Governor Spanberger Announces 2026 Governor’s Fellows Cohort

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced the 2026 cohort of the Governor's Fellows Program. This year's 30-member class of fellows was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants representing every region in the Commonwealth and colleges and universities across Virginia and beyond.

"Our Commonwealth is home to some of the brightest young minds in the world," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "The Governor's Fellows Program brings together talented students from across Virginia and introduces them to careers serving their neighbors as part of state government. I know our fellows will not only gain invaluable experience through this program, but I am also confident that they will influence positive change as we work to make Virginia stronger, safer, and more affordable for all."

The Governor's Fellows Program places talented rising college seniors, recent college graduates, and graduate students within the Office of the Governor and in her Cabinet for an eight-week paid fellowship experience. Since 1982, fellows have worked alongside the Governor's Cabinet and staff - serving Virginians, learning about state government, and assisting in essential work for the Commonwealth.

Over the course of the program, participants will engage in experiential and extended learning opportunities and work to support the administration in addressing pressing challenges. Fellows will also hear from special guest speakers in state government and visit state agencies and historic sites that have shaped our past and are improving our future. The 2026 Governor's Fellows Program received a record-breaking number of applications.

"The Governor's Fellows Program is an opportunity for emerging leaders to learn about government operations and policymaking firsthand," said Secretary of Administration Traci Deshazor. "We have thoughtfully planned and expanded this summer's programming to include professional growth opportunities, educational site visits, and hands-on policy development. Fellows will graduate from this experience with a holistic understanding of how state government works in Virginia."

"Through the Governor's Fellows Program, we are supporting the next generation of leaders who care deeply about serving Virginia and making a difference in their communities," said Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith. "This program gives students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in state government and policymaking. We are excited to welcome the 2026 class of fellows and look forward to the perspectives and energy they will bring to this work."

The 2026 cohort will serve from today, June 8, 2026, through July 31, 2026.

2026 Governor's Fellows

• Roqia Ali, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Caden Ballum, College of William & Mary
• Kenneth Brandon, Old Dominion University
• Charity Brown, University of Virginia
• Alexia M. Burford, Howard University
• Isabella Bustamante-Velez, Virginia Tech
• Naiya Casimiro, Longwood University
• Cole Cavanaugh, University of Virginia
• Patrick Clark, Virginia Tech
• Tayana Dixon, Virginia Union University
• Jaliyah Dorsey, Hampton University
• Elif Erdogan, College of William & Mary
• Marissa Janae Ferland, East Tennessee State University
• Mona Garimella, College of William & Mary
• Jaxson Hall, Shenandoah University
• Alice Hallock, New York University
• Meg Hemphill, Randolph-Macon College
• Emerson Hernandez Barahona, Virginia Commonwealth University
• JaNell Jones, Virginia State University
• Malana Laville, Old Dominion University
• Quentin Mankin, Randolph-Macon College
• Susanne Mayock-Bradley, University of Richmond
• Gregory Perryman, University of Virginia
• Ojuswani Phogat, University of Virginia
• Zachary Puritz, University of Vermont
• Miles Braxton Salley, Old Dominion University
• Alauna Samuels, Norfolk State University
• Sarah Showalter, Radford University
• Lamees Subeir, Duke University
• Joya Wheatfall-Melvin, Georgetown University

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