As the Director for Leadership Programs, Lisa is responsible for developing Leadership initiatives for Student Engagement.  Her favorite thing about working at VCU is having the opportunity to help students realize their leadership potential and show them how to transform their natural talents into tangible form. Dr. Cooper has been a member of VCU since 2015, having previously worked at Florida State, Mercy College, and Radford University, and was a special education teacher for four years.  She earned a Bachelor of Science from Oakland University, a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University, and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from VCU. When not at work, Lisa enjoys ballroom and Kizomba dancing, baking, and watching her favorite shows on TV.

As the Assistant Director for Student Programming and Campus engagement, Bria is responsible for the leadership, development, and supervision of departmental programming activities on both the Monroe Park and MCV Campus. With 9+ years of Student Affairs experience, Bria has a true passion for student programming and student development. Bria has been at VCU since 2020, having previously served at Hampton University as the Assistant Director for Student Activities. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University in Marketing, a Master of Science in Business Management specialization in Marketing from University of Maryland Global Campus and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational leadership at VCU. When not at work, Bria enjoys doing hair and makeup, singing in the church choir, watching reality TV and volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

As the Assistant Director for Student Government and Engagement, Artemas is responsible for advising the VCU Student Government and the VCU Graduate and Professional Student Senate. He works directly with students to advance the SGA/GPSS mission, and the goals of the University, while focusing on their own relational leadership skills. Artemas has a long history in student affairs that has allowed him to work at some of the most diverse institutions of higher education in the country. His career began in West Virginia where he worked at his Alma Mater, Concord University, then West Virginia State University, an HBCU, where he was also a football coach. He then made his way to the  University of Maryland at College Park where he also received his Masters of Education, specializing in College Student Personnel. Artemas joined the VCU Ramily this past June after working in California at three different CSU campuses; Los Angeles, Dominguez Hills, and Monterey Bay. Artemas enjoys relaxing in his backyard with his chickens, coaching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and live theatre. He says that witnessing the personal development of student leaders brings him the greatest joy in his role as a student affairs practitioner!

As a coordinator at VCU, Vanessa advises the Graduate and Professional Student Programming Board. She helps them develop engaging programs that foster community among graduate and professional students, encouraging them to explore and appreciate Richmond. Vanessa is passionate about ensuring students feel a sense of belonging within the VCU community. After earning her Bachelor's in Psychology from VCU in 2020, and staying actively involved as an undergraduate, she returned to pursue her Master's in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Vanessa hopes to use her skills to support the Richmond community in the future. Outside of work, you might find her walking her dog Sunny, biking around the city, enjoying a local drag show, or relaxing on a patio with friends.

As a coordinator, Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris serves as the advisor to the Activities Programming Board at VCU. With a background in special education, counseling and student leadership. Sensiere brings a unique blend of empathy, organization, and problem-solving skills to her work. Graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in computer science from Virginia Union University, she combines their passion for understanding human behavior with a knack for technology. After being influenced by her own positive experiences in undergrad, Sensiere transitioned to higher education where she found her passion was working in student leadership and programming. She strives to empower students to reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom, by fostering inclusive and supportive environments to everyone she comes in contact with.

As a coordinator for student organizations, Raine supervises the Leadership and Involvement Ambassadors (LIAs) and oversees The Underground Student Organization Resource Center. Before her role at VCU, Raine was an Academic Advisor for Liberty University and an Admission Counselor and Diversity Coordinator for Randolph College. Raine is a Richmond native and VCU Alum, class of 2019, who received her Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies. Raine is now pursuing another degree at VCU, a M.Ed in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Ed. Admin. Raine is an Army veteran and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. During her free time, Raine enjoys spending time with loved ones, binge watching TV shows/movies, knitting, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks.

As coordinator, Justin works with the student organization community in various ways including student organization registration, new student organization orientation, overseeing The Underground Student Organization Resource center, as well as assisting student leaders with their needs. He also advises the TEDxVCU organization and it’s planning team, putting on multiple events TEDx events each year. He earned his Bachelors from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and Masters in Education from Marquette University. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Justin enjoys cooking, reading, dancing, and is currently working on learning how to be more creative through arts and crafts. 

As a coordinator for student organizations, Raine works closely with them in various capacities to provide support and awareness. In addition to her duties, she supervises the Leadership and Involvement Ambassadors (LIA) and oversees The Underground Student Organization Resource Center. Before her role at VCU, Raine was an Academic Advisor for Liberty University and an Admission Counselor and Diversity Coordinator for Randolph College. Raine is a Richmond native and VCU Alum, class of 2019, who received her Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies. Raine is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Higher Education at Mary Baldwin University. Raine is an Army veteran and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. During her free time, Raine enjoys spending time with loved ones, bench-watching TV shows/movies, knitting, listening to podcasts, and listening to audiobooks.

Erin is currently a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Engagement, where she supports various student organizations. She's also pursuing a master's degree in Creative Brand Management at VCU Brandcenter, blending her passions for branding and creative storytelling. In her free time, Erin enjoys attending live shows in the city, reading, and writing.

Nicholas serves as a graduate assistant for student organizations in the Office of Student Engagement. He is a current graduate student in the Da Vinci Center of Innovation working on his Masters in Product Innovation having just graduated from VCU the year prior with a bachelors in Business Management. During his free time, Nicholas enjoys spending his time rock climbing at the Cary Street Gym with the Outdoor Adventure Program and continuously working on his business idea.