2026 Class of Fellows

Antonina Lucido graduated from Lipscomb University in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. While at Lipscomb, Antonina served on the Presidential Ambassador’s Council, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council, and as a new student orientation leader. Throughout her collegiate experience, Antonina received the John W. Burgess Award for Outstanding Scholarship for her academic contributions and was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha national honors society.

Prior to the Governor’s Management Fellowship, Antonina’s professional experience includes working as a research assistant to Lipscomb’s distinguished political science faculty, where she conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis of U.S. foreign aid allocations. In addition, Antonina worked in Lipscomb’s Academic Success Center. Originally from Rochester, Michigan, she developed a heart for the people of Tennessee because she found her passion for public service while living here. In her free time, you can find Antonina reading a book, listening to a podcast, and spending time with her close friends and family.

Hayden Pierce graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies, economics, and Spanish. His studies explored the impact of foreign investment on community development, particularly through corporate social responsibility. Hayden spent a semester abroad in Ecuador, where he performed thesis research on El Mirador, a Chinese copper mine in the Amazon rainforest. 

As a student, Hayden held various leadership positions in the Associated Student Body and was elected by his peers as Senator of the Year in his final term. His advocacy primarily centered on affordable housing, working with the university and the City of Oxford to develop housing solutions for students and community members. Hayden also held leadership positions in Model United Nations, UNICEF, and the Economics Club. 

Hayden was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. He found a passion for state government assisting with grants management and research projects during two summer internships with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In his free time, Hayden enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and going to concerts

Isabella Griffis graduated as a first-generation college student with Latin honors from The University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) in May of 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in language and world business, concentrating in French & francophone studies and international business, and minored in women, gender, and sexuality studies.

During her time at UTK, Isabella served as a council member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council as a representative of the World Languages and Cultures (WLC) department. Additionally, she held the position of public relations and social media coordinator for the Language & World Business Student Association and was a member of Pi Delta Phi, the University’s National French Honor Society.

Isabella’s commitment to excellence has earned her several prestigious honors, including the Volunteers of Distinction award, the WLC Outstanding Graduate award, and the WLC Honors Graduate award for graduating at the top 5% of her class within her program.

In her free time, Isabella enjoys walks through the city with her pup, cooking, and thrifting cool, vintage pieces.

Jack McDonnell graduated Magna Cum Laude from Union University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. While at Union, Jack traveled as a competitor on the debate team, worked as a barista on campus, and served as a resident advisor for his building. He won multiple tournaments and more than ten national titles on the International Public Debate Association circuit. Additionally, Jack was awarded the John W. Burgess award for academic achievement within his major, the Hattie Thomassen Spirit of Debate award, and the award for best paper in political theory.

Jack grew up in Wears Valley, Tennessee, and enjoys volunteering for political campaigns and charity organizations. In his free time, Jack loves discussing literature, making coffee, cheering on the Vols, and playing racket sports.

KeiAndra Harper graduated from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, with minors in anthropology and women, gender, and sexuality studies. At ETSU, she was a part of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program, led campus visits as an expedition leader, and held multiple leadership roles as a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

As a student, KeiAndra had several unique experiences including spending a semester studying abroad in Kristansand, Norway, interning with a domestic violence prevention program in Washington, D.C., and representing ETSU in a roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. After graduating, she returned to ETSU to work as an admissions counselor.

KeiAndra has always called East Tennessee home and is passionate about increasing access and opportunity for underserved populations in Appalachia and across the entire state of Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending sporting events, being active, and spending time with her friends and family.