The Team
Stephanie Rizzi
Project Director
Stephanie Miller Rizzi joined the Division of Inclusive Excellence after serving for two years as the Interim Associate Dean of University College, where she taught Focused Inquiry for 17 years. Before transitioning to Focused Inquiry, she spent 11 years in K-12 education and 10 years as an adjunct in the VCU English Department.
Rizzi attended Virginia Commonwealth University as both an undergraduate and graduate student, majoring in Mass Communications/News Editorial and English Composition, respectively. She also holds a 30-credit hour certificate in English Education. She has received several honors, including the VCU School of Education Alumni Scholarship, the University College Service Award, the VCU Black History in the Making Award, and the Black Education Association Rising Star Award.
Active in her community, Rizzi has volunteered for various organizations, including serving as past president of The Randolph Community Group, past secretary of The Richmond Crusade for Voters, and as a member of The Richmond Transparency and Accountability Project, RISE for Youth, and the Greater Richmond YMCA. Her primary advocacy interests focus on education and affordable housing.
For the past four years, Rizzi has served as the 5th District Representative on the Richmond Public Schools School Board, including 18 months as chair. Recently re-elected, Rizzi will enter her second term as representative for the 5th District. Throughout her tenure, she has fought to support educational innovation and ensure equitable opportunities for marginalized communities. Rizzi credits her advocacy success to her close relationship with her ancestors and is deeply honored to serve as the inaugural Project Director for Project Gabriel.
I-Kamilah Hiwott
Graduate Assistant
I-Kamilah Hiwott is an aspiring Africana studies professor with a passion for exploring the rich tapestry of African and diasporic cultures, histories and social movements. Hiwott’s academic journey as a double major in African American Studies and History has been plenty with fellowships and internships, such as her time with the East Marshall Street Well Project and the Inclusive Excellence Fellowship. She also completed an internship with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs RISE Institute to research and provide resources on the strengths and accessibility of Black Richmonders. As a 2024 recipient of the VCU Black History in the Making Award, Kamilah looks forward to a rewarding career in research and education beyond her undergraduate degree.