Student Leadership Executive Board
Johanna Adams
President - Student Government Association, Undergraduate Senate
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Political Science with a concentration in civil rights & Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Political Science with a concentration in civil rights & Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies
Minors : Criminal Justice, English, and African American Studies
Contact Info : SGA@vcu.edu & Adamsjc4@vcu.edu
Contact Info : SGA@vcu.edu & Adamsjc4@vcu.edu
I’m passionate about leadership, advocacy, and building a campus community. After graduation, I plan to attend law school to pursue a career in civil rights law. My long-term goals include becoming a law professor or working in local politics. I also hope to create a nonprofit that provides legal and health resources to the unhoused community.
Philip Daniel
President - Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Senior - Class of 2026, School of Business
Major : Business with a concentration in Management / Entrepreneurship
Senior - Class of 2026, School of Business
Major : Business with a concentration in Management / Entrepreneurship
Marie Michenkova
President - Student Government Association, Graduate & Professional Student Senate
Graduate and Professional Student, VCU Life Sciences and School of Medicine
Major : MD/PhD
Graduate and Professional Student, VCU Life Sciences and School of Medicine
Major : MD/PhD
Pratyush Narayan
Graduate & Professional Student Representative - Board of Visitors
MD/PhD Doctoral Student, School of Medicine
Program : Medical Scientist Training
MD/PhD Doctoral Student, School of Medicine
Program : Medical Scientist Training
Contact : bovstudentrep@vcu.edu
Pratyush is pursuing a career as a physician-scientist in the MD-PhD program with the goal of contributing to the improvement of disease outcomes and quality of life in patients from the two arms of medicine: medical research and clinical medicine. His academic interest is a quest to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation and its role in driving human disease processes. He hopes to translate these findings to the clinic and contribute to the development/improvement of medical interventions to achieve ideal outcomes for patients. He has served on the Graduate and Professional Student Senate executive board and helped develop surveys to understand student needs including about transportation needs at VCU. He is committed to working with students and leadership alike to help enhance the student experience in: access to educational experiences, professional development, and personal development, at VCU.
Tobi Ojo
Undergraduate Representative - State Council on Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV)
Senior - class of 2026, College of Health Professions & College of Humanities and Sciences
Majors : Health Services and Sociology
Tobi is a 4th year Dual Degree candidate pursuing Bachelor degrees in Health Services and Sociology along with a minor in Human Resources Management. She hopes to continue her education through the pursuit of a Masters in Health Administration and certifications in Human Resources. In her role, Tobi hopes to engage in discussions regarding the structure of post-secondary education amongst Virginia Higher Education leaders and other Virginia institutions. She is eager to advocate on behalf of the wants and needs of the VCU student body.
Senior - class of 2026, College of Health Professions & College of Humanities and Sciences
Majors : Health Services and Sociology
Tobi is a 4th year Dual Degree candidate pursuing Bachelor degrees in Health Services and Sociology along with a minor in Human Resources Management. She hopes to continue her education through the pursuit of a Masters in Health Administration and certifications in Human Resources. In her role, Tobi hopes to engage in discussions regarding the structure of post-secondary education amongst Virginia Higher Education leaders and other Virginia institutions. She is eager to advocate on behalf of the wants and needs of the VCU student body.
Leo Perez
President - Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Major : Exercise Science
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Major : Exercise Science
Contact : rha@vcu.edu
Hi Rams! A little about me is that I want to pursue a career in rehabilitation, but specifically go into occupational therapy. This has been the goal from the beginning, and I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel since I am in my last year here at VCU. Besides being a part of Residence Hall Association (RHA), I also serve as vice president for Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM). Outside of school, I really enjoy running, and my goal is to run the Richmond Marathon one day.
Hi Rams! A little about me is that I want to pursue a career in rehabilitation, but specifically go into occupational therapy. This has been the goal from the beginning, and I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel since I am in my last year here at VCU. Besides being a part of Residence Hall Association (RHA), I also serve as vice president for Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM). Outside of school, I really enjoy running, and my goal is to run the Richmond Marathon one day.
Anne Skelton
Graduate Student Representative - State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV)
MD / PhD Student, School of Medicine
Program : Medical Scientist Training
Hello! I am an eighth-year student in VCU's Medical Scientist Training (MD-PhD) Program. I completed my PhD in Physiology and Biophysics while working in VCU's College of Engineering and have now returned to complete my clinical training within the VCU Health System. During my time at VCU, I have been an active member of the community, serving in various leadership positions with the School of Medicine and the MSTP, serving as the Graduate and Professional Representative to the VCU Board of Visitors in 2021-2022, and serving as the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate in 2022-2023. I am committed to advancing the VCU and Richmond communities through my leadership, helping others see their potential as vital members and enhancing the student experience.
