Design Thinking class at University of Richmond

University of Richmond Receives Grant from Joan and Morgan Massey Foundation to Support Richmond Innovation Fellows

March 10, 2025

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond’s Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship initiative has received a $50,000 grant from the Joan and Morgan Massey Foundation to support the Richmond Innovation Fellows program.

RIF is a yearlong, interdisciplinary academic program designed to teach students how to identify and solve problems in non-profit and for-profit spaces. It is in its second year, and the Joan and Morgan Massey Foundation also provided support for its inaugural year.

“The continued generosity of the Joan and Morgan Massey Foundation has allowed RIF to grow this year, supporting even more students in their journey to becoming innovative thinkers,” said Somiah Lattimore, senior director of CIE.

The program consists of three phases:

  • A spring course in design thinking,
  • A summer abroad to learn and practice creative problem-solving, and
  • A fall semester where students develop value-driven solutions to a challenge of their choice.

This year’s cohort will travel to Sarasota, Florida to participate in the Florida Creativity Conference and to Vancouver in May to participate in a series of workshops on creative problem solving methodologies. The students will also tour Silicon Valley, providing them with practical experience and industry exposure.

The first RIF cohort worked with Richmond-based nonprofit Underground Kitchen Community First to understand food insecurity issues and identify opportunities for innovation. The second RIF cohort is continuing work with UGK CF’s new Smart Soul Food program, which provides local families nutritious meals and cooking classes. 

“RIF empowers students from across the university to flex their creative muscles and learn how to address challenges and collaborate with local organizations, all alongside the supportive mentorship of CIE,” said Lattimore. “We look forward to seeing the innovation shown by this year’s fellows.” 

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