Bob Spieldenner
bobspieldenner@schev.edu
(804) 718-9443 (cell)
Richmond, Va. – The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today celebrated the Top 50 Interns in Virginia, recognizing standout students who are making a difference for their employers while impacting the workplace of today and the workforce of tomorrow.
Selected from a competitive pool of 121 nominees who worked at Virginia based organizations, these interns distinguished themselves through initiative, leadership and results.
“Virginia’s top interns are making meaningful contributions – examples of why Virginia is the top state for talent.” said Scott Fleming, executive director of SCHEV. “They are applying their learning in real time, adding value to employers and building the skills that will define Virginia’s future workforce.”
In addition to the Top 50 Interns, six interns were further recognized across six categories of distinction that highlight the breadth of talent and impact among this year’s honorees:
- Leadership Award – This intern didn’t wait to be asked. They stepped up, led with confidence and inspired others through initiative and impact.
- Impact Award – This intern's work left a substantial positive impact on the employer (i.e., new product or program, improved process, etc.) which led to substantial savings and/or benefits for the employer.
- Influencer Award – This intern made people pay attention, in the best way. Whether through content, communication or pure charisma, this intern amplified Virginia Intern Day’s message and mission.
- Most Valuable Intern Award – This intern took ownership, delivered top-notch work and became someone the team relied on daily.
- Culture Award – This intern made the team feel seen, supported and excited to show up every day.
- Creative Award –This intern consistently brought bold, fresh thinking that took the work to the next level.
“These interns are not just participating, they’re excelling,” said Alisha Bazemore, Ed.D, assistant director of innovative work-based learning initiatives at SCHEV. “They bring fresh ideas, a strong work ethic and real impact to their roles, demonstrating the value of investing in Virginia’s next generation of talent.”
SCHEV will recognize these interns on July 30 in Richmond during Virginia Intern Day, a statewide annual celebration of student-interns, employers and higher education partners advancing work-based learning. The award framework is modeled after national internship recognition efforts led by WayUp.
The employers listed below are all Virginia-based organizations. Most of the honored students are Virginians attending institutions within Virginia, though some come from out of state.
2026 Top 50 Interns by institution and internship employer:
(Note: Top 50 in alphabetical order)
Sama Al Ani, George Mason University - CGI
Elijah Barr, Virginia Tech – Van Metre Companies
Christina Barton, University of Virginia – Navy Federa Credit Union
Ashlynne Bennett, Virginia Tech – Virginia Department of Health
Stella Bryant, Virginia Tech – City of Roanoke
Nicole Burgess, Germanna Community College – Rappahannock Goodwill Industries
Kathryn Buzik, Roanoke College – Carilion Clinic
Carly Byrum, Central Michigan University – Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Savannah Callahan, Alamance (NC) Community College – Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Ana Cardenas, University of Richmond – Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Gavin Chen, Georgia Institute of Technology – Anchor Health Properties
Matthew Clinton, University of Mary Washington – University of Mary Washington
Julia Cook, Virginia Commonwealth University – LeadingAge Virginia
Kerry Cotter, Virginia Tech – Virginia Tech Center for Engineering Excellence and Discovery
Andrew Cramer, James Madison University – Apple Federal Credit Union
Nick Curran, Virginia Commonwealth University - ITAC
Lauren Durbin, Virginia Tech – Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Keasara Etienne, Virginia State University – Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Shaelyn Frey, Liberty University – Delta Star, Inc.
Mahitha Gaddam, George Mason University – Virginia Tax
Alana Galbert, Liberty University – Sentara Health
Myla Gao, Virginia Tech – Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development
Gloria Gaye, University of Virginia – BlueSky Property Management
Shiloh Gelnett, University of Virginia – Oak Heart Financial Group
Gabriella Gonzalez, Old Dominion University - Nauticus
Arielle Hamade, James Madison University – Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Rush Handy, Wytheville Community College - Real Performance Machinery
Miranda Herd, University of Mary Washington – University of Mary Washington
India Hoskie, Howard University - CGI
Lauren Hughes, George Mason University - Virginia Living Museum
Grace Jarman, Liberty University – Southern Air, Inc.
Thomas Johnson, University of Virginia – Navy Federal Credit Union
Jeremiah Lawrence, Old Dominion University – Franklin Group Companies
MacKenzie Martin, University of Mary Washington – University of Mary Washington
Hiram Mbulu, George Washington University (graduate student) - CGI
Sarah Moon, University of Mary Washington – University of Mary Washington
Christina Nguyen, Virginia Tech - CGI
Samuel Ofori, University of Minnesota – Navy Federal Credit Union
Oghenetega Ologbo, James Madison University – James Madison University
Melissa Osei Ntiamoah, Virginia Commonwealth University – Virginia Commonwealth University
Margaret Rouse, Virginia Commonwealth University – Ocean Network Express
Nicole Rowe, James Madison University – The Gaines Group Architects PLC
Aiden Stack, Virginia Tech – Triple Point Security
Mark Stanfield, Virginia Tech - Triple Point Security
Dung Tran, Washington University – St. Louis – Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Reiss Triantis, Virginia Tech – Triple Point Security
Joseph-Hieu Vo, Bay Path University – Virginia Department of Health
Madison Walsh, University of Virginia – Virginia Department of Health
Sofia Wesley, Hollins University – Virginia State Parks & Deltaville Maritime Museum (two separate internships and nominations)
Mindy Wu, George Mason University – Navy Federal Credit Union
2026 Top Interns - Individual Award Category Recipients by institution and internship employer
Leadership Award: Rylie Winston, James Madison University – Sentara Health
Impact Award: Alice Bowman, College of William & Mary – Virginia Department of Health
Influencer Award: Katrina Finch, Hollins University – Berglund Center
Most Valuable Intern Award: Ty Roche, University of Florida - Virginia Department of Health
Culture Award: Caroline Wood, Virginia Tech - Virginia Department of Health
Creative Award: Cody Safewright, Radford University – Triple Point Security
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