Brief Bios of 2024-25 Officers

Anna-Laura Houston, '25
JSGA Co-president 

Hometown: Ashland, Virginia
Majors: leadership studies and English
Activities: Young Life participant, Office of Admissions intern, McDowell Institute Student Fellow
Why I love Jepson: Jepson combines many subjects I'm passionate about and gives me the opportunity to learn more about my potential impact on the world. 
Why JSGA: I want to serve as a leader for my peers and advocate for ideas they'd like to see come to fruition. 
Fun fact: I once broke my arm playing air guitar. 

 

Clara Kugelman, '25
JSGA Co-president 

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Majors: leadership studies and psychology
Minor: women, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS)
Activities: will Program participant; Office of Admissions assistant, intern, and tour guide; Well-Being Center employee; Health and Well-Being Student Board member; Dining Services Student Board member; Spiritual but Not Religious (SBNR) Student Board member; Jepson at Cambridge Program participant
Why I love Jepson: The Jepson School of Leadership Studies is the reason I decided to attend the University of Richmond. Unlike any other school, Jepson produces more of what is needed in the world: critical thinkers. Jepson is the future of higher education, because it establishes a deep understanding of community, systems and practices, and personal agency. It embodies a liberal arts education and fosters meaningful connections between students and faculty. 
Why JSGA: I joined JSGA because I appreciate what Jepson stands for, how my classmates have inspired me, and the joy I get from being part of the Jepson community. I want to give my time and energy to the school that has done so much for me.
Fun fact: University of Richmond is closer to my house than my high school. 

Jimmy Conley, '26
Class of 2026 Senator

Hometown: Avondale, Pennsylvania
Majors: leadership studies and rhetoric and communication studies
Activities: Office of Admissions tour guide, Richmond Men's Club Volleyball team member, Richmond Center for Christian Study member, orientation advisor
Why I love Jepson: In every class session, Jepson professors challenge me to think critically about what leadership was, is, and should be. My Jepson professors come from several different professions and disciplines, so I am constantly gaining new perspectives.
Why JSGA: I want to impact the Jepson community. My goal is to establish events that all Jepson students will find engaging and enjoyable.
Fun fact: I am a huge Philly sports fan!

Isabella DeRosa, '25
Class of 2025 Senator

Hometown: Malvern, Pennsylvania
Majors: leadership studies and business administration with a marketing concentration
Activities: Office of Admissions tour guide, Richmond College Dean's Office student assistant, Endeavor mentor, Tri Delta Sorority member
Why I love Jepson: I love being a Jepson student because I am able to explore new and exciting topics while learning how to think critically and how to leave an impact on the world.
Why JSGA: I want to serve on JSGA so I can advocate for my peers and give back to the Jepson community.
Fun fact: I have been to three continents in the past year!

Lucy Duggan, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: Darien, Connecticut
Major: business with a concentration in finance
Minors: leadership studies and health studies
Activities: I love to read, hang out with my friends, and go on hikes and walks. 
Why I love Jepson: The Jepson School is unique. It teaches student-scholars different perspectives as well as often-overlooked life skills, such as critical thinking. Leadership applies to all facets of life. 
Why JSGA: A significant part of leadership is getting involved and putting your voice out there. I joined JSGA to expand its reach to the student body, bring my own ideas to the table, give back to this amazing community, and be a spokesperson for my peers.
Fun fact: I've broken every single one of my fingers!

Zack Filene, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Majors: leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL) with a concentration in politics
Activities: University of Richmond Athletics photographer/videographer, Men's Volleyball Club president, McDowell Institute Student Fellow
Why I love Jepson: Jepson fosters a unique environment that encourages engagement with professors and peers. The courses challenge us to look at the world from new perspectives and provide the framework for understanding complex problems.
Why JSGA: I want to advocate for the student body and help every student maximize Jepson's opportunities and utilize the extensive resources available.
Fun fact: I’m a three-time consecutive belly flop contest winner!

Lain Grillo, '25
Class of 2025 Senator

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Majors: leadership studies and health studies
Activities: Westhampton Deanery student assistant, Cellar student assistant, ASCV volunteer
Why I love Jepson: Everything we learn at Jepson can be applied to literally any subject; it's the basis of everything, in a sense.
Why JSGA: I want to learn more about student government, and most important, listen to the Jepson student body. I will try my best to make Jepson students feel heard and will work actively to make the school a more inclusive space.
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Venezuela!

Jordan Hemmerdinger, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: New York City, New York
Major: leadership studies
Minors: women, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS) and psychology
Activities: will program
Why I love Jepson: I love the opportunity to study such an important, unique field!
Why JSGA: I hope to bridge the gap between students and faculty to make the Jepson experience as good as possible.
Fun fact: I went to acting school for a semester to study method acting. 

Alex Konigsberg, '25
Class of 2025 Senator

Hometown: Wyckoff, New Jersey
Majors: leadership studies and biology on a pre-med track
Activities: Spikeball Club president, Dr.eam Journal writer, Science Leadership Scholar, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity member
Why I love Jepson: My Jepson professors are passionate about what they teach. Their passion makes every lesson impactful, and I always look forward to going to class.
Why JSGA: I didn’t know much about Jepson when I first came to Richmond, but I’ve become more and more involved every year. I want to provide opportunities for more students to get involved with Jepson events like I have.
Fun fact: I have a twin brother who goes to Richmond with me!

Kenzie Proukou, '26
Class of 2026 Senator

Hometown: Duxbury, Massachusetts
Majors: leadership studies and creative writing
Minor: English
Activities: Women's Club Volleyball vice president, safety officer, and fundraising chair; Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity officer of inter-chapter and alumni relations; Weinstein Center for Recreation member services assistant
Why I love Jepson: I love the stimulating, discussion-based classes that encourage students to think creatively about real-world problems and question past assertions to achieve future progress. I am beyond grateful to be surrounded by professors and peers who are intellectually curious and passionate about making positive impacts wherever possible.
Why JSGA: I joined the JSGA to ensure the continued cultivation of Jepson's community-centered culture and to advocate on behalf of my peers.
Fun fact: I am allergic to cashews, but I eat three a day!

Jake Schumer, '26
Class of 2026 Senator

Hometown: Newtown, Connecticut
Majors: leadership studies and political science
Minor: LALIS
Activities: Kappa Alpha Fraternity member
Why I love Jepson: Classes centered around leadership connect well with my study of political science and help me understand the role of ethics and accountability.
Why JSGA: Serving on JSGA is a meaningful way to be involved and bring my own ideas to Jepson while representing other students who care deeply about the school.
Fun fact: You will see me wearing Crocs to nearly every class.