October 9, 2025
2025-26 Wilder Fellows Allen and Peterson join Cameron staff
During the 2025-26 academic year, The Cameron Foundation welcomes Destinee Allen and Javion Peterson, two outstanding graduate students, to the Foundation’s staff through Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowships. This competitive program connects top graduate students with government, nonprofit and public interest firms to provide the students greater exposure to their fields of interest as well as opportunities for professional work experience. This marks the first year that Cameron is a host employer for participants in the Wilder Fellows program.
A native of Henrico County, Virginia, Destinee Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia as well as an associate’s degree in business administration from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. She is a Wilder Fellow through VCU’s graduate criminal justice program. During her time at The Cameron Foundation, she hopes to assist and evaluate initiatives that align with her interests in mental health and criminal justice. She has been assigned to help develop program evaluation tools as well as participate in Cameron’s grant review processes.
Destinee B. Allen, VCU Wilder Graduate Scholar Fellow
Javion Peterson is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from VCU after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies with a minor in special education from Longwood University. Originally from Stafford, Virginia, Peterson also has taught in Richmond, Henrico and Goochland schools. He is passionate about civic engagement, health equity, social justice and K-12 education policy. With a drive for excellence and high aspirations dedicated to building vibrant, sustainable communities, Javion seeks to deepen his expertise in research methods and data analytics through his Fellowship, expanding both his skills and his network to drive meaningful change.
Javion T. Peterson, VCU Wilder Graduate Scholar Fellow
Cameron President Nadine Marsh-Carter, JD, underscored the value of hosting the Fellows, saying, “Our staff is excited to work with Destinee and Javion through the Wilder Fellows program. We already see how they have come in with fresh perspectives, strong analytical skills, and a genuine commitment to public service. We’re grateful to have this opportunity to support a program that cultivates the next generation of change-makers.”