MD / PhD Student, School of Medicine
Program : Medical Scientist Training
Hello! I am an eighth-year student in VCU's Medical Scientist Training (MD-PhD) Program. I completed my PhD in Physiology and Biophysics while working in VCU's College of Engineering and have now returned to complete my clinical training within the VCU Health System. During my time at VCU, I have been an active member of the community, serving in various leadership positions with the School of Medicine and the MSTP, serving as the Graduate and Professional Representative to the VCU Board of Visitors in 2021-2022, and serving as the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate in 2022-2023. I am committed to advancing the VCU and Richmond communities through my leadership, helping others see their potential as vital members and enhancing the student experience.
Asia Williams
Undergraduate Representative - Board of Visitors
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Program : Chemistry
Hello! My name is Asia Williams and I am currently a rising Senior in the College of Humanities and Sciences majoring in Chemistry and I am also a transfer student! I am excited to be able to get more involved on campus and grow through being able to represent my community on the Board of Visitors. I looking forward to doing my best in this role!
Senior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Program : Chemistry
Hello! My name is Asia Williams and I am currently a rising Senior in the College of Humanities and Sciences majoring in Chemistry and I am also a transfer student! I am excited to be able to get more involved on campus and grow through being able to represent my community on the Board of Visitors. I looking forward to doing my best in this role!
Isaac Kwabena Yeboah
President - Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Doctoral Student, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Program : Public Policy and Administration
Doctoral Student, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Program : Public Policy and Administration
Contact : gsa@vcu.edu
Isaac is a doctoral candidate researching the impact of corruption and institutional quality on economic outcomes in resource-rich developing countries. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Regent University and a Master of Science in Industrial Finance and Investment from Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), earning accolades such as the 2024 COMPA Best Paper Award and the Excellence in Virginia Government Scholarship. As President of VCU’s Graduate Student Association, Isaac leads student initiatives and contributes to policy analysis, drawing from his experience as a Management Analyst for the City of Norfolk and a statistician with the Ghana Revenue Authority. His commitment to ethical governance and institutional reform drives his active engagement with professional organizations like ASPA, APPAM, ICMA, and PATNet.
Isaac is a doctoral candidate researching the impact of corruption and institutional quality on economic outcomes in resource-rich developing countries. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Regent University and a Master of Science in Industrial Finance and Investment from Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), earning accolades such as the 2024 COMPA Best Paper Award and the Excellence in Virginia Government Scholarship. As President of VCU’s Graduate Student Association, Isaac leads student initiatives and contributes to policy analysis, drawing from his experience as a Management Analyst for the City of Norfolk and a statistician with the Ghana Revenue Authority. His commitment to ethical governance and institutional reform drives his active engagement with professional organizations like ASPA, APPAM, ICMA, and PATNet.
Interested in the Student Leadership Executive Board?
Past Board Members:
Student Leadership Executive Board 2024-2025
Johanna Adams
President - Student Government Association
Junior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Political Science with a concentration in civil rights
Junior - Class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Political Science with a concentration in civil rights
Minors : Criminal Justice, English, and Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies
Contact Info : SGA@vcu.edu & Adamsjc4@vcu.edu
Contact Info : SGA@vcu.edu & Adamsjc4@vcu.edu
After graduating college, I am determined to attend law school and specialize in civil rights law. My goal is to advocate for equality and justice, addressing systemic barriers that marginalized communities face. Inspired by personal experiences of inequality, I aim to make a tangible impact by fighting discrimination and promoting fair treatment. I envision a career where I can actively contribute to creating a more equitable society, ensuring that everyone has access to their fundamental rights and freedoms. Beyond a legal career, I hope to advocate for systemic change. I plan to collaborate with community leaders, policymakers, and activists to address the root causes of inequality and advocate for legislative reforms.
Mmesoma Azi
President - VCU's Graduate and Professional Student Senate
Graduate & Professional Student, School of Pharmacy & School of Public Health
Majors : Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health with a concentration in Applied Public Health
I was born and raised in Nigeria. I studied Psychology for my bachelors. I love cooking and singing. When I am not too busy, I love to go dancing! I would like to work as a hospital administrator and hopefully build my own hospital in my home country one day.
