Mayor Benjamin welcomes new Mayor’s Fellows for spring semester

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin welcomes 10 students for the spring semester of the Mayor’s Fellows program. The program provides both undergraduate and graduate-level students the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of how a high-energy local government operates. The fellowship caters to students seeking course credit or to those simply wishing to gain public service experience.

The Mayor’s Fellows assist with research in various areas and provide aid to the Mayor’s staff. To date, the Mayor’s Fellows program has had more than 250 students participate.

This spring’s fellows are:

Bianca Budhai (Charlotte, North Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina where she is majoring in political science and minoring in business administration. Upon graduating in May, she plans to go to law school with the ultimate career goal of practicing law on the corporate or civil level. Through this program, she hopes to improve her professional skills, learn more about the inner workings of a local governmental office and see how this office interacts with the community that she has called home for the past three and a half years.

Deondra Hemphill (Spartanburg, South Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina where she is majoring in political science. Deondra loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. Upon graduating next December, she plans on working toward a career in public administration or becoming involved in city management. Her long-term goal is to be an urban planner. Through this program, Deondra hopes to learn more about the day-to-day work of city government and how it pertains to public administration.

Will Lewis (Charleston, South Carolina) is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, studying both political science and Islamic world studies. Upon graduating, he plans to attend law school with the intent to practice law for the majority of his career unless the opportunity arises to engage in aid work in the Middle East and North Africa. Through this program, Will hopes to gain a new perspective of the nuances of city government and a greater understanding of the dedication required to be a civil servant. When not at the office, Will spends time being a young life leader at Hammond High School, attempting to read theological texts and training for triathlons.

Keyeria Manuel (Neptune, New Jersey) is a senior at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina majoring in criminal justice. After graduating from Benedict College, she plans to attend law school at Temple University. Manuel’s career objective is to become a family court attorney. Through this internship, she hopes to network with people and learn different strategies for interacting with others. Manuel also wants to learn how to find and apply solutions to effectively and efficiently complete different tasks.

DeAndrea Martin (Hopkins, South Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina where she studies political science. Since high school, Martin has been interested in government and the role it plays in education. After graduation, Martin will serve as an AmeriCorps member volunteering her services at a public school. In the future, Martin hopes to obtain a graduate degree in education policy and one day influence the South Carolina educational system for the betterment of its citizens. Through the Mayor’s Fellows program, she will gain a hands-on experience of the inner workings of local government.

Aidan McGreevy (Lusby, Maryland) is a junior at the University of South Carolina. She is pursuing a dual degree in public relations and political science with cognates in history and English. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school for political policy and speechwriting. Her ultimate career goal is to work in the communications and speechwriting department of the White House. As a Fellow, McGreevy hopes to gain a better understanding of the relationship between government officials and their advisors as well as gain insight into the daily routine of local government.

Megan Mellerson (Manning, South Carolina) is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina studying public relations. She is a member of the public relations team for the Garnet and Black campus magazine. Megan loves to write, travel and learn. Her passions lead her to many different pathways, and she is grateful to experience every new opportunity that presents itself. As long as she can help others and work toward the betterment of the people, she is all in. As a Mayor’s Fellow, she is extremely excited to broaden her skillset and gain hands-on experience with how the City of Columbia functions.

Jade Morton (Knoxville, Tennessee) is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina where she is dual majoring in political science and business economics. During the fall and spring semesters, Jade works as a University Ambassador at the Visitor’s Center, where she conducts tours for prospective students. Jade also serves on Student Government at USC as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. Upon graduation, Jade plans to attend law school and someday work in the field of human advocacy. Through the Mayor’s Fellows program, Jade hopes to assist policy staff with research, sharpen her professional skills and learn more about the amazing community here in the City of Columbia.

Miranda Richardson (Sumter, South Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina. She is majoring in political science with a double minor in journalism and women and gender studies. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school or law school to further her education. One day, she hopes to become a political consultant as well as an advocate for women’s rights. As a Mayor’s Fellow, Miranda hopes to enhance her communication skills. She would also like to learn how to prepare and maintain community projects that will ultimately better her community and develop personal growth.

La’Darise Williams (Petticoat Junction, South Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina studying political science. During La’Darise’s free time, he enjoys exercising, eating and spending time with his family. Upon graduating, La’Darise looks to further his education by obtaining a master’s degree in public administration. He looks forward to one day being involved in municipal government, becoming an entrepreneur, running a successful campaign and eventually working his way to Capitol Hill. As a fellow, La’Darise hopes to heighten his networking skills and gain experience on how city departments collaborate with one another.