CIVIC Leadership Institute is pleased to announce its CIVIC Scholars Class of 2027, bringing together an exceptional cohort of undergraduate students from partner universities across Hampton Roads: Batten University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Regent University, and Tidewater Community College.
The Class of 2027 marks an exciting new chapter for CIVIC Scholars, reflecting the program’s continued growth and expansion across the region. Through a competitive selection process, CIVIC brings together exceptional college students who demonstrate strong leadership and professional potential, a commitment to their communities, and a drive to make a difference. Together, they represent the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of Hampton Roads and beyond.
CIVIC Scholars is a yearlong collegiate leadership program designed to connect emerging leaders with the people, organizations, and opportunities shaping Hampton Roads. Built around three core pillars – leadership development, professionalism, and civic engagement – the program prepares students for leadership in their careers and communities.
Throughout the academic year, Scholars participate in executive mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and experiential program days hosted by organizations and CIVIC Executive Program alumni across Hampton Roads. These experiences introduce students to the region’s business, nonprofit, government, and cultural sectors while helping them develop the skills, relationships, and regional awareness needed to become effective leaders.
“This is an exceptional group of students who bring tremendous leadership potential, diverse perspectives, and a genuine commitment to making a difference,” said Kristin Stephens, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at CIVIC Leadership Institute. “With students representing five universities across Hampton Roads, we have an incredible opportunity to connect emerging talent with established regional leaders, strengthen their professional skills, and prepare them to play an active role in shaping the future of our region.”
The Class of 2027 began its CIVIC Scholars experience in September with a Welcome Reception connecting students with program alumni, followed by a three-day Opening Retreat focused on leadership development, relationship-building, and professional readiness. Over the coming months, Scholars will continue to learn from established regional leaders, explore opportunities to contribute to Hampton Roads, and build a network of peers and mentors that extends beyond their college experience.
CIVIC Scholars Class of 2027:
Samantha Aitken, Tidewater Community College
Fatimah Akwari, Old Dominion University
Aaliyah Asani, Tidewater Community College
Audrey Barrett, Old Dominion University
Leilani Bell, Norfolk State University
Andrew Boateng, Old Dominion University
Brody Brice, Regent University
James Bridgeforth, Old Dominion University
Jakiya Brown, Norfolk State University
Adisa Carter, Old Dominion University
Amber Castellanos Henao, Old Dominion University
Marjorie Cenese, Old Dominion University
Chantell Cherry, Norfolk State University
Catori Crawford, Norfolk State University
Abigail Culley, Batten University
Jahki Emmons-Mayo, Batten University
Abigail Fleming, Regent University
Lyric Griffin, Norfolk State University
Jasmine Guevara, Old Dominion University
Ti’Mani Hargrave, Old Dominion University
Jasmine Harris, Old Dominion University
Tiffanie Heng, Batten University
Daniel Johner, Regent University
Laila Jones, Batten University
Travon Jones, Old Dominion University
Sydney Joseph, Norfolk State University
Emily Lindgren, Regent University
Jayla Mitchell, Norfolk State University
Fia Patel, Tidewater Community College
Sunny Serio, Tidewater Community College
Thomas Skelly, Batten University
Thomas Slingluff, Regent University
Jeshua Stam, Old Dominion University
Logan Swinson, Regent University
Jahkari Taylor, Norfolk State University
Dianna Torres, Old Dominion University
Chinenye Udemba, Norfolk State University
Destiny Williams, Tidewater Community College
Yasmine Wise, Norfolk State University
Paige Ziegler, Batten University