From helping students graduate high school to encouraging women to vote, people across the University of Virginia’s Grounds are making the Charlottesville area a better place.
Between teaching, research, studying and extracurriculars, members of the UVA community stay busy. But many still find the time to get involved off Grounds. For Public Service Week, which begins Wednesday, we’re highlighting five people from the University who are making extraordinary contributions to their communities.
Supporting the local community is a key initiative in the University's 2030 Strategic Plan to, in part, make UVA synonymous with service. President Jim Ryan is leading a University commitment to be a "good neighbor" to the communities of Central Virginia. These volunteers are helping the University make good on its promise.
Brian Williams
Role at UVA: Associate professor of public policy
Volunteer organizations: City of Promise, Charlottesville Police Foundation
Why did you become involved with those organizations? I was attracted to their mission – ending generational poverty through a dual-generation approach to education and family empowerment. … I believe in the philosophy and concept of Ubuntu – “I am because we are.” When I look back over my life, there were so many who invested in my growth and development. I like paying it forward and believe that with intentional investment in our youth and their families, we will see a positive return on that investment.
Go-to Bodo’s order: Bacon, egg, cheddar cheese on sesame bagel! With a little jelly on it!
Favorite volunteering memory: The Youth & Blue and the Youth, Blue, & U engagement projects [intended to improve relationships between police and the community] will always be my favorite moments. … We were fortunate to have Lavel Davis Jr., his teammates and a few UVA students to participate in these efforts. Lavel’s legacy – bridge building – continues to lead and inspire me and the efforts that I am affiliated with. He continues to live through our work.
Meg Heubeck
Role at UVA: Director of instruction at the Center for Politics
Volunteer organizations: League of Women Voters, Mediation Center of Charlottesville, Rotary Club of Waynesboro
Why did you become involved with those organizations? My mother was very active in the League in Maryland. Civic participation is expected in my family. I taught civics and government in Baltimore and my job at the Center for Politics is all about engaging the next generation to take over the reins of government. I love the nonpartisan aspect of the LWV. In my job at the [Center for Politics], they are my “boots on the ground” as members go into the schools to register students. It is such a great group in the Charlottesville area – everyone does their share to promote civic engagement and especially voting.
Tell us about a time where you knew you were making a difference: I gave a presentation on civil discourse. I knew I was making a difference when people I didn’t previously know came up to tell me that they invited a neighbor over, thought differently about political differences or that they just appreciated what I was doing.
What would your walk-up song be? “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. Not my favorite song, but a great walk-up song that illustrates my why!
Leah Carroll
Role at UVA: Third-year student majoring in politics
Volunteer organization: Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center
Why did you become involved with that organization? I first discovered the Women’s Center at a resource fair my first year, and I’m so happy I found it so early on in my time at UVA. … I feel so much more confident in myself as a leader because of my time here. The Women’s Center is also always putting students’ wellbeing first, and I’m so happy to work in a low-stress but highly rewarding environment.
Go-to Bodo’s order: An everything bagel with jalapeño lime cream cheese, and a lemonade!
Favorite volunteering memory: One of my biggest goals as the volunteer engagement leader is to increase men’s involvement in the fight for gender equity at UVA. To do this, my volunteers and I planned a social called “Bring Your Own Bro,” where volunteers were invited to bring their men-identifying friends to learn more about the Women’s Center’s resources and opportunities. I was super nervous for the success of the event, but our attendance was phenomenal!
Bevin Etienne
Role at UVA: Assistant professor in the McIntire School of Commerce
Volunteer organization: Fountain Fund
Why did you become involved with that organization? My success in life can be credited to people (family, community, good-hearted people from all walks of life) taking the time to engage and, in some instances, be my mentor as I journey through life. When I found out about the Fountain Fund and was asked to be a board member, I immediately saw this as an opportunity to be on the other side of the equation.
Tell me about a time when you knew you were making a difference: Reentry from prison can be a serious challenge for individuals who have limited access to financial resources. Things that are sometimes taken for granted, such as paying the transportation cost for gainful employment, can be insurmountable for some reentry individuals. Having witnessed how the Fountain Fund steps into these spaces and not just provides the financial resources, but works closely with these individuals to enable them to build their credit and achieve financial growth, is truly remarkable.
What would your walk-up song be? “Never Give Up” by Chronixx
Kelsie Kelly-Smith
Role at UVA: Assistant professor, Department of Public Health Sciences and associate dean, Office of African American Affairs
Volunteer organization: African American Teaching Fellows of Charlottesville
Why did you become involved with that organization? It aligns with my personal philosophy, which is to educate, empower and advocate through the various areas that my work and research overlap. Although my focus is primarily public health, I see African American Teaching Fellows as a public health program, which supports African American students obtaining higher education that further empowers them to be advocates not only for themselves, but the next generation.
Tell me about a time when you knew you were making a difference: Meeting the new fellows at the summer receptions; our upcoming celebration of fellows where we can dress up a bit and celebrate the impactful work they are doing.
What would your walk-up song be? “Float” by Jonelle Monae
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Article Information
December 27, 2024
