Denver Supinger (B.A. ’14, M.P.A. ’15) has worked tirelessly in the 10 years since her graduation in the arena of public policy, utilizing foundational skills forged in the department of political science and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Her career journey has included stops in local and state government as well as political campaigns in Virginia, and non-profits and unions located along The Capital Beltway. These days Supinger serves as the director of advocacy and government relations for the Brain Injury Association of America.

What drew you to VCU to pursue political science? What inspired you to choose your major?

I knew VCU was the school for me within moments of starting my campus tour. I saw a vibrant and diverse student body, felt the energy of the city around me and heard how the university positioned itself as a place for everyone. I knew then that VCU would be more than just an academic experience, it would be a place where I could grow into a more grounded, engaged and whole person. 

Unlike other universities situated in isolated college towns, VCU was embedded in the heart of Richmond—immersed in the energy, complexity and everyday life of the city. This setting gave us the opportunity to engage directly with local issues and use our voices and curiosity to give back to the community around us. I chose the political science program because I knew I wanted to make a difference and help shape a more just and equitable world.

Was there a faculty member that made a particular impact on your education and career journey? How so?

Deirdre Condit, Ph.D., will always be my favorite professor. I took nearly every class she offered, and I’m a better person because of it. Dr. Condit was never afraid to be real in her classroom. She showed up as her whole self, sharing invaluable personal experiences that brought her lectures to life. She didn’t just teach concepts and theories; she invited us to explore our own positioning and being within the world she was revealing to us. Her presence, honesty and depth created space for true learning, both academically and personally.

What is your favorite memory from attending VCU?

One of my favorite memories was signing the first structural beam for the new library addition. It felt like a way to be forever enshrined at VCU, to leave a small mark on the building that hosted me for thousands of hours. It was also a moment to honor what VCU had been while looking ahead to what it could become. The growth of the university over the years has been incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder to see my alma mater continue to expand and create opportunities for more students.

After graduating with your B.A. from VCU, what drew you to pursuing an M.P.A. at the Wilder School?

One of the main reasons I pursued an M.P.A. at the Wilder School after earning my B.A. was the seamless transition offered by VCU’s accelerated program, which allowed me to complete my master’s degree in just one year. I was already familiar with the caliber of VCU’s professors and wanted to continue learning in an environment that aligned with my values. The program gave me the opportunity to put the theories I had studied over the past four years into practice, and I continue to apply what I learned every single day. 

You’ve had an expansive career since completing your education at VCU, ranging from local government, political candidates and, now, non-profits, what has inspired you to serve in these areas?

All I’ve ever wanted to do is give back to my community and make the world a better place. At first, I thought I’d achieve that through academia by producing research that could inform and inspire change. But after the 2016 election, I realized I needed to be an active agent of change, not just a commentator. I immersed myself fully in politics and government systems, knowing that real impact comes from within. Being embedded in these systems has allowed me to help shape policy conversations, offer meaningful recommendations and advocate for the change our world needs. I didn’t want to be a bystander to advocacy and action. I wanted to be an active participant, and my career has allowed me to do exactly that. 

What does your day to day look like in your current role as the director of advocacy and government relations at the Brain Injury Association of America?

There’s no such thing as a typical day in my role. My work is often reactive to the fast-paced developments on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures across the country. At any given moment, I might be meeting with a member of Congress, strategizing with state leaders to advance key legislation, engaging with a federal agency on care protocols or drafting briefs and public-facing summaries. No matter the task, my job consistently requires me to build strong relationships, educate others on the prevalence and realities of brain injury, and advocate for policies that support and empower our community to thrive. 

To this point, what has been your career highlight? (Could be a project, a campaign, an award, etc)

A highlight of my career was the opportunity to serve as chief of staff for Virginia House Delegate Karrie Delaney. Delegate Delaney and I share a deep commitment to preventing intimate partner violence and supporting survivors. During my time in her office, we addressed these issues through a variety of legislative and policy initiatives. One of my proudest accomplishments was drafting HB 808, a bill that transformed how survivors of sexