Emily Gruzdowich (she/her) is a second-year at the Darden School of Business concentrating in corporate innovation and strategy consulting. Emily serves as the Logistics VP for Building Goodness in April (BGiA), a student-run nonprofit focused on improving living conditions for low-income families across Charlottesville. Emily also is involved with Cycle for Survival and Angel Tree. Upon graduation, Emily plans to hold strategic roles in health-tech, with a focus on products that elevate our well-being.
Hoos Serving
Every other week, UVA Public Service recognizes students involved in public service in various ways, whether through volunteering, community or civic engagement, activism, social entrepreneurship, service-learning coursework or research, and other co-curricular service activities and interests.
Vedat Dilek is a fourth-year in the McIntire School, majoring in Commerce with a Finance concentration. Vedat is the co-president of Blossom Together, a student-led humanitarian organization that supports living standards in third-world African countries. Founded in 2018, Blossom Together has raised nearly $200,000, worked in five different countries, and partnered with reputable institutions like the World Bank. After graduation, Vedat will go into investment banking.
Sami Kandil is a fourth-year in the McIntire School, majoring in Commerce with a Finance concentration and Real Estate track. Sami is the co-president of Blossom Together, a student-led humanitarian organization that supports living standards in third-world African countries. Founded in 2018, Blossom Together has raised nearly $200,000, worked in five different countries, and partnered with reputable institutions like the World Bank. After graduation, Sami will go into investment banking.
Kathryn Chung (she/her) is a third-year in the College of Arts & Sciences, double majoring in biology and neuroscience. Kathryn is the president of the UVA chapter of the Hearts 4 Homeless organization, co-president of Nu Rho Psi (national neuroscience honor society), an Intro Chemistry I and II Lab TA, and an EMT at the Lake Monticello Fire and Rescue Squad.
Eli Ratzlaff is a recent graduate from UVA (CLAS '20) who majored in Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law with a minor in History. While at UVA, Eli volunteered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and a tutor for elementary school children through Madison House. After graduating, Eli continued to serve in Charlottesville as an AmeriCorps Member at the IRC. He now serves as part of the Economic Empowerment team in the Charlottesville office, where he helps recently-resettled refugees and asylees reach economic self-sufficiency, find employment, and become financially literate in a culture that might be radically different from what they're used to.
McKenzie Samuels (she/her) is a second-year in the College of Arts & Sciences intending to double-major in Public Policy and African and African-American studies. McKenzie is a Peer Advisor through the Office of African American Affairs, a Resident Advisor, and an executive board member of SOCA (Student Organization of Caribbean Awareness) as Special Events Coordinator.
Lauren Cochran (CLAS '22) is a double major in Public Policy and Leadership and African-American & African Studies on the pre-law track. Her various involvements on Grounds exemplify civic engagement and public service. In addition to serving as a Peer Advisor and Tri-Chair of Selections for the Office of African-American Affairs Peer Advising Program, Lauren is a Fellow of the Meriwether Lewis Institute for Citizen Leadership, a University Judiciary Committee counselor, Student Advisor on the UVA Democracy Initiative Student Advisory Board, and Director of Undergraduate Relations for Black Student Leaders in Public Policy.
Sonia Patel (she/her) is a fourth-year Cognitive Science major in the College of Arts & Sciences. Sonia is the president of Charlottesville Community Access to Resources, Exposure, and Support (Cville CARES), a CIO whose mission is to serve the underprivileged and underserved community of Charlottesville. Sonia also is a volunteer with Medical Services and Head Program Director for Tutoring with Madison House. Her post-graduation plans include attending medical school and becoming a physician in the future.
Colin Dockter (he/him) is a second-year double-major in economics and psychology. Colin is the president of College Mentors for Kids, an organization that connects elementary school students in the Charlottesville area to UVA students through weekly on-Grounds activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. During these activities, UVA students are paired with a "little buddy" they'll mentor for the school year. Colin also is the vice president of Borenstein Math Academy, a company that provides affordable, high-quality tutoring that empowers students to thrive in mathematics via small, online math classes ranging from kindergarten level to algebra and geometry.
Patrick Morris (he/him/his) is a fourth-year in the College of Arts & Sciences majoring in biology with Spanish and biomedical engineering minors. Patrick has been involved in various nonprofit and volunteer organizations, including a confidential crisis helpline, the Pediatrics for Emergency Physicians Network, Remote Area Medical, Hearts for the Homeless, and local Albemarle County middle schools. Patrick's goal is to become a pediatric oncologist, and during his gap years, he will be working in a cancer research lab at Cold Spring Harbor and volunteering as an EMT.
Charlotte Robbins (she/her/hers) is a third-year in the McIntire School of Commerce, concentrating in finance on the global commerce track and minoring in psychology. Charlotte has been co-president of Autism Allies since January 2021, and before that, served as treasurer in 2020. She also was the philanthropy treasurer of Zeta Tau Alpha from January through December of 2020.
Johnny Mac Yates will graduate this year from the Darden School of Business and Law School. Johnny Mac has been the House Captain and Vice President of Inspections for Building Goodness in April (BGIA), a student-run organization that works with low-income Charlottesville residents on home renovation projects. After graduation, he will work as an associate at McGuireWoods, LLP.