Patrick Baker and Esme Howard
• Dr. Nicole K. Bates
• Michael Calhoun and Cheryl Janey
• Capture Create Media
• Rosamond Casey
• Kenny Chernauskas
• Elizabeth and David Chesler
• Justin Cole
• Lisa and Jim Considine
• Lisa Cratty
• Arthur Dean
• The Honorable Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado
• Tom Geismar
• Vishakha and Eric Gigler
• Jason Goins
• Mark and Stephanie Goodwin
• Anthonie and Debra Goudemond
• Azadeh Hardiman
• Lee and Bob Harper
• Linzell Harris
• Judith Harrison
• Tim Hayes
• Grady Hedgespeth
• Heiner Family Fund
• Kristine Holland
• Mark and Theresie Houghton
• Michelle Ifill
• Marcia Invernizzi
• Leonade Jones
• Richard Juhnke
• Barbara and Jay Kessler
• Katharine King
• Dr. Dexter Love
• Calvin and Esperanza LaRoche
• Leffler Koran Family Fund
• The Leslie Family
• Thaderine D. MacFarlane
• Mary Magloire and Beatrice Birman
• Kamonte McCray
• Dale McElveen
• Gavin R. McFarland
• McGuire Woods LLP
• Jeffrey Osterman
• Vivian W. Pinn, MD
• Clyde Robinson
• John and Kyoko Robinson
• Dean Sigmon
• Elizabeth “Gib” Staunton
• Elsie and Mac Thompson
• Carolyn Thornhill
• John Waits and Gloria Rockhold
• Aaron S. and Rosa Williams
• Jesse Wilson
• Esther Wojcicki
• Danielle Purfey Wright
AMBASSADORS
• Anonymous
• Melanie Avery
• Margaret and James Barrett
• David and Carolyn Beach
• Joseph Beal
• Dr. George Beller and Katherine Brooks
• Sue and John Berry
• Benjamin Binswanger
• Susan and James Blackman
• Mary Brady
• Margot Brown
• Linda Brunner
• Janice L. Burnham and Steven D. Cooper
• Angela Butler
• Keith Cain
• Jonsette Calloway
• Anne Carbone
• Dr. Melody Carter and Curtis Ellis
• Chris Conte
• Ricardo DeLeon
• Lynn and John Dillon
• M. Dodson-Hatcher
• Regina Donaldson
• Maura Dyer
• Kenneth Epps
• Richard Feinstein
• Mariya Filippova
• Mara and Tim Burnett Frechette
• Tesfa Haile
• Harold Hallock
• Alexia Grevious Henderson
• Hortense Hinton-Jackson
• Yolanda Hudson
• Linda C. Hunt
• Ervin and Lorraine Jordan
• Cindy Joseph
• Kerri Kelshall-Ward
• Sally Kessler
• Raj Kumar
• Peppy Linden
• Nicole Llorenz
• Donald Lord
• Jermaine Lowery
• Paul and Nancy Mack
• Rob Maggin
• Lauren Jei McCarthy
• K eith McKenna
• Robert S. and Sylvia Melvin, Jr.
• Paulette J. Morant
• Ian Morse
• Jessica Nagle
• Charles Neal
• Anita and John O’Connell Family
• David and Locke Ogens
• Lisa Olsen
• Theresa O’Shea
• Moises Padilla
• Bert Page
• India Pinkney
• Patricia Price
• Natalia Quintero
• Junius Randolph, Jr.
