Naiya Casimiro ’27 spent her summer asking big questions: How can government make energy more affordable? How can policy better serve rural communities? And, perhaps most importantly, how can she play a role in making those things happen?
As a Governor’s Fellow in the administration of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Casimiro got a behind-the-scenes look at how those questions are tackled in state government—and a chance to begin figuring out where she fits into the work of public service.
Casimiro, a political science major and member of the Cormier Honors College from Prince William County, Virginia, was assigned to the office of Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond, a newly-created cabinet-level position in the administration.
“It was great to work with a brand new office and be the first Governor’s Fellow for energy,” Casimiro said. “This was my first time being involved with the energy issue. I learned a lot about coal mine methane emissions and distributed energy resources. I also looked at ways to increase affordability for Virginians.”
The prestigious Governor’s Fellows Program places talented rising college seniors, recent college graduates and graduate students within the Office of the Governor and state cabinet agencies for an eight-week paid fellowship.
Casimiro said the immersive experience gave her a new perspective on state government and helped solidify her plans for the future as she looks toward graduation in May. She is leaning toward pursuing a master’s in public administration before attending law school. One thing, however, is certain: She wants to pursue a career in public service.
“I want to find innovative ways to funnel services back to those who really need the most help,” she said. “We need to get creative in finding a new way to do things. That’s definitely how I see public service.”
Casimiro was one of 30 fellows selected from a competitive pool of applicants representing every region of Virginia. Established in 1982 by then-Gov. Charles S. Robb, the program offers hands-on experience in the governor’s administration, leadership development and insights into executive decision-making.
“Our Commonwealth is home to some of the brightest young minds in the world,” said Spanberger. “The Governor’s Fellows Program brings together talented students from across Virginia and introduces them to careers serving their neighbors as part of state government. Our fellows not only gain invaluable experience through this program, but I am also confident that they will influence positive change as we work to make Virginia stronger, safer and more affordable for all.”
Earlier this year, Casimiro was selected as Longwood’s nominee for the highly competitive national Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
Previously, she served as an intern in the Prince Edward County Administrator’s Office. Through that experience, she learned how policy can help change lives for the better at the local level, particularly in rural areas where resources are often limited. That internship served as a catalyst for her calling to public service.
When she applied to be a Governor’s Fellow, she saw the opportunity as a natural complement to her local government internship and a chance to learn more about state-level policy.
It’s one of those experiences that I’m going to look back on and honestly never forget. I really wanted to put myself in a position where I knew I might be uncomfortable and I knew I would grow. I definitely feel like I have.
Naiya Casimiro '27
“It’s one of those experiences that I’m going to look back on and honestly never forget,” Casimiro said. “I really wanted to put myself in a position where I knew I might be uncomfortable and I knew I would grow. I definitely feel like I have.”
As part of the program, fellows hear from guest speakers in state government and visit state agencies and historic sites. Among the places Casimiro visited were the Port of Virginia, Eastern State Hospital, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Jamestown Foundation, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
During the visit to the state’s highest court, Casimiro connected with Justice Stephen McCullough, who offered her career encouragement. She even got to try on a judicial robe and sit on the bench—an especially thrilling experience for someone considering law school.
She also connected with a few fellow Lancers during her experience, including Davis Gammon ’16, who serves as deputy legislative director in the governor’s administration.
But her favorite part of the experience was the project she worked on with a group of fellow Governor’s Fellows. The program requires fellows to work in groups to craft a policy proposal and present it at the conclusion of the fellowship. Her group was tasked with addressing K-12 teacher recruitment and retention, with a proposal focused on Region 8 and Southside Virginia—a full-circle moment for Casimiro given her experience in Prince Edward’s local government.
“Being able to work on that gave me even more passion because now I can bring back ideas and share these things with those who launched my love for public service,” she said.
In addition to sharpening her networking skills, Casimiro especially valued the fellowship’s opportunity to connect with peers from colleges and universities across the state who share her passion for public service.
“In my essay for my application I said I wanted to leave this program feeling informed, and ready to bring change back to my community,” she said. “That’s exactly how I feel.”