Turn Your Education into a Career with Passion and Purpose
You're a Spider, so you dream big. You don't want to land just any job after UR, but a purposeful career you're passionate about.
A&S NEXT is coming up January 30-31, 2026 at the Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center. This career program specifically for A&S students aims to give you the tools to understand how you can translate your education into a career you love while building your professional network.
- Meet alums with unexpected and interesting career paths
- Gain hands-on experience exploring and solving real-world challenges alongside alums and faculty who work to solve these problems in their own careers every day
Open Data, Open Planning
Effective regional planning increasingly depends on accessible, high-quality data, yet significant barriers limit participation in the Richmond region’s data ecosystem. Students will build knowledge of data governance, crowdsourcing methodologies, and regional planning while assessing the tensions between data quality, accessibility, and community participation. Students will propose specific pilot programs and partnership models that address both immediate regional needs and long-term data infrastructure goals.
Facilitators:
Dr. Kyle Redican, Director, Spatial Analysis Lab, Department of GeographyDr. Derek Miller, Associate Director of Community-Engaged Research, Scholarship, and Relationships, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement
Library Renaissance in the Information Age
Henrico County has hired your consulting firm to help its library board reflect on the future of its network of nine public libraries. As libraries transition from book to byte, the board is considering the implications of shifting the focus from physical collections to digital resources. It also wants libraries to offer access to AR, VR, and AI tools to all members of the community. Help the library board better understand the needs of its patrons, propose a ten-year plan for incorporating new technologies in its collections and physical spaces, and take into consideration that limited funding is available for new projects.
Facilitators:
Dr. Oliver Delers, Professor of French
Dr. Michael Marsh-Soloway, Director, Global Studio
Fenceline Communities
This case study introduces students to the concept of fenceline communities—neighborhoods situated near polluting industries such as landfills, oil, refineries, biomass processing facilities, and power plants. Fenceline communities often face elevated risks of air and water contamination and environmental degradation, which contribute to existing health disparities. Furthermore, affected communities are frequently excluded from the decision-making processes that govern the permitting and siting of toxic facilities. Students will explore what a career in environmental justice (EJ) looks like by stepping into professional roles, identifying challenges, and proposing community-centered solutions.
Facilitators:
Dr. Shannon Jones, Senior Professor, BiologyBeth Zizzamia, GIS Operations Manager - Spatial Analysis Lab
Maternal & Infant Racial Disparities
Despite far higher healthcare spending, maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. exceed those of other high-income countries. Racial disparities in maternal and child health in the U.S. are particularly stark. Richmond’s historically segregated neighborhoods, high poverty rates, and limited healthcare access for communities of color intersect with generational trauma and systemic inequities. This case study challenges students to design an intervention or policy proposal aimed at addressing maternal and infant mortality disparities in Richmond.
Facilitators:
Dr. Solis Winters, Assistant Professor, Health StudiesDr. Hemali Oza, Assistant Professor, Health Studies
AI-Ready RVA
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, workplaces, and communities, raising both opportunities and challenges for students preparing to enter a dynamic professional landscape. The Richmond region, like many others, is in the early stages of adopting AI across industries and civic institutions. However, there is currently no centralized platform for aggregating and communicating these developments to diverse audiences. Students will explore how a liberal arts approach can prepare them to navigate—and help shape—the ethical and practical dimensions of AI adoption.
Facilitators:
Dr. Lauren Tilton, Professor, Digital HumanitiesAndrew Ilnicki, Director, Experiential Education + Emerging Technology
Multilingual Student Success
The city of Richmond, Virginia is home to 22,000 students currently in the public school system. The overall graduate rate is significantly lower for Hispanic and English Language Learners. While multiculturalism is often celebrated in the public schools, bilingualism is often looked as a hindrance to teachers and students, especially with the current emphasis on standardized testing given in English. Through this case study, participants will come up with ways to improve outcomes for this population of students and brainstorm tangible ideas for harnessing the multilingual population in a positive way.
Facilitators:
Dr. Emmy Ready, Visiting Lecturer, Latin American, Latino & Iberian StudiesDr. Tom Shields, Associate Professor, Education & Leadership Studies
Rafael Cruz, ’26
Business Administration and Health Studies Major
Rafael Cruz is a senior majoring in Business Administration and Health Studies. At UR, he is involved in the Oliver Hill Scholars Program, Scholars Latino Initiative, and works on campus at the Mail Room and The Cellar. Outside of UR, he volunteers as a Spanish interpreter at a Richmond clinic and enjoys traveling, dancing, and exploring global health systems. This is Rafael’s third year as an A&S NEXT Ambassador. He became an A&S NEXT Ambassador because he wants to help other students access the same opportunities he had as a participant, build community, and feel confident navigating their professional journeys.
Christian Figueroa, ’26
Biology Major
Health Studies Minor
Christian is a senior majoring in Biology. At Richmond, Christian is a member of the Dr.eam Journal Club. Outside of UR, he plays the piano for fun and volunteers at the CrossOver Healthcare Ministry clinic as an interpreter. Christian participated in A&S NEXT in 2023 and 2024 and enjoyed working in a group setting and exploring different case studies. He decided to become an A&S Next Ambassador because he enjoyed the program’s process of using your strengths in an academic setting and wants to support students doing the same.
