Tomika L. Brown (she/her) leads strategic efforts in strengthening relationships between the University and high-need high schools and communities across the Commonwealth, with the goal of increase access to educational opportunity. She brings nearly two decades of experience leading education access initiatives that expand opportunity for students from marginalized and underserved communities. A proud graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A. in History), she began her career as a history teacher in Richmond Public Schools before moving into college access and career readiness leadership roles in Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and Virginia.
Her work has spanned coordinating academic and financial aid support for students experiencing housing instability, directing large-scale scholarship and internship programs, and cultivating partnerships across schools, community-based organizations, and state agencies. Before joining UVA Enrollment, Tomika served as Director of ECMC’s The College Place–Richmond and Alexandria, where she led statewide projects to advance postsecondary readiness. She also holds graduate degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Pennsylvania. She serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters Services and Project HOPE Advisory Board, mentors through Shineforth’s Project LIFE Foster Youth Program, and is an active member of the Virginia College Access Network (VCAN) and the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC).
In her role as Director of All Virginia, Tomika serves students by:
- Leading strategic partnerships with high schools, community organizations, and state agencies to expand college access opportunities statewide.
- Designing and implementing programs that help under-represented students navigate the college admissions and financial aid process.
- Providing professional development and resources to counselors and educators supporting first-generation and low-income students.
- Overseeing student engagement initiatives that strengthen college-going cultures across Virginia.
- Representing UVA in state and regional forums focused on educational access and postsecondary success.
- Guiding a dedicated professional team committed to service, collaboration, and measurable impact across the Commonwealth.
Kalea Obermeyer (she/her) coordinates on-Grounds experiences for students from All Virginia (AVA), the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC), and Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools, as well as supervises All Virginia's team of student ambassadors.
Kalea joins the team with an extensive background in program coordination and student support. Most recently, she served as a Program Coordinator for Hoos First at the University of Virginia, where she was instrumental in building programming for first-generation college students and collaborating with offices and departments across the University. Additionally, Kalea was a Presidential Fellow in UVA’s Office of the President, where she engaged the student body and directed significant community events. She also served as a Pathways Adviser with AdviseVA at Charlottesville High School for two years, and she holds her time working in a high school close to her heart! Kalea received her B.S. in Education from UVA and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Higher Education in the hopes of achieving "Double Hoo" status.
- Destiny Witcher (she/her)
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My name is Destiny and I'm a second year from Martinsville High. I plan to major in psychology with a minor in health and wellbeing. Other than being an ambassador, I love to hang out with my friends and do creative type things like drawing or crocheting. UVA piqued my interest because they had a good financial aid package, but I chose them because the community and student body here is more than welcoming. Everyone here wants each other to succeed!
- Aran Jothi (he/him)
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Hi! I'm Aran, a second-year computer science student from Lynchburg, where I attended Heritage High School. In my free time, I enjoy running as part of UVA's club running team and spending time outdoors. I decided to come to UVA because I felt like the community was very welcoming, and I enjoyed the scenery that the campus has to offer.
- Tesher Baer (he/him)
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My name is Tesher, and I am a third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences double-majoring in Global Security and Justice & French with a minor in Data Science. Some of the organizations I am involved in on Grounds include the Cavalier Marching Band, TEDxUVA, and the Humanitas Journal of Human Rights. One of my favorite things to do is to just walk around Grounds listening to music or a podcast, especially in the Fall. I decided to attend UVA after graduating from James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, VA because of the generous financial aid and the unmatched sense of community, and it is the best decision I have ever made!
- CJ Talley (he/him)
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Hey everyone! My name is CJ, I'm a 2nd year Sociology major from Martinsville High School. I love being an ambassador, but I am also involved with the Undergraduate Black Law Student Association besides that I love to listen to all types of music and to travel. I chose UVA because of how enticing the financial aid package was and it felt like the perfect launchpad for personal growth before diving into law school.
- Phylisha Taylor (she/her)
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Hi! My name is Phylisha Taylor, and I am a second year at UVA. I am from Hopewell, Virginia and I graduated from Hopewell High School. I am going to major in cognitive science or global public health with a minor in business. Aside from AVA I am also a peer health educator for Planned Parenthood Generation Action, BEES member, National Society for Black Women in Medicine Member, Society for Culturally Competent Pre Health Student Member, and CNA. In my free time I enjoy baking for friends and spending time with them at my apartment, on the lawn, or library. I decided to come to UVA because it was my number one choice as I wanted to attend a great school in state.
- Kymia Pitzer (she/her)
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Hi! My name is Kymia Pitzer, and I’m a fourth-year student at UVA from Martinsville, Virginia. I graduated from Bassett High School and am currently majoring in Psychology with a minor in African and African American Studies. On Grounds, I serve as a Peer Advisor and am actively involved in Mocha, Wocha, and Pocha. When I’m not busy with classes or organizations, I love trying new foods and traveling whenever I get the chance. I chose to attend UVA because they provided the financial support I needed to attend a top-tier university without the constant worry of how I’d afford it, and that meant everything to me.
- Adam Mounkaila (he/him)
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Hey! My name is Adam Mounkaila and I am from Martinsville High School. I am a second year at UVA, planning on majoring in Psychology on a Pre-med track. I decided to go to UVA because I vauled both my education and the cost of my education, and UVA knocked out two birds with one stone. Some clubs/activities I am involved in include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., UVA Navigators, and the SpongeBob club. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and hanging out with friends and family.
- Jenny Zhang (she/her)
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Hello everyone! My name is Jenny Zhang and I graduated from Heritage High School in Lynchburg, VA. I am currently a second-year majoring in kinesiology and minoring in psychology! Outside of academics, some hobbies I enjoy include playing tennis, dancing (just for funzies), and going on spontaneous side quests with my friends. If I am not involved with any of those activities, you would most likely find me working on cultural events for the Taiwanese Student Association or attending kinesiology-related clubs! I decided to come to UVA because of the financial aid package and the beautiful architecture that UVA has. Once I stepped onto Grounds, I knew it was the school for me!
- Yen Nhi (she/her)
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Yen Nhi is a third-year student studying public health with an interest in technology and journalism. Yen Nhi joined UVA last fall after transferring from VCU and has quickly made UVA her home. She wants other prospective transfer students to feel the same, which is why she decided to become an Ambassador. Yen Nhi is studying abroad in London this summer and would be happy to connect with any students interested in going global while in college!