The Team
Stephanie Rizzi
Project Director
Stephanie Miller Rizzi became Project Gabriel's director 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.
Tyvon L. Bates
Community Liaison
Tyvon L. Bates serves as the Community Liaison for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Project Gabriel, where he helps bridge the gap between the university and the greater Richmond community. Drawing on two decades of experience in politics, community engagement, and youth development, Tyvon works to build meaningful partnerships that honor history, expand opportunity, and inspire collaboration.
Before joining VCU, Tyvon spent years traveling and working across the country on campaigns and initiatives that strengthened communities and improved access to critical services. His leadership helped expand Medicaid in Virginia in 2018, providing thousands of Virginians with healthcare coverage, and his work in youth development earned national recognition for innovative and inclusive recruitment practices.
Tyvon is passionate about connecting people, ideas, and institutions to create lasting impact. Whether he’s organizing community dialogues, supporting students, or helping tell stories that bring Richmond’s history to life, his goal is always the same — to make sure every voice is heard and every community feels seen.
Casey Overton
Project Assistant
Casey Overton is a youth research advisor, faith writer, and inclusive land use advocate living in Powhatan lands now known as Richmond, Virginia. Their nonprofit work in collaboration with marginalized communities seeks social transformation through the wisdom of Black and Queer traditions. Her experience in youth development, youth housing justice advocacy, higher education, and community organizing informs her focus on Black kinship and youth liberation with particular concern for land and housing justice.