Brief Bios of 2026-27 Officers

Officer Biography

Zack Filene, '27
JSGA Co-president

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 Club Volleyball co-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!

Haleigh McPeak, '27
JSGA Co-president

Hometown: Chesterfield, Virginia
Majors: leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL) with a concentration in economics
Minor: Latin American, Latino, and Iberian studies
Activities: Office of Admission tour guide, office assistant, and intern; Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity member; Kappa Delta Sorority member; Women in Economics member; Phi Alpha Delta member; and McDowell Institute student fellow
Why I love Jepson: Jepson challenges students to think critically about how to improve the world around us. Jepson professors constantly encourage us to share different perspectives in discussions that go beyond the surface to examine complex topics.
Why JSGA: I want to help all students understand and effectively utilize all of the resources provided by the Jepson School. 
Fun fact: I have two Ragdoll cats!

Sofia Carswell, '28
Class of 2028 Senator

Hometown: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Majors: leadership studies and political science
Minor: history
Activities: Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity member and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity member
Why I love Jepson: The Jepson students and faculty strive to make the school feel like a tight-knit community. I also love the many opportunities available to Jepson students through classes, internships, leadership positions, and research.
Why JSGA: It is very important to get student input on how Jepson runs. I want to be a part of the conversation and help coordinate activities for students to enjoy!
Fun fact: I have three Siamese cats and two dogs!

Maeve Curtin, '28
Class of 2028 Senator

Hometown: Suffield, Connecticut
Majors: leadership studies and Latin American, Latino, and Iberian studies
Minor: entrepreneurship 
Activities: Women in Business Club director of professional outreach, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority member, Well-Being Center Welcome Desk assistant 
Why I love Jepson: Jepson fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity by encouraging students to think critically about pressing current issues through engaging class discussions and thoughtful debate. 
Why JSGA: I want to help students fully engage with Jepson’s resources while encouraging a strong, inclusive community of leaders who support and inspire one another. 
Fun Fact: I volunteered at the School of Leadership Afghanistan in Rwanda, teaching young girls English, participating in class discussions, and overseeing disciplinary actions. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I can't wait to visit again!

 

Jordan Hemmerdinger, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: Queens, New York
Majors: leadership studies 
Minor: psychology and gender and sexuality studies 
Activities: Club Crew member, Jepson Academic Affairs Committee member, will program participant, Jepson student mentor
Why I love Jepson: Jepson provides a unique intellectual opportunity with applications to every aspect of life.
Why JSGA: I love being a part of the school that has done so much for me and want to continue to be a voice for my classmates.
Fun Fact: I went to acting school for a semester!

Marcela Pizzato, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Majors: leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL) with a concentration in politics 
Minor: creative writing
Activities: McDowell Institute student fellow, Humanities Fellow, Richmond Mock Trial member, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity member
Why I love Jepson: The classes! Starting with LDST 101 with Dr. Kaufman, my classes have introduced me to important texts that opened my mind and made me a better interdisciplinary thinker. The classes also provide a place to have productive discussions with other Jepson students.
Why JSGA: I like the student body! Jepson is a smaller community within the University. Jepson students represent multiple backgrounds and academic interests, which makes for a lively environment of scholars who can learn from each other.
Fun fact: I own two slide whistles I play when I can’t focus. So far I can play only Beatles songs!

Nick Ryan, '27
Class of 2027 Senator

Hometown: Medford, New Jersey
Majors: leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL) with a concentration in economics 
Activities: McDowell Institute student fellow, President’s Student Advisory Board member, Student Conduct Council member, writing consultant, Bench Top Innovations participant, and Golf Club member
Why I love Jepson: The outstanding professors teach students to think critically about the problems of today and tomorrow.
Why JSGA: I want to work with my fellow Jepson students to shape Jepson and its future.
Fun fact: I know every word in the Kung Fu Panda movies.

 

 

JJ Schultzel, '28
Class of 2028 Senator

Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Majors: leadership studies and political science
Campus Activities: Office of Admission tour guide, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity member
Why I love Jepson: The mix of humanities and social sciences allows students to expand their critical thinking and historical knowledge, while learning how to lead and follow ethically and effectively.
Why I want to serve on JSGA: I’d like to expand extracurricular activities that help students engage with alumni and guest speakers. I’d also like to get to know my fellow Jepson students further outside of the classroom. 
Fun Fact: I am an avid music collector and have over 75 vinyls in my record collection.