Student engagement council
It is critical that student voice, experience and capacity be integrated into VCU’s Community Engagement infrastructure. The CE Student Council program is an initiative of the VCU Office of Community Engagement and have three major priorities:
- To establish an ongoing bidirectional feedback loop to inform and disseminate community engagement, co-curricula, and experiential learning experiences.
- To develop a student ambassador council that will comprise representatives from VCU’s student organizations, students are engaged in service organizations, as well as students who are new to community engagement programs. Students will be included from both undergraduate and graduate programs that will provide input on behalf of the larger student community regarding community engagement efforts.
- Additionally, the Student Council will also include a subcommittee that will help to inform and develop pathways for VCU students to have expanded opportunities to engage with the CE Leadership team related community service and engagement with partnering communities, including community, civic, and non-profit organizations, and partnering schools.
Prior to community engagement service, the Student Council will receive training in a variety of topics, including: 1) principles of community and civic engagement 2) asset mapping of partnering communities 3) orientation from neighborhood leaders 4) historical neighborhood context 5) VCU’s commitment to civic engagement.
The CE Student council will also have an opportunity to be trained by CE experts, and serve as a voice at local civic association meetings, community clean up days, as well as service learning and leadership projects. VCU CE Student Council will have the opportunity to share their own unique experiences and encourage others to become part of the community through service. The CE Student Council will take pride in their participation at VCU and enjoy being role models in our communities which will strengthen our relationship as neighbors throughout our adjacent and partnership communities.
Meet our Student Engagement Council Below!
Ariyahna Cheeks
Ariyahna Cheeks is a sophomore at VCU majoring in Social Work with a Sociology minor. Dedicated to serving underserved communities, she is actively involved in Leadership for Women of Color, a campus organization focused on empowering women of color through leadership and networking. Ariyahna is passionate about social justice and community empowerment, aiming to create inclusive spaces and positively impact those around her through service and engagement. Ariyana has been a part of the student council since January 2024 and she is heavily involved in volunteering in various initiatives across the Richmond community including in Jackson Ward, Carver. Ari currently serves as an intern within the VCU Office of the President-Government Relations. Ari actively supports connecting students to volunteer opportunities across the region and connecting deeper within our adjacent and priority partner communities.
Arya Hanjagi
Arya Hanjagi is a dedicated undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. A high-achieving Provost Scholar in the Honors College, Arya is on the Pre-Medicine track with a strong academic record. Beyond academics, Arya is certified as an EMT-B and actively engages in leadership roles, including serving as a Teaching Assistant, Treasurer of She’s The First VCU, and Physician Outreach Liaison for VCU's Virtual Shadowing program. Committed to community service, Arya volunteers weekly as a tutor, mentors high school students, and contributes to healthcare and food distribution programs. Arya’s research involvement includes work with the VCU Health and Humanities Lab, focused on social justice in healthcare, and an internship at Hampton University Cancer Research Center.
Elena Bellinger
Elena Bellinger is currently pursuing the ACE-IT in College Certificate through VCU's School of Education. She works as a Leadership Ambassador at The Underground, supporting student organizations and facilitating workshops. Elena also assists in library management as a Stacks Assistant at VCU Cabell Library. Her previous roles include working at the VCU Massey Cancer Center and volunteering at Wings of Hope Ranch, where she developed skills in animal care and facilities maintenance.
Hardeep Mann
Hardeep Mann is a biology major at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Honors College, studying on a full-ride Presidential Scholarship. His background includes experience in scientific research and healthcare, including roles as a research intern at the Marvar Lab, a volunteer at Reston Hospital Center, and an intern at the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund. He also founded the Sikh Health Network to provide free health clinics and educational seminars. Skilled in laboratory techniques and multilingual, Hardeep is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician.
Xavier DeShaun Wise
Through Transform, he has taken part in hands-on service experiences, including a week-long trip to Sneedville, Tennessee, where he and his peers built a ramp and laid flooring to improve accessibility for local residents. Xavier is committed to using his education and leadership experiences to foster meaningful community connections and contribute to positive change both on campus and beyond.
Jada Joyner
Jada Joyner is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, and is expected to graduate in May 2028. She is working in VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, supporting communications initiatives and digital content strategy, and has experience through leadership roles such as serving as Social Media Manager for Colonial Forge High School’s Choir and Women’s Varsity Basketball Team, as well as involvement in student organizations like Cru Ministry, PRSSA, and Always Improving Minds.
Jada is a developer with passions for community, public relations, media relations, social media, and brand storytelling, and has skills in leadership, collaboration, and strategic communication. She aspires to build a career in the field of public relations.
Staley Moritz
Staley Moritz is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Social Work with a minor in Political Science. She has volunteered at voting polls and food aid centers and gained valuable hands-on experience through her internship with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office. Driven by a passion for community outreach and civic engagement, Staley is also an active member of the VCU Women’s Softball Club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree through VCU’s School of Social Work, focusing on the macro track.
