2024-25 Student Staff

Students are essential to the work and mission of the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). Working 4-10 hours per week, students support the daily functions of the CCE offices, events, student outreach, communications, operations, and more.

Learn more about our student staff and their favorite destinations and experiences in Richmond.

Joanne Bong
Joanne Bong, '25
Communications Assistant

Major: Economics
Favorite place in Richmond: Maymont because it's so picturesque and a great place to relax
Favorite restaurant in Richmond: "Lucky AF" for the sushi and casual dinner ambiance
Susannah Carter

Susannah Carter, '25
Program Associate, Issue Area Liaison - Healthcare

Major: Health Studies and English
Favorite place in Richmond: The Altria Theater has incredible shows if you enjoy plays and musicals. It's in a sweet spot downtown right by a park with a nice mix of a city atmosphere and green space.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Last fall, I went on a rafting trip on the James River at Pony Pasture and had SO much fun swimming, going through rapids, having a lunch picnic on the rocks, and running from thunderstorms.

Sandy Franco
Sandy Franco, '25
Program Associate, PACE Trainer 

Major: Double major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS)
Favorite place in Richmond: El Tropicabana 
Favorite experience in Richmond: Going to E-Loteria with all my friends and eating inside, enjoying our time here
Kyle Giardine

Kyle Giardine, '26
Program Associate, Government Team

Major: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL)
Favorite place in Richmond: The many museums to explore.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Roaming Carytown and downtown Richmond with friends.

Chloe Goode
Chloe Goode, '26
Program Associate, Issue Area Liaison - Education

Favorite place in Richmond: The James River Pipeline Walkway is my favorite place in Richmond because it gives you a great view of the water and tends to be rather quiet and peaceful.
Favorite experience in Richmond: My favorite experience in Richmond was going to the Second Saturdays concert series at Dorey Park. This park is a little far from the city proper, but it's a lot of fun and features food trucks and local bands.
Evan Gryzlov

Evan Gryzlov, '27
Program Assistant, Second Years

Major: Computer Science
Favorite place in Richmond: Its just outside Richmond, but I love going to my grandparents’ house and spending time with them.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Experiencing “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” by Terence Blanchard in person

Elizabeth Milliot

Elizabeth Milliot, '26
Program Assistant, Issue Area Liaison - Immigration 

Major: PPEL and Leadership
Favorite place in Richmond: Pony Pastures because it's a great place to relax with friends. 
Favorite experience in Richmond: Mini golfing at the Hotel Greene

Julia Murphy

Julia Murphy, '27
Program Associate, Government Team

Major: Double major in Political Sciencce and Rhetoric and Communication Studies
Favorite place in Richmond: The Fan District
Favorite experience in Richmond: Exploring all of the museums in the city!

Craig Papajohn-Shaw

Craig Papajohn-Shaw, '26
Program Associate, Government Team

Major: Business Administration with Concentrations in Finance and Management Consulting
Favorite place in Richmond: Pony Pasture
Favorite experience in Richmond: Friday Cheers (Bella White)

Olga Rokhlenko

Olga Rokhlenko
Program Associate, Issue Area Liaison - Training & Development

Major: Global Studies (International Economic Policy concentration), Political Science. Minor in Russian Studies.
Favorite place in Richmond: Carytown :) I love walking around and seeing all the art and local businesses.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Visiting the Pumpkin Patch!

Natalie Sabri

Natalie Sabri, '27
Program Assistant, Second Years

Major: Political Science
Favorite place in Richmond: Nate's Bagels
Favorite experience in Richmond: Showing my family around the city when they come!

Matea Sarkinovic

Matea Sarkinovic
Operations Assistant, Transportation

Major: Biochemistry
Favorite place in Richmond: My favorite place in Richmond is Carytown. I absolutely love spending time off campus and exploring Richmond.
Favorite experience in Richmond: My favorite experience so far was going to the city with my friends for the first time. As an international student who had never been to the US, it was an exciting time to explore Richmond and what the US culture is all about.

Dio Scott

Dio Scott, '26
Program Assistant, Third Years

Major: Business Administration: Concentration in Finance
Favorite place in Richmond: I spend many nights in the Weinstein Recreational Center, so that would be my favorite place.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Both Cookout and the Jamaica House restaurant have been life altering experiences that I have had specifically in Richmond.

Olivia Senall

Olivia Senall, '27
Program Associate, VITA Team

Major: Economics and Political Science
Favorite place in Richmond: Pony Pasture- I love to go on runs around that area or relax with friends.
Favorite experience in Richmond: Trying new restaurants around the city with my friends!

Lila Taylor
Lila Taylor, '26
Spatial Coordinator 
 
Major: Global Studies with a concentration in Cultures and Communication, minor in Law & the Liberal Arts
Favorite place in Richmond: Ironclad in Shockoe Bottom or Pony Pastures/The James River
Favorite experience in Richmond: Being out in the city with all my friends, new experiences
Pierce Taylor

Pierce Taylor
Operations Associate

Major: Economics
Favorite place in Richmond: Casa Del Barco/Canal Walk
Favorite experience in Richmond: The Van Gough Exhibit downtown

Minh Tran

Minh Tran, '26
Operations Assistant

Major: Business Economics
Favorite place in Richmond: Pho Thien Phat, Sen Organic restaurant (I love eating)
Favorite experience in Richmond: First Friday, go to the river, Cary Town window shopping