Candy Bryant
Administrative Assistant
Candy Bryant is a panhandle-native and proud first-generation college graduate of the University of Florida, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. During undergrad, Candy was highly involved as an official and supervisor for intramural sports at RecSports. Post-grad, Candy was a child welfare case manager and supervisor, serving the Alachua County area. Candy is excited to be part of the Center for Leadership and Service as the admin assistant. Candy is the point of contact for all things vans, building reservations, and front desk staff. In her off time, Candy can be found reading fantasy-romance novels and watching sports.
Rylee Bunton
Graduate Assistant
Rylee Bunton serves as a Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programming like the Impact Conference and Community Leadership Speaker Series. Originally from Tallahassee, Rylee graduated from FSU with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2025. In undergrad, she loved being a part of the campus community through her sorority, clubs, and FSU international programs. She is grateful to continue expanding her community through her role at the Center and is passionate about advocacy and supporting others. When she is not working or studying, she can be found curled up with a good book, cooking, or spending time with her cats, Duck and Goose.
Taylor Colbert
Graduate Assistant
Taylor is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work. She was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and attended the illustrious Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development. After graduating, she briefly returned to Georgia before deciding to further her education and enrolling in the MSW program at Florida State. She is the current Engagement Graduate Assistant in the Center, where she oversees the Community Ambassador Program and FSAB. She has a strong interest in chronic homelessness and social policy and hopes to one day open her own nonprofit organization dedicated to directly serving and advocating for this population. Outside of her academic and professional work, Taylor enjoys reading, hiking and road trips, and is a proud cat mom to her fur baby Cashew.
Ahava Davis
Graduate Assistant
Ahavah is currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling and School Psychology. She was born and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland and went to Towson University in Baltimore to receive her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. After undergrad, she moved to Tallahassee to get her Master's in Sport Psychology. During her master's program, she worked at Florida A&M University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for four sports teams and served more than 60 athletes. Ahavah's career goals are to become a sport psychologist and to continue advocating for underrepresented populations. She is now a Graduate Assistant in the Center and oversees Engage TLH. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants in the area, and watching movies. If you want to find new places to try in the Tallahassee area, follow @havieatz!
Mary Mangan, MSW
Adjunct Instructor
Mary is the instructor for SOW 1054: Human Services Experience, a course for Community Ambassadors, Service Scholars, and other students interested in forming an ethical approach as they engage in service to their community. She previously served as a graduate assistant with the Community Ambassador Program for two years while earning her master's in social work. Mary moved to Tallahassee from the Fort Lauderdale area in 2003 to earn a bachelor’s in psychology from Florida State. She opened a babysitting agency, Seminole Sitters, just before graduating and continues operating it today. Mary has served on the board of directors for several local nonprofits and is now working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to continue providing individual and group psychotherapy. Living in Tallahassee has deepened her love for the outdoors. As a certified Activity Leader with the Florida Trail Association, she loves introducing others to her favorite state parks and hikes. Tallahassee also introduced her to the joys of geocaching and contra dancing, pastimes that have gifted her with community and adventure for years. She is working toward fluency in American Sign Language and always seeking conversation partners.
Maria Paula McIntyre Nwenyi
Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Maria Paula leads the direction and management of all data collection, analysis, and evaluation for over 20 programs hosted by the Center for Leadership & Service. She also supervises a small team of undergraduate researchers through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) who focus on leadership development and nonprofit data needs. Ms. McIntyre Nwenyi enjoys building relationships that support developing community-led initiatives. During her time at the center, she has been dedicated to many programs, starting with youth mentoring and partnering with non-profit organizations across Tallahassee, FL. Maria Paula McIntyre Nwenyi holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Florida State University. Her professional interests are in organizational performance, digital applied social science, and community-engaged research. Born in Cali, Colombia, she loves growing in her identity as a Latina in the United States. In her free time, she enjoys practicing mindfulness, spending quality time with family, learning a new language, or reading about current events in our global community.
Joi N. Phillips, PhD
Director
Dr. Joi N. Phillips currently serves as the director of the center. Dr. Phillips is a very proud alumna of the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and got her start at the center as a graduate assistant at the then-Center for Civic Education and Service. After completing her master’s degree, Dr. Phillips became the coordinator for the Center’s America Reads Mentoring Program while completing doctoral work in the Educational Policy and Evaluation program in the College of Education. Dr. Phillips’ work centers on the relationship between policy and civic participation. Her work is focused on how communities and higher education institutions develop and sustain partnerships. Dr. Phillips is a proud wife and mother of two who enjoys reading fiction novels and trying new recipes and kitchen gadgets. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Emily Raines
Administrative Specialist
Emily Raines is a Tallahassee native. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Emily has been with Florida State University for nine years and has worked with the Florida Center for Reading Research and the Psychology Department. As an administrative specialist, Emily helps with the Travel, Procurement and Human Resources needs of the Center. She enjoys walking the beautiful campus at FSU and looking for birds.