• Renaissance Charitable Foundation
• Drs. Anthony Rene & Mary Ann Sestili
• Eileen Cassidy Rivera
• Roscoe Roberts
• Peter Sherin
• Laura Washington Shoates and Jon Shoates
• Mary and Tom Snitch
• Anthony and Tracy Solomon
• Yukmila Soriano
• Jenny Swanson
• Michael Thibault
• Jeffrey L. Turner
• Henry Weinschenk
• Paul Weisenfeld
• Adrienne Wichard-Edds
• Stephen Willard
• Ted Williams
• Benjamin and Ruth Wilson
• Paris Woods
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
• Kai Armijo
• Joseph Barden
• Kat Bloomfield
• Robyn Bluestone
• Nicholas Brady
• Kennedy Browne
• Beth Buck
• Chad Burns
• Christopher J. Churchill
• Caroline Coburn
• Santa Crosby
• Dave and Patricia Crowe
• Danaher Foundation
• Patty Darby
• Maame Darkwah
• Cora Davis
• Jason Davis
• Stephen Davis
• The Honorable Alice M. Dear
• Bill Dorsey
• Candice Dreyer
• Meagan Dyer
• Trenell Eaton
• Lisa Elliott
• Vanessa Evans-Grevious
• Greg and Tierney Fairchild
• Roger & Lisa Fairfax
• Greg Fenner
• Regan and McDara P. Folan, III
• Maxine Franklin
• Tyson Gallander
• Greta Gebhardt
• Kimberly Girard
• Cindy Hamady
• Michael Hamady
• Rodney and Freda Hobbs
• Andy Holden
• Deidra Hughes
• Skip Jones and Marjorie Jones
• Anita Karadia
• Sue Kessler
• Brieann Kinsey
• Joyce Kline
• Metka Kosorok
• Geraldine D. Kruger
• Markita and Michael Keaton
• Lansing Lee III, JD
• Lisa Loudermilk
• Natasha Martin
• Jason D. Mims
• Jason Muir
• Vimal Nair
• April Nkansah
• Ranga Ocholi
• Matthew O’Connell
• Roberta Olson
• John Parker
• Anya Patel
• Anna Pavluk
• Lucas Patterson
• James Price
• Verna Reamy
• Scott Rechler
• Ann Reilly
• Ryan Revel
• Willis Richardson
• Mona Roberts
• Nicole Robinson
• Richard Rosenfeld
• Geri and Bruce Schirmer, MD
• Ella Schotz
• Jill A. Schuker
• Susan Shortreed
• Amos Smith
• Linda and Jeff Sobel
• Victor Spano
• Alexander Stolar
• Desirée Davis Stolar
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
• Alexander Stone
• The Honorable Jay Swett
• Melody Vaughn
• Ryan Walsh
• Bethany Dickerson Wynder
• Katherine Webster
• Wellington Management
• Robert Wilkins
• Daniel Yagoubzadeh
• Charles W. C. Yancey
IN HONOR/ TRIBUTE OF
Michael Billings (RBS 1997)
• Andrew August
Ann D. Horner
• Brown Advisory Charitable Foundation
Kiya Jones (RBS 1999)
• Sonjia Smith
IN MEMORY OF
Robert B. Binswanger
• Benjamin Binswanger
• John and Gay Binswanger
Thomas Hales Boggs, Jr.
• Boggs Family
• Lansing B. Lee, III
Kate Bloom Kessler
• Barbara and Jay Kessler
• Sally Kessler
• Sue Kessler
• Joanna and David MacDougall
• Geri and Bruce Schirmer, MD
Christopher A. Pilaro
• Patrick Baker and Esme Howard
• Andrew R. McFarland
• Gavin R. McFarland
William J. Raspberry
• Sondra D. Raspberry
Leslie Rathjens
• Bill Dorsey
• Ann D. Horner
Steven H. Rubin
• Anonymous
R. Kenly Webster
• Pilaro Family
• James Price
• Katherine Webster
• Kimberly Webster
• Tim Webster
RON BROWN SCHOLARS GIVING CIRCLES
SCHOLARSHIP CIRCLE
• Kani Keita in Honor of Dawn Kim
• Ethan Monreal-Jackson
• Jonathan Piper
BENEFACTORS CIRCLE
• May L. Lugemwa
• Carmelle T. Norice, MD-PhD
LEGACY CIRCLE
• Sean P. R. Nolan, PhD
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
• Eleanor W. Branch
• Jasmine M. Browne
• Travis A. Gayles, MD-PhD
• Daphra A. Holder
• Miles A. Johnson
• Luis M. Jones
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
