Welcome Perkins Fellows class of '23!
Introducing the Perkins Fellows, 2022-2023
We are thrilled to welcome our new class of Perkins Fellows! Perkins Fellows explore vocation through weekly community engagement. Named after the great Christian community development leader John M. & Vera Mae Perkins, this program builds bridges between the University and the community through mutually-beneficial partnerships. Perkins Fellows are placed with a community partner to connect their learning through service and theological reflection. Fellows receive mentoring and training in cross-cultural engagement and community development, with an eye towards vocational discernment in these fields of work.
Ashley Prillerman
Ashley is a third year from Southern California, born and raised. She double majors in Anthropology with a Concentration in Medical Anthropology and Archaeology. She participates in some clubs and organizations called Chi Alpha, BRIDGE -- Bringing Race into Dialogue through Group Engagement, and OAAA Peer Advisor. In her free time, you can probably find her napping, but if not she likes to hike, crotchet, cook, and read. She gets the wonderful opportunity to serve with Kindness Cafe. Kindness Cafe is a cafe located in the YMCA that hires and supports adults with cognitive disabilities. She is super excited to serve with a staff whose main focus is to love and support others and to get to know and love the staff members she will be working with.
Grace Jackson
Grace is a second year from Falls Church, Virginia hoping to major in Global Studies, Batten, and/or a social science. She loves to be outside, be creative, and have good conversations. She is learning what it means to love "the least of these" like Jesus did and will be serving with Abundant Life Ministries.
Porter Brown
Porter is a 3rd year from Greenville, South Carolina majoring in Architectural History and Spanish. He loves anything outdoors, especially skiing and fly fishing whenever he gets the chance! His community partner is Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/ Albemarle (LVCA). He has worked with LVCA in the past, and is excited to continue English and citizenship tutoring this year. He decided to work with LVCA to use his Spanish ability to assist others working towards English proficiency, which has also allowed him to practice my Spanish along the way!
Megnot Abebe
Megnot is a second year from Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She’s planning to major in Commerce and Global Studies and enjoys having long conversations with people, spending time with friends and painting. She will be working with Abundant Life, who she chose to partner with “because of their holistic approach to serving community. They do not only offer opportunities of support, but engage community members by becoming one of them.”
Ava Flory
Ava is a second year at UVA planning to major in Commerce with a minor in Studio Art. She is from Falls Church, VA where she lived with her loving family and fluffy dog. When she’s not planning game nights or redesigning her room, you can find her sketching on the lawn, trying new foods, or exploring Charlottesville with friends. She has always been interested in how art can be coupled with business to enhance communities. Ava was very excited when she discovered IX Art Park and how they empower community through creativity. She looks forward to her year of volunteering with them and how she can grow through the process.
Baillie McNitt
Baillie is a third year studying Public Policy and Leadership and History. She hails from Annapolis, MD on the Chesapeake Bay, but loves her second home in Charlottesville. Although she loves VA hiking, her favorite place is the beach where she likes to surf and sail as well as enjoy a lovely beach read. She’ll be serving with The Haven, a day shelter serving folks struggling with homelessness.