Graduate & Professional Student, School of Pharmacy & School of Public Health
Majors : Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health with a concentration in Applied Public Health
I was born and raised in Nigeria. I studied Psychology for my bachelors. I love cooking and singing. When I am not too busy, I love to go dancing! I would like to work as a hospital administrator and hopefully build my own hospital in my home country one day.
Tobi Ojo
Undergraduate Representative - Board of Visitors
Junior - class of 2026, College of Health Professions & College of Humanities and Sciences
Majors : Health Services and Sociology
Greetings, my name is Tobi Ojo and I am double major in Health Services and Sociology with a minor in Human Resources and Management. I’m interested in pursuing a career in Healthcare Leadership. In my role as the VCU Undergraduate Board of Visitors Representative, I am excited to advocate for the student body and explore my leadership skills in this new capacity. I am looking forward to networking with VCU leadership and assisting the development of new initiatives on campus. After receiving my two undergraduate degrees, I plan to pursue a Masters in Healthcare Administration and go into a career as a Healthcare Administrator. In this role, I hope to assist in promoting healthcare equity and diversity within the healthcare professions.
Junior - class of 2026, College of Health Professions & College of Humanities and Sciences
Majors : Health Services and Sociology
Greetings, my name is Tobi Ojo and I am double major in Health Services and Sociology with a minor in Human Resources and Management. I’m interested in pursuing a career in Healthcare Leadership. In my role as the VCU Undergraduate Board of Visitors Representative, I am excited to advocate for the student body and explore my leadership skills in this new capacity. I am looking forward to networking with VCU leadership and assisting the development of new initiatives on campus. After receiving my two undergraduate degrees, I plan to pursue a Masters in Healthcare Administration and go into a career as a Healthcare Administrator. In this role, I hope to assist in promoting healthcare equity and diversity within the healthcare professions.
Guleer Shahab
Graduate & Professional Student Representative - Board of Visitors
Doctoral Student, School of Public Health
Program : Healthcare Policy and Research
Doctoral Student, School of Public Health
Program : Healthcare Policy and Research
Contact : shahabgh@vcu.edu
Guleer is a PhD candidate in the Health Policy program at VCU's School of Public Health. Prior to joining VCU, she completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Bioethics and earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Virginia. Guleer then served as a Lead Data Analyst at the Virginia Department of Health, where she played a pivotal role in developing public data dashboards during the COVID-19 pandemic. At VCU, Guleer has been an active leader, making substantial contributions to the graduate and professional community, including serving as President of the Graduate Student Association during the 2022-2023 academic year. Upon earning their PhD in Health Policy, Guleer is committed to advancing the field of cancer prevention and control through a postdoctoral fellowship. Her mission is to make a meaningful impact on reducing cancer inequities and enhancing outcomes for marginalized communities.
Guleer is a PhD candidate in the Health Policy program at VCU's School of Public Health. Prior to joining VCU, she completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Bioethics and earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Virginia. Guleer then served as a Lead Data Analyst at the Virginia Department of Health, where she played a pivotal role in developing public data dashboards during the COVID-19 pandemic. At VCU, Guleer has been an active leader, making substantial contributions to the graduate and professional community, including serving as President of the Graduate Student Association during the 2022-2023 academic year. Upon earning their PhD in Health Policy, Guleer is committed to advancing the field of cancer prevention and control through a postdoctoral fellowship. Her mission is to make a meaningful impact on reducing cancer inequities and enhancing outcomes for marginalized communities.
Pankaj Rapuru
President - Residence Hall Association
Sophomore - class of 2027, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Biology
Sophomore - class of 2027, College of Humanities and Sciences and Honors College
Major : Biology
Contact : rha@vcu.edu
Pankaj is a sophomore in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU as a Biology major with a premedical minor. Pankaj is involved in high school tutoring in schools across Richmond and is volunteering at VCU Medical Center through their program. Outside of school, Pankaj dabbles in some sports recreationally and works with digital creative media tools such as 3D modeling, audio processing, video editing, etc. Pankaj intends to pursue a career as a medical professional in a surgically-related subspecialty through a fellowship. Pankaj is also considering doing medical research additionally.
Pankaj is a sophomore in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU as a Biology major with a premedical minor. Pankaj is involved in high school tutoring in schools across Richmond and is volunteering at VCU Medical Center through their program. Outside of school, Pankaj dabbles in some sports recreationally and works with digital creative media tools such as 3D modeling, audio processing, video editing, etc. Pankaj intends to pursue a career as a medical professional in a surgically-related subspecialty through a fellowship. Pankaj is also considering doing medical research additionally.
Sonika Singhal
President - Graduate Student Association
Doctoral Student, School of Business
Program : Information Systems
Doctoral Student, School of Business
Program : Information Systems
Contact : gsa@vcu.edu
Driven by a commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community, I am passionate about student collaboration and believe that teamwork and mutual support are essential for academic and personal growth. I strive to bring innovative solutions and a collaborative spirit to our university, ensuring that every student's voice is heard and valued. Through my involvement, I aim to create an environment where we can thrive both academically and personally.
After graduating from VCU, my professional goals include pursuing research in Health IT, Cybersecurity, and Fintech. I aspire to contribute to advancements in these fields through innovative and impactful research. Additionally, I am dedicated to learning and excelling in teaching, aiming to inspire and educate in these critical areas. Through my work, I hope to make significant contributions to both industry and academia.
Driven by a commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community, I am passionate about student collaboration and believe that teamwork and mutual support are essential for academic and personal growth. I strive to bring innovative solutions and a collaborative spirit to our university, ensuring that every student's voice is heard and valued. Through my involvement, I aim to create an environment where we can thrive both academically and personally.
After graduating from VCU, my professional goals include pursuing research in Health IT, Cybersecurity, and Fintech. I aspire to contribute to advancements in these fields through innovative and impactful research. Additionally, I am dedicated to learning and excelling in teaching, aiming to inspire and educate in these critical areas. Through my work, I hope to make significant contributions to both industry and academia.
Nitin Kanuri
VCU Undergraduate Student Representative - Virginia's State Council of Higher Education
Junior - class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Major : Biology
Minor : Business
Nitin is a junior studying Biology with a minor in Business at VCU. Nitin plans on matriculating into dental school soon after the completion of his degree, with hopes of becoming an Oral Surgeon. While he serves as a representative for the State Council of Higher Education, Nitin also enjoys traveling and doing outdoor activities. Nitin plans on matriculating into VCU School of Dentistry in 2026, and also hopes to apply to a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at VCU Health.
Junior - class of 2026, College of Humanities and Sciences
Major : Biology
Minor : Business
Nitin is a junior studying Biology with a minor in Business at VCU. Nitin plans on matriculating into dental school soon after the completion of his degree, with hopes of becoming an Oral Surgeon. While he serves as a representative for the State Council of Higher Education, Nitin also enjoys traveling and doing outdoor activities. Nitin plans on matriculating into VCU School of Dentistry in 2026, and also hopes to apply to a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at VCU Health.
Chineme Jeanfrances Onukwughara
Graduate & Professional Student Representative - Virginia's State Council of Higher Education
Doctoral Student, College of Humanities and Sciences
Program : Chemistry
Chineme is a researcher in STEM and former team leader in the banking sector where she gained practical leadership and intellectual skills. Her passion for solving real-world problems led her to embrace the interdisciplinary world and she tends to utilize her skills to advocate more overlap and explore our shared connections as one VCU while volunteering her services to the greater Richmond community.
Doctoral Student, College of Humanities and Sciences
Program : Chemistry
Chineme is a researcher in STEM and former team leader in the banking sector where she gained practical leadership and intellectual skills. Her passion for solving real-world problems led her to embrace the interdisciplinary world and she tends to utilize her skills to advocate more overlap and explore our shared connections as one VCU while volunteering her services to the greater Richmond community.
Chineme holds an MSc in Inorganic Chemistry, an MBA degree and is currently a PhD candidate at the VCU chemistry dept. She amplifies her voice and time commitments having served in various leadership roles within the VCU graduate community and believes in the sustainability of life and societal development, especially in today’s dynamic world.
Chineme's academic & professional goal is to advance science and technology for the sustainability of human life. Her area of research is focused on the synthesis and optical studies of semiconductor quantum dot nanocrystals using sustainable materials. These teeny-tiny nano-sized materials exhibit remarkable properties with potential to transform our daily lives, revolutionizing fields from displays, medicine to renewable energy and beyond.
Chineme's academic & professional goal is to advance science and technology for the sustainability of human life. Her area of research is focused on the synthesis and optical studies of semiconductor quantum dot nanocrystals using sustainable materials. These teeny-tiny nano-sized materials exhibit remarkable properties with potential to transform our daily lives, revolutionizing fields from displays, medicine to renewable energy and beyond.