Celebrating Our Inaugural Class

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority – VHWDA Health Policy Fellows

Investing in Future Healthcare Leaders

In Summer 2024, the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA) proudly launched its inaugural VHWDA Health Policy Fellows in Richmond, Virginia. Over 600 applications were received from students across the Commonwealth. After a competitive selection process, 60 students were interviewed, and 12 exceptional fellows were selected to participate in this two-week immersive experience.

Held from July 29 – August 9, 2024, the program was designed to equip future leaders with hands-on exposure to healthcare workforce challenges and public policy development in Virginia.

Meet the 2024 Health Policy Fellows

Our inaugural cohort represented a diverse range of academic disciplines and institutions from across the Commonwealth. We are proud to highlight the incredible students who made up the first class of VHWDA Health Policy Fellows:

Fellows
  • Brooke Barnes – University of Virginia, Global Public Health & Anthropology
  • Tolu Ojomo – Virginia Commonwealth University, Health Science
  • Riley Brown – James Madison University, Health Sciences
  • Siwen Liao – University of Virginia, Statistics
  • Nikia Johnson – Howard University, Health Science
  • Victor Boahen – Virginia Tech, Public Health
  • Samuel Aridi – University of Virginia, Applied Statistics and Economics
  • Laykun Abenet – Virginia Commonwealth University, Information Systems
  • Grace Borchers – Virginia Commonwealth University, Biology
  • Usra Karar – University of Richmond, Health Studies
  • Asad Merchant – George Mason University, Kinesiology
  • Isabelle Clark – University of Richmond, Psychology and Health Studies
  • Yashaswi Sunkara – University of Virginia, Computer Science & Public Policy

Each fellow brought a unique lens to the program and contributed thoughtful insight to the collective experience.

These students demonstrated outstanding leadership potential and a shared passion for improving healthcare systems through innovation, research, and policy.

Fellowship Highlights

Throughout the two weeks, fellows:
  • Participated in interactive lectures and workshops led by public health leaders and policymakers
  • Visited hospitals, government agencies, and other healthcare institutions
  • Engaged in networking and mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals
  • Completed Community Health Worker training and certification
  • Took part in a capstone policy project designed to address high-need workforce areas such as oral health, rural care, behavioral health, and maternal health

Policy Project Showcase

The heart of the Health Policy Fellows experience was the group capstone project, where fellows worked in teams to develop and present data-driven policy solutions for pressing workforce issues in Virginia.

  • Increasing Access to Dental Education
  • Supporting Rural Virginia’s Behavioral Health Workforce
  • Addressing Dental Access in Special Needs Patients in Virginia
  • Improving the Effectiveness and Confidentiality of Healthcare Technology in the Commonwealth
  • Addressing Virginia’s OB/GYN Shortage
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