Gen Ramirez
Leadership Development Programs Coordinator
Gen currently serves as the Leadership Programs Coordinator at the Center. She works with our student leadership programs such as Service Scholars, LeaderShape, Leadership LOGIC and others. Aside from programming, Gen develops and facilitates leadership presentations and training sessions upon request. Aside from her general duties, she voluntarily serves as the current advisor for the NeuroUnity Alliance Society here at FSU, whose mission is centered on fostering a space for neurodiverse individuals. You can catch this Tallahassee local and two-time FSU alum (B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Higher Education) writing poetry and hanging out with her little family at the park.
Beatrice Rene
Graduate Assistant
Beatrice René is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology. She is currently completing her Master of Social Work, with aspirations of integrating both disciplines as a forensic social worker. A South Florida native, Beatrice hopes to work across state lines advocating for youthful offenders. Her time working in Washington, D.C., further solidified her commitment to social justice, criminal justice reform, and educational equity. Currently, Beatrice serves as the Graduate Assistant overseeing EngageTLH. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys growing her small but mighty vinyl collection, meal prepping, and making time for intentional solitude.
Paige Rentz
Marketing Manager
Paige Rentz grew up just down the road in Sneads, Florida. After years working as a journalist in several states, she turned her passion for community and storytelling to the center. Paige works with a team of students to tell the stories of the people and programs of the center working to make the world a better place. In addition to her communications role, Paige also works with TEDxFSU and storytelling initiatives on campus. She is a proud alumna of Chipola College, Sarah Lawrence College, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. In her free time, you can find Paige searching for the perfect photo lighting, reading, playing video games, or walking her dogs, Frankie and Johnny.
Rebecca Sardina
Graduate Assistant
Rebecca serves as a graduate assistant, working on programs such as Community Leadership Speaker Series, the CLS Book Club, and Service Scholar program. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work - Clinical and has previously graduated from FSU with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Child Development and English. She is interested in pursuing licensure after receiving her master’s degree and hopes to start her own private practice someday. Rebecca is dedicated to student programming and assisting students in developing their leadership philosophy. In her free time, Rebecca loves to play board games, travel, and trying out a new T.V. Show.
Bridgid Shannon
Assistant Director
Bridgid Shannon has moved over 35 times and lived in nine states. Constants have been marathon dialogues, building relationships, noting social-ecological dynamics, and fostering community-driven, positive, sustainable social change by engaging stakeholder voices across differences through art, literature, and storytelling. English and Intergenerational Studies were Brie’s focus at Rollins College, followed by graduate studies in Children's and Young Adult Literature and Creative Writing at Hollins University (M.A. & M.F.A.). Brie's work in education stretches from 3-year-olds to senior citizens. Most immediately, she taught AP English, Journalism, and Engaged Citizenship through Service-Learning at Pine View School for the Gifted in Sarasota, where she was actively involved in professional development, shaping service-leadership curricula, and the PeaceJam family for more than 10 years. Through her role as the assistant director for community engagement, Brie coordinates the Moellership program and PeaceJam Southeast. When Brie's not serving with students, you can find her reading, researching, writing, or on an adventure with loved ones—camera in hand.
Vanessa Solomon
Business Manager
Vanessa Solomon is a native Georgia Peach who hails from Albany, just a few miles away from Tallahassee, Florida. Over the course of her two-decade career here at Florida State University, she has served in many roles across departments. She is very passionate about the Center for Leadership & Service, where she serves as the Business Manager. Vanessa earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Tallahassee Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Flagler College – Tallahassee Campus. When not serving at FSU, Vanessa enjoys family, concerts, taking selfies with her daughter – Danielle and her dog Remy. She is a die-hard lover of chocolates, cheese, salty chips and road adventures. Her aim is to own a small local business in Tallahassee, Florida.
Brianna Surrency
Engagement Programs Coordinator
Brianna serves as the Engagement Program Coordinator at the Center. She supports initiatives that foster student connection, leadership, and meaningful community involvement. In her role, she helps guide students as they explore how engagement experiences align with their academic, personal, and career goals. A proud Tallahassee native and two-time graduate of Florida State University, Brianna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Family and Child Sciences. While at FSU, she was actively involved in several campus programs, including the CARE Program (’17), Eco-Reps, and served as a manager for the FSU Women’s Basketball team—along with many other leadership and service-based organizations. With over 10,000 hours of service in partnership with a variety of local nonprofits, Brianna brings a deep commitment to community impact, youth development, and social engagement. Her professional interests include youth empowerment, program design, and creating inclusive spaces that encourage reflection and growth. Outside of work, Brianna enjoys traveling, having explored more than seven countries so far—playing golf, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Shannon Vazquez
Learning Programs Coordinator
Shannon serves as the Learning Programs Coordinator at the Center. She supports the development and facilitation of programs that center student voice, reflection, and community engagement. She also provides advising to help students connect service learning with their academic, professional, and personal goals. As a proud Florida A&M University alumna, Shannon brings experience in psychoeducational assessment, youth development, and community-based learning across both clinical and higher education spaces. Her professional interests include identity development, curriculum design, and building community partnerships. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys watching, attending and enthusiastically discussing women's basketball. She's also a proud cat lover and volunteers with a local animal rescue organization.