Gareth Woo, '26
Journalism and Global Studies: International Economic Policy Major
At UR, he is the multimedia editor at the Collegian, the historian of UR Players, and is involved with Off the Cuff and SpiderBoard. He also enjoys long rants while looking for good food around Richmond. Gareth participated in A&S Next in 2024 and 2025 where he grew fond of the connections with friends and the case studies. He became an A&S Next Ambassador to demystify the job-seeking and networking process for people in the humanities and arts.
Marian Ali, ’26
Biology and Health Studies Major
Marian Ali is a senior majoring in Biology and Health Studies. At UR, she is part of Orientation Advising and works as a student inclusive pedagogy consultant. Outside of UR, she enjoys traveling, baking and spending time with her friends. Marian participated in A&S NEXT in 2024 and 2025 and loved how the program strengthened her real-world problem-solving skills and helped her explore her career interests. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador, recognizing that it is a fantastic opportunity to explore areas of interest and she is excited to contribute to such an enriching experience.
Kate Flanagan, '26
Mathematical Economics Major
Kate is a senior majoring in Mathematical Economics and minoring in Sustainability. At UR, she is the chapter president of Alpha Phi Omega and the head resident assistant of Westhampton Hall. Outside of UR, she enjoys thrifting, cooking and spending time with her family. Kate participated in A&S NEXT in 2023 and thoroughly enjoyed working on the case study and building connections with her team members. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wanted to help new participants through the process and ensure they make the most of the weekend.
Gabrielle Sylvester, ’26
Health Studies and Psychology Major
Gabby is a senior majoring in Health Studies and Psychology. At UR, she serves as the secretary for Psi Chi and a member of the NAACP and Mortar Board. Outside of UR, she enjoys reading and exploring Richmond with friends. Gabby participated in A&S NEXT in 2024 and 2025 and loved having the ability to collaborate with students and professionals on an issue affecting the Richmond community. After an impactful first experience, she decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador so she could help guide students through the program and contribute to its success.
Anaiya Forte, '26
Health Studies Major
Anaiya is a senior majoring in Health Studies on the pre-medical track. She previously served as a WELL 100 instructor, Endeavor navigator and an orientation advisor. Currently, she is a Weinstein Learning Center ambassador, Ngoma African Dance Company dance captain and on the executive board for West Indian Lynk. Anaiya has participated in A&S NEXT for three years and is always excited for the excursions she gets to experience. They decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because her freshman year experience was so impactful and fun she wanted to make sure students continue to have that experience as well.
Jade Mawn, ’26
Mathematics and Computer Science Major
Jade is a senior majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science, and minoring in French. At UR, they are involved in dining services as a manager at passport cafe. Outside of UR, they love to cook and work at Blue Atlas. Jade participated in A&S NEXT 2024 and loved the opportunity to improve team working and innovative thinking. They decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because they want to help others have an equally rewarding experience.
Manuela Bonzo, '28
Business Administration and Global Studies
Manuela is a sophomore double majoring in Business Administration and Global Studies with a minor in LALIS. At UR, she served as a teaching assistant and French tutor. She is passionate about dancing and currently serves as the choreographer for Block Crew. In her free time, Manuela enjoys playing the cello and traveling. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wants to experience the conference from a new perspective and encourage students to engage with faculty members and explore career opportunities.
Jada Butler, ’28
Biology Major
Jada is a sophomore majoring in Biology and minoring in Gender & Sexuality Studies. At UR, they are part of the Bonner Scholars Program, the will program, an RA for Residence Life & Housing and a campus tour guide. Outside of UR, she works out, watches anime, and spends time with friends. Jada participated in A&S NEXT her freshman year and loved doing research on her case study. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wanted to support students in navigating networking with alumni and learning to collaborate with others.
Daniela Leyva Castro, '28
Psychology and Cognitive Science Major
Daniela is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Cognitive Science. At UR, she serves as a mentor at Scholars Latino Initiative and is a member of Ritmo Latino and Alpha Psi Lambda. Outside of UR, she volunteers at the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and enjoys traveling. Daniela participated in A&S NEXT in 2025 and enjoyed the opportunity to work collaboratively with students and engage in real-world problem-solving. She decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because she wants to contribute to the program's growth and help students feel comfortable exploring and developing their professional interests.
Sara Tewelde, ’28
Cognitive Science and Health Studies Major
Sara is a sophomore double majoring in Cognitive Science and Health Studies. At UR, they are part of a cognitive neuroscience research lab. Outside of UR, they can be found reading, taking long walks and at her various jobs on campus. Sara participated in A&S NEXT in 2024 and learned so much about the integration of business and healthcare. They decided to become an A&S NEXT Ambassador because they learned so much about leadership while working on the presentation with their teammates and wanted to facilitate a comfortable environment in the upcoming year.