Welcome Founding Member Donielda Tripp-Leino
Donielda Tripp-Leino is an experienced academic professional who serves as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences within the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Before stepping into this role in 2023, she contributed to the university community as a transfer advisor. Her diverse professional background spans public, private, and non-profit organizations, including valuable time spent as a training specialist and advisor for Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP, Inc), a local non-profit whose Mission is to help high school students and their families maneuver through the college financial aid process. Deeply rooted in the VCU community, she holds a Master of Education in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from the university, and her family boasts multiple VCU alumni.
In addition to her post-graduate work at VCU, this New Jersey native earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Her passion for physical education and wellness extends well beyond her academic advising duties; she is a dedicated former student-athlete and continues to find time to get in the pool. She values her family; husband John and daughters Ana and Marina, her close friendships, and her shared love of Ocracoke Island, NC where family has spent many summers vacationing.
