Mayor Benjamin welcomes new Mayor’s Fellows to City Hall

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin welcomes six students this summer to the Mayor’s Fellows program. The program provides both undergraduate and graduate-level students with 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.

To date, the Mayor’s Fellows program has had more than 200 students participate.

The Mayor’s Fellows will assist with research in various areas and provide aid to the Mayor’s staff. This summer’s fellows are:

Bailey Black (Charlotte, North Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina where she is studying public relations and sport and entertainment management. Upon graduating, she hopes to work as a public relations practitioner for a major league sports team or a government agency. She enjoys being active on campus, volunteering in the community and working. In her free time, she enjoys running, dancing and cuddling with her precious dog, Fitzgerald. As a Mayor’s Fellow, Black hopes to gain first-hand knowledge on how the City of Columbia handles communications and crisis management.

Savanna Fuller (Chapin, South Carolina) is a senior at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is a double major in political science and international relations. Fuller is a student athlete, playing varsity tennis in addition to her studies. In her free time, Fuller enjoys reading, writing, community service and physical exercise through hiking and boxing. She hopes to better understand and assist her community through her time as a Fellow. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Fuller aspires to enter law school with a focus on international law.

Monique P. Garvin (Greenville, South Carolina) is a 2014 graduate of Winthrop University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in professional writing. In the fall, she will begin her final year as a dual Masters of Public Administration and Social Work candidate at the University of South Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys strengthening her Pilates/yoga practice, reading Jodi Picoult books, volunteering, traveling and shopping. Through the Mayor’s Fellows program, Garvin hopes to gain practical experience working in local government while strengthening her understanding of local government policies and the impact they have on South Carolina residents.

Gregory Gravesandy (Columbia, South Carolina) is a junior at Winthrop University where he is majoring in political science and minoring in African-American studies. Upon graduating, he plans to obtain a master’s degree in public administration. His goal is to get involved with city management and to start a non-profit for at-risk youth. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and listening to music. Through this program, Gravesandy hopes to get more involved in the community and get an in-depth experience in city management.

Olivia Reszczynski (Irmo, South Carolina) is a senior at the University of South Carolina where she is double majoring in biochemistry and economics and minoring in business administration. Upon graduating, she plans to attend medical school and become involved in healthcare policy and implementation. Passionate about public health and food access, Olivia wants to gain experience with local government and their initiatives to help address health inequities. She enjoys day trips to Folly Beach and loves to cook.

Tim Sullivan (Bronxville, New York) is a senior from Bronxville, New York majoring in political science at the University of South Carolina. On campus, Sullivan is a University Ambassador, giving tours of campus to prospective students, and serves on the staff of the student body president.  Sullivan is excited to be a part of the work that city government does and learn the day-to-day interworking of a municipality.  After college, he hopes to become more involved in politics and wants to positively impact communities. In his spare time, Sullivan enjoys relaxing with his dog.