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!
Lawrenda Avowlanou, from Brambleton, VA, is a soon to be graduate with a major in Health, Physical Education, and Exercise and a minor in Psychology. Throughout her academic journey, Lawrenda has been actively involved in various student organizations including Presidential Student Ambassador, You First, and Rotaract.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to her community, Lawrenda has dedicated herself to volunteer work. Having experienced the transformative impact of receiving help firsthand, she is committed to paying it forward. Through her engagement in community service, Lawrenda has not only gained a better understanding of her surroundings but has also discovered more about herself. She cherishes the connections she has forged through her involvement, recognizing the invaluable relationships that arise from serving others.
Ariyahna Cheeks, a sophomore Social Work student with a minor in Sociology, is deeply committed to serving underserved communities and advancing community engagement initiatives to improve their quality of life. Within the confines of Leadership for Women of Color, a prominent on-campus organization, Ariyahna diligently fosters leadership development and networking opportunities for women of color.
Her academic pursuits and extracurricular engagements reflect her unwavering dedication to fostering social justice and empowering communities. Ariyahna firmly believes in the transformative potential of service and remains steadfast in her commitment to cultivating inclusive environments wherever her journey takes her.
Arya Hanjagi is a sophomore from Hampton Roads, Virginia pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry, expecting to graduate in May 2025. Maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.826, Arya is recognized as a Provost Scholar and is part of the Honors College and Summer Scholars programs. Arya's academic excellence is complemented by her certifications as an EMT-B and in BLS (CPR and AED), showcasing her commitment to healthcare and service.
Arya is actively engaged in leadership positions, serving as a Teacher's Assistant for the Flourishing course at VCU, where she mentors students and promotes mental well-being through positive psychology and meditation. As Treasurer of She's The First VCU, Arya manages the organization's finances, demonstrating strong organizational and financial skills. Additionally, Arya volunteers extensively in the Richmond region to include tutoring at Open High School and participating in various community service activities such as Meals on Wheels and the Peninsula Indian Cultural Association.
Arya's passion for research is evident through her involvement in the VCU Health and Humanities Lab and her Cancer Pharmacology Internship at the Hampton University Cancer Research Center. Her research contributions and presentations reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge in healthcare and medicine.
