Research Institute ForSocial Equity

Paris Woods is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University and is also pursuing a certificate in Urban Revitalization. A Richmond native and committed public servant, Woods is passionate about creating more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities through public policy and community engagement. Her professional and academic experiences span sustainability, urban development, social equity, and local government, including work supporting research on green space and community resilience in Richmond, as well as serving as the Mass Engagement Intern for 3rd District Representative Councilwoman Kenya Gibson. As an L. Douglas Wilder Graduate Fellow with the Research Institute for Social Equity, Woods is eager to deepen understanding of how research, policy, and public service are leveraged to address inequities and improve the quality of life for communities across Virginia. Woods career aspirations are to ultimately contribute to the development and implementation of policies that create change by serving in positions of strategic public leadership. Woods expects to graduate from VCU in May 2027.