• Jordan Alston
• Chaz M. Beasley
• Justin Bullock, MD
• Terence S. Carter
• Tyrone Clay
• Marco F. Ellis, MD
• Matthew H. Espy
• Marquise J. McGraw, PhD
• Ku McMahan, PhD
• Sarah B. LaBrie
• Michael J. Lawes
• Daren W. Miller
• Michelle Robinson, PhD
• Angela A. Smedley
• Ryan A. Stewart, EdD
• Luther G. Williams
PATRON’S CIRCLE
• Jason Adulley
• Danielle M. Allen
• Maikha Jean Baptiste, MD
• Joseph P. Browne
• John A. Burton
• Brittany N. Coleman
• Jonte Craighead
• Jim W. Cunningham
• Cameron W. Drake
• Sebastian Flores
• Immanuel R. Foster
• Geraldine Pierre Haile, PhD
• Andrea Headley, PhD
• Ellen T. Yiadom Hoover
• Desmond Howard
• Taylor L. Howell
• Ollie M. Howie
• Christopher A. Hunter, PhD
• Sheila Adams James
• Maïkha Jeanlione, MD
• Danielle C. Lovell Jones
• Kory D. Kantenga
• Sade M. Lawrence
• Keylonnie L. Miller
• Dasia Moore
• Brandon L. Nicholson, PhD
• Esther O. Owolabi
• Kara M. Lee Pierre
• Tyrell Russell
• Kai Tinsley
• Rassan Walker
• Carl Woodward
SUPPORTER’S CIRCLE
• Christian Alexander
• Grant T. Alexander
• Elizabeth V. Alicea-Fischer
• Chinaza Asiegbu
• Alicia C. Augustin
• Dana Ayebare
• Jocelyn T. Bell
• Abel Y. Berhan
• Thomas Berrings
• Mathama Bility
• Tyren Boyd
• Isaac Brown
• Jason Brown
• Montell Brown
• Jordan Burstion
• Brent E. Cash
• Martine P. Caverl
• Joni C. Stuart Cazeau, MD
• William S. Chichester, III
• Esther Clayton
• Halle Clottey
• Karasi Colter
• Cameron Cole
• Yolanda D. Covington-Ward, PhD
• Joshua Davis
• Natalie R. Davis, PhD
• Victor Alex Davis
• Mamadou Diallo
• Mya L. Thompson Doelling
• Folake I. Dosu
• Bethelehem Engeda
• Kaila J. Gilbert
• Lauren M. Goins, PhD
• Njeri Grevious
• Louis E. Gripper, Jr.
• Sara Hailu
• Caroline Haoud
• Malcolm X. Hines
• Alvin E. Hough, Jr.
• Afaf Ibraheem
• Kadija A. Ismail
• Margaret D. Ivey
• Jalen W. Johnson
• Alaija Jones
• Julian M. Jordan
• Katherine L. Keaton
• Gomian Konneh
• Diarra K. Lamar, MD
• Nhaomi Lartey
• Miles Malbrough
• Jonathan B. Marable
• Jonah M. McArthur
• Sean Means
• Desiree C. Montgomery
• Antavion Moore
• Jayda S. Murray
• Emily N. Ndiokho
• Angel Ndubisi
• Jennifer J. Near
• Andrew Ntim
• Sando K. Ojukwu, MD
• Doris A. Ofori
• Chidera Osuji
• Keon K. Pearson, MD
• Gregory D. Perryman, Jr.
• Jeanine D. Pollard
• Raymond Pryor, IV
• Qaren Q. Quartey, MD
• Haleigh O. Quinn
• Jerry Registre
• Michael L. Robinson
• Carolanne Sanders
• Errol C. Saunders, II, EdD
• Marcus K. Shallow
• AynNichelle Slappy
• Kynnedy Smith
• Miliani M. Smith
• Nicholas A. Smith, MD
• Jennifer M. Banner Sobers
• Brooke Solomon
• Herbert Spurlock, III
• Lora Strum-Vaitsas
• Chase Swinton
• Victoria V. Tate, MD
• Harlem Taylor
• Kiah C. Thorn
• Veronica H. Threadgill
• Drew Tucker
• Frelicia N. Tucker
• Marjada Tucker, MD
• Maria I. Velazquez, PhD
• Imani Wade
• Aubrey J. Walker, MD
• Tristan Ward
• Maurice Ware
• Chanel E. Washington
• Simone Watson
• Madison R. Webb
• Armon Williams
• Olivia J. Woods
• Petra M. Sander Ybarra, PhD
RON BROWN CAPTAINS
PATRON’S CIRCLE
• Noah A. Faison
SUPPORTER’S CIRCLE
• Chinaza Asiegbu
• Crystal T. Chukwurah
VOLUNTEERS
We extend a special thanks to the phenomenal members of our Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, Leaders Network Advisory Council, National and Local 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. •
