News
Minority Political Leadership Institute 2022 class kicks off at the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU welcomes 27 enrollees for the 2022 class of the Minority Political Leadership Institute (MPLI). MPLI, a collaborative initiative of the Research Institute for Social Equity and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, is an eight-month experience designed to promote leadership development for individuals interested in issues important to minority communities, including community economics, political climate, civic engagement and equity.
MPLI offers insights into leadership legacy and culture, personal leadership, policy and legislative processes, responsible stewardship, public service, and integrity for future leaders. Participants expand their understanding of community change and gain inspiration and practical guidance from seasoned leaders and professionals through a series of intensive sessions.
Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, Ph.D., director of the the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute and interim director of the Research Institute for Social Equity, welcomed the class of 2022 and expressed her eagerness to work with the cohort, and applauded their dedication to increasing their leadership and professional skills. The MPLI 2022 class will join an accomplished group of alumni who continue to make significant contributions throughout VCU, the Commonwealth, and beyond.
The 2022 program launched during a two-day session on April 14 and 15 engaging members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, county administrators, faculty from participating universities and noted leaders and experts from the community for an introduction to pressing equity issues in Virginia and proposed solutions. Participants will continue with a monthly programming schedule through November, engaging and interacting with communities across Virginia and learning about unique strengths and issues facing different regions of the Commonwealth. 2022 program locations include Richmond, Farmville, Lynchburg, Norfolk and Washington, D.C.
Members of the Minority Political Leadership Institute Class of 2022
- Jumoke Akinrimisi, Equity & Community Impact Specialist, Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)
- Lamar Bates, Manager of Safety, Training, and Labor Relations, Keolis Rail Services Virginia
- Sharika Bivens, Intensive Case Management Caseworker, International Rescue Committee
- Mel Borja, Policy Analyst, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis
- Robin Buskey, Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Health
- Deardrian Carver, Chief Customer Relations Officer, Virginia Retirement System
- Krystle Dorsey, Secretary, Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals
- Arrington Evans, Intern, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Kelly Evans, Housing Outreach Specialist, Anthem Healthkeepers
- Tiffany Garner - Community Violence Initiatives Manager, Giffords Law Center
- Lawrence Green, ISAEP Post-Secondary Liaison, Richmond Public School
- Edgar Greer, Lieutenant, Division of Patrol Operations, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Denise Harrington, Educator, Henrico County Public Schools
- Phyllis Haynes, Co-Director and Program Specialist, Virginia Commonwealth University Training and Technical Assistance Center
- Trina Louis, Policy Advisor, City of Richmond Department of Social Services
- Melissa Mason, Program Analyst, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
- Freddy Mejia, Policy Analyst, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis
- Geoffrey Preudhomme, Press Assistant, House of Representatives
- Paula Robinson, Associate Director of Equity & Engagement, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
- David Sams, Executive Director, The Community Tax Law Project
- Jalesha Smith, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Analyst, City of Norfolk
- Ravynn Sykes, Front Desk Coordinator, Career Services, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Dominique Thaxton, Ninth District Council Liaison, City of Richmond City Council
- LaChelle Waller, Director, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Jeff Wilson, Associate Professor, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Satara Woodson, Family Engagement Supervisor, City of Richmond Department of Social Services
- Percy Wyatt, Program and Operations Supervisor, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
For more information contact Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, director, The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at nedouglas@vcu.edu or 804-827-1169.
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute of The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs was established in May 1999 by the Board of Visitors at Virginia Commonwealth University in honor of Grace E. Harris, Ph.D., upon her retirement from the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs. Harris served the university for more than 40 years in the roles of faculty member, dean, vice provost, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and acting president, becoming the highest-ranking woman and highest-ranking African American in VCU’s history. Following her retirement as provost, Harris served as a distinguished professor in the Center for Public Policy and led The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute.