Born and raised in Richmond, Deja got her degree in conflict resolution from George Mason in 2013 and received her M.S.W. from VCU in 2018. Since graduating, she has worked in support and leadership roles in quality assurance and risk management at nonprofits in the Greater Richmond area. Her primary area of focus has been people with disabilities.

She previously worked with Disability Law Center as an advocate, where she investigated abuse allegations at Bon Air Juvenile Corrections facility and conducted representative payees reviews for SSA. She has also worked as a mental health skill builder and a therapeutic parent group educator. In addition, she has a rambunctious 3-year-old son!

Cortney serves as a movement and capacity-building director, providing training, technical assistance and coalition-building for agencies addressing sexual and domestic violence. Their work blends grant management, program planning and facilitation, all grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks, Black radical feminism and transformative leadership.

Maryn graduated from VCU in 2020 with a dual degree: Master of Social Work in administration, planning and policy practice, and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management. Prior to becoming outreach director for U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, Maryn served as then-Virginia state Sen. McClellan’s chief of staff, legislative assistant, and as an M.S.W intern in Sen. McClellan's office. She serves on several boards, including Virginia Area Young Dems and Metro Richmond Area Young Dems, and is an active CASA volunteer. Maryn is passionate about making government accessible, perfecting grilled cheese sandwiches and learning how to do nothing. 

She lives in Richmond with her husband, Des, their two dogs, Ryland and Greyland, and Harrison, the cat (yes, they are all named after RVA streets).

Kimberly S. Compton, Ph.D., M.S.W., is an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work and serves as director of macro initiatives. Her work focuses on advancing macro social work through innovative teaching, community building and initiatives such as the Macro Fellowship and Macro Symposium.

Her teaching and scholarship center compassion, creativity, environmental justice and future-oriented approaches to social change. She brings a background in nonprofit leadership and community-based practice to her teaching, research and leadership.

Adrienne is a macro social worker specializing in research, evaluation and planning. With a background in critical theory and cultural studies, they bring an intersectional, justice-oriented lens to their work in the Richmond community.

Their current interests lie at the intersection of gender, spirituality and substance use. They hold a Master of Social Work degree in administration, planning, and policy practice, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in gender, sexuality, and women’s studies, both from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Briany currently works as a benefit specialist with Richmond city DSS. She has extensive experience working with nonprofits, youth and in cross-agency collaboration efforts. She also has experience facilitating large groups and change within agencies.

Yvonne is a policy analyst at Chapin Hall, where they help states and lived experts co-develop policies that support youth and families. Their work involves translating research into action, guiding theory of change processes and ensuring equity-focused implementation that shares power with communities most impacted.

As an eviction court navigator, Caitlyn meets tenants and landlords in court to provide legal information, referrals, and advocacy. She uses systems theory, emergent strategies and community organizing to make court processes more accessible, track eviction data and identify broader patterns that inform policy change.

Kapria was born and raised in Virginia and currently resides in Henrico County. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and her Master of Social Work degree from Florida State. Kapria currently works in federal human services policy, supporting states with implementing new policies and helping shape national policy to improve outcomes for families. Outside of work, Kapria enjoys spending time with loved ones and trying new recipes.

Rachael works with nonprofit organizations to design long-term strategic plans, facilitate retreats and coach leaders through moments of transition. By engaging community voices, writing reflective reports and helping organizations navigate conflict or stagnation, their work strengthens the capacity of groups to drive social change.

Erin took a winding path to social work. She moved to Richmond after high school, working in local restaurants and organizing community fundraisers and benefit shows before deciding to pursue her undergraduate degree as an adult student. Erin received her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from VCU in 2022 and graduated with her Master of Social Work degree from VCU in 2025. 

She is a community organizer for housing justice in Richmond, with an interest in local and state level policy. She also works closely with a community courtwatch project focusing on immigration issues, mentoring new volunteers. Erin lives in Chesterfield with her family and two dogs. In her free time she loves going to soccer games at City Stadium and exploring all the bakeries in the Richmond area. 

As a leadership academy coordinator, Ramiel works with Black and Latine neighbors in Southside Richmond to build authentic relationships and support community-led leadership. Their work focuses on empowering residents to see their lived expertise as the foundation for systemic change, designing and facilitating spaces where neighbors redefine leadership and engage local government.

Dr. Wagaman's research focuses on participatory research and service approaches that promote engagement, leadership and resilience among youth and young adults who belong to populations that face marginalization and discrimination.

She is co-founder of Advocates for Richmond Youth, a team member on the VCU iCubed Intersections in the Lives of LGBTQIA+ Communities Transdisciplinary Core, and in 2024, she was appointed as the special advisor on youth homelessness to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.