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!

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!

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 safety officer and fundraising chair, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity member, 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.