Skip to main content
UVA Alumni Association logo
Donate

Alumni Profiles

Maggie Thornton (Col ’08, Educ ’11, ’21)

To introduce our new Education Alumni Professional Network, we’re spotlighting Maggie Thornton, a triple Hoo whose journey from teaching high school English in Charlottesville to becoming an assistant professor of educational leadership reflects the many paths a career in education can take. In this Q&A, Maggie shares why community matters, what she hopes this network can become, and why now is the perfect time for UVA alumni in education to get involved.

Laura Fleury (Col ’91)

Laura Fleury (Col ’91)

When it comes to networking, UVA alumna Laura Fleury (Col class of ’91) believes the most powerful connections start with curiosity and authenticity. After more than three decades as a senior unscripted television executive at A+E Networks—where storytelling and human connection were at the heart of her work—Laura has built a second chapter as a […]

Rachelle Turiello

Rachelle Turiello (Col ’24)

Rachelle Turiello (Col ’24) was a panelist at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with her about the UVA experiences that have prepared her for and supported her through her entrepreneurial journey and the advice she’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Billy Howell

Billy Howell (Batten ’18)

Billy Howell (Batten ’18) was a guest speaker at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with him about the UVA experiences that have prepared him for and supported him through his entrepreneurial journey and the advice he’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Ben Holmes

Ben Holmes (Engr ’09)

Ben Holmes (Engr ’09) was our keynote speaker at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with him about the UVA experiences that have prepared him for and supported him through his entrepreneurial journey and the advice he’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Annie Page

Annie Page (Col ’17, Darden ’23)

Annie Page (Col ’17, Darden ’23) was a panelist at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with her about the UVA experiences that have prepared her for and supported her through her entrepreneurial journey and the advice she’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

William Chichester and Patrick Payne

William Chichester (Col ’05) & Patrick Payne (Col ’97)

William Chichester and Patrick Payne don’t shy away from the tough conversations about hiring. In this spotlight they cut through the hype around AI to share what’s actually changing, what’s staying the same, and why relationships still matter more than ever in today’s job market. Their candid perspective offers a preview of the bold insights they’ll bring as hosts of Bald, Bold, & Hired on February 19—an interactive session designed to spark honest discussion, fresh thinking, and meaningful alumni connections.

Erin McDermott

Erin McDermott (Col ’05, Educ ’06)

While at UVA, Erin McDermott could often be found making jewelry for friends and selling her handmade pieces at local boutiques. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a calling. Now the founder of Erin McDermott Jewelry in Charlotte, NC, she recently designed a UVA-inspired necklace to celebrate her Reunions year. Erin reflects on […]

Anne Marie Morán (Col ’08)

Anne Marie Morán is the founder of Ola Bola, a line of lightweight, water-resistant, and stylish bean bags. She was one of our 2024 12 Gifts of Hooville partners, and chatted with us about all things UVA and her journey to create Ola Bola.

Brandon Wooten (Col ’04), Brad Uhl (Col ’07), and Dan FitzHenry (Darden ’18)

Brandon Wooten (Col ’04), Brad Uhl (Col ’07), and Dan FitzHenry (Darden ’18)

Brandon Wooten, Brad Uhl, and Dan FitzHenry are the trio behind Grit Coffee, which started right near UVA in 2008. They’ve since expanded their food & beverage ventures to include Charlottesville-area favorites Broadcloth, The Wool Factory, Selvedge Brewing, The Workshop, and Snowing In Space. Brandon, Brad, and Dan partnered with us for our 12 Gifts of Hooville in 2024. Get to know a little bit more about them.