VCU Business

Martina Demory
Student of the Year

Martina is a senior majoring in marketing with a concentration in product and brand management and will graduate in May 2025 with a 3.9 GPA. A transfer student and Dean’s Scholar, she is also earning a certificate in product innovation. As an active leader in multiple business school organizations and a Business Student Ambassador, Martina uplifts peers through mentorship and inspiring LinkedIn content. Recognized by marketing faculty for her creativity and infectious energy, she is determined to climb the technology and marketing ladder, eventually starting her own business. She lives by the mantra, "Be comfortable with being uncomfortable," constantly pushing her limits—whether in the classroom, in leadership or by jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet.

Olivia Ojeda
Distinguished Service Award

Olivia is a marketing major with a minor in sales and serves as president of the Professional Selling Team. As a founding member, she spearheaded the team’s official recognition and built a thriving community of young professionals across disciplines. Under her leadership, the team has impacted more than 50 students, helping them connect, grow and compete nationally. As she prepares to graduate, Olivia takes pride in the legacy of collaboration and excellence she has built—one shaped by the mentorship of faculty and the support of her peers at the VCU School of Business. 

Evan Torpy
Student of the Year

Evan will graduate in May 2024 with a marketing degree, concentrating in product and brand management, and a 3.9 GPA. He is actively involved in the VCU School of Business, frequently representing the school and the Department of Marketing at various events. Evan’s LinkedIn presence showcases his empathy and talent for building connections, often highlighting the accomplishments and influence of his peers and VCU faculty. His mission work in Colombia provided valuable insights that he applied to projects in his international marketing class, earning admiration from faculty for his diligence, hard work and the exceptional quality of his work. After graduation, Evan plans to pursue ministry while continuing his role in merchandise with the Flying Squirrels.

Samhita Bollineni
Distinguished Service Award

Samhita will graduate in May 2024 with a marketing major, concentrating in marketing communication and analytics, and a minor in sales, earning a 3.9 GPA. She aims to pursue a career in financial or technical selling, leveraging her ability to harness analytical insights and relational selling tactics for success. Samhita is a key member of the River City Rainmakers sales team and received Winner’s Circle recognition at the “Selling with the Bulls” sales competition in Tampa, placing in the top nine among 126 competitors. Her team also secured a third-place finish. In addition to her sales achievements, Samhita is actively involved in several notable organizations, serving as chair of marketing for Women in Business, participating as a Business Student Ambassador and being a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity. Faculty in the Department of Marketing commend her collaborative spirit and creativity, which have been hallmarks of her success.

Mynda Gentry
Distinguished Service Award

Mynda will graduate in May 2024 with a degree in international management and a minor in marketing insights, earning a 3.9 GPA. As president of the VCU chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), she has led efforts to develop a strategic plan, grow membership and enhance outreach through social media. In spring 2024, she represented VCU at the AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans. In addition to her leadership in AMA, Mynda serves as treasurer of the VCU Club Field Hockey Team and volunteers at the VCU Learning Garden. Previously, she participated in the Transfer Leadership Program and served as vice president of professional development for the VCU chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon. In summer 2023, she further enriched her education by studying abroad in Athens, Greece. The Department of Marketing recognizes and appreciates Mynda’s exceptional service and involvement in a wide range of activities at VCU.

Abigail Simmons
Student of the Year

Abi Simmons will graduate in May 2023 with a marketing degree and a perfect 4.0 GPA. Passionate about consumer analytics, she plans to pursue a career in market research after graduation. Her marketing analytics instructor described her course project as exceptional, reflecting her dedication and skill. Abi has completed two marketing internships, including a market research internship with DAP Global last summer. In addition to her academic achievements, she is deeply involved in the VCU community. She serves as the marketing director for TEDxVCU, a role she has held for two consecutive years, and is an active member of the coed marketing and sales fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon. Her contributions demonstrate both leadership and a commitment to excellence.

Tim Phu
Distinguished Service Award

Tim Phu will graduate with a marketing degree, concentrating in product and brand management, a minor in sales and a da Vinci Product Innovation certificate, earning a 3.9 GPA. A transfer student from Northern Virginia Community College, Tim was awarded the STARS Scholarship upon joining VCU. During his time at VCU, he has been actively involved as a Marketing Ambassador and a member of the American Marketing Association, Vietnamese Student Association, Filipino Americans Coming Together and Chinese Student Association. Professionally, he gained experience as a marketing technology intern at Cvent and as a Samsung tour ambassador. Tim is excited to pursue a career in product marketing and is deeply grateful for the continuous support of his family and friends.

Christina Veha
Student of the Year

Christina Veha, a first-generation college student from Woodbridge, Virginia, graduated in December 2022 with a degree in marketing. During her time at VCU, she was actively involved in Women in Business, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the American Marketing Association. Christina was selected for Target’s Stores Executive Internship Program, which she completed in summer 2022. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in marketing. She is especially grateful for the unwavering support of her family and friends throughout her college journey.

Bryce Hayes
Distinguished Service Award

Bryce Hayes has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during his time at VCU, serving as president of the American Marketing Association and philanthropy chair for the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. Marketing faculty have praised his positive attitude, professionalism, intelligence and strong engagement with his coursework. Bryce is especially grateful to Professor Katie Gilstrap for her mentorship and support throughout his academic journey. Graduating with a major in marketing, concentration in product and brand management and a minor in fashion merchandising, he is pursuing opportunities in the advertising and fashion industries with aspirations to become a creative director. He also plans to leverage his marketing and leadership skills to contribute to environmental reform, combining his passion for creativity and sustainability.

Austin Evans
Student of the Year

Austin Evans is recognized by the Department of Marketing for his outstanding academic achievements and strong work ethic as a marketing major with a concentration in general marketing. Reflecting on his time at VCU, Austin shares, "I am so grateful for everything the professors, faculty and staff of the School of Business and the Department of Marketing have done for me!" He embodies the EPIC qualities emphasized by the School of Business—engagement, intellectual curiosity and creativity. Austin has been a role model for his peers, often taking on leadership roles in group projects and class discussions while offering support to fellow students. His academic work includes marketing projects for the VET Fund in the Integrated Marketing Communications course and assisting St. Andrew’s School with marketing strategies in the Information for Marketing Decisions course. He is also a proud recipient of the Altria Scholars Scholarship. Outside of academics, Austin is passionate about skateboarding and weightlifting, reflecting his commitment to health and fitness. Graduating in May 2021, he plans to pursue a career in marketing and real estate in the Richmond area. The faculty of the Department of Marketing are confident that Austin has a bright and successful future ahead.

Jasmine Demory
Distinguished Service Award

Jasmine has demonstrated exceptional leadership and engagement throughout her academic journey. As a marketing major with a concentration in marketing communication and analytics, she has been an active member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, the collegiate sales and marketing fraternity, serving as Vice President of Professional Development before taking on the role of President. Jasmine is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her accomplishments include representing VCU at numerous sales competitions, earning second place in Pi Sigma Epsilon’s Regional Speakers Competition and competing in the International Collegiate Sales Competition. She also participated in VCU’s Business Ethics Competition in 2019. Jasmine’s dedication has been recognized with the 2019-20 VCU Academy of Selling Scholarship for her academic excellence, extracurricular involvement in sales activities and career aspirations in professional selling. Beyond academics, Jasmine works as a program assistant for The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at VCU and as an office manager for Livingston Fireplaces. She also runs an Etsy shop specializing in custom cups and takes on freelance projects, including cosplay costume creation and graphic design. After graduating in August 2021, Jasmine plans to pursue a project management certification and is excited to embark on a career in sales management or social media management. Her diverse skills and achievements position her for a bright future.

Melissa Denisco-Morici
Student of the Year

Melissa will graduate in December 2020 with a perfect 4.00 GPA, a testament to her dedication and academic excellence. She has achieved notable success in sales competitions through the American Marketing Association (AMA) and is recognized within the Department of Marketing for her outstanding work in the product and brand management concentration. In addition to her marketing studies, Melissa pursued a certificate in product innovation through the VCU da Vinci Center, further demonstrating her commitment to expanding her expertise. She has completed several internships during her college career, including roles with the Institute of Contemporary Art, The Jefferson Hotel and Weave Insights. Melissa excelled in the 2019 International Consulting Program, where she and her team developed a market penetration plan for Amarillo Limon. Melissa has been an exceptional role model for the Department of Marketing, embodying professionalism and excellence throughout her time at VCU.

Radha V. Kapadia
Distinguished Service Award

Radha has exemplified leadership and dedication throughout her journey at VCU, taking on numerous impactful roles. She has served as a Business Student Ambassador, Marketing Ambassador, president of the American Marketing Association, marketing head for Hyperloop and president and founder of Women in Business. Radha is graduating with a major in marketing, concentration in product and brand management, a minor in fashion merchandising and three certificates from the VCU da Vinci Center. Her extensive internship experiences have been pivotal in shaping her career path. Among her many roles, her internships with The Martin Agency as a strategic planner and Gyrus Systems as a SaaS product marketer and market researcher stand out as particularly influential. These experiences, coupled with her coursework, have prepared her for her next step: starting her career as a product manager with Western Digital. Radha’s accomplishments reflect her drive, versatility and commitment to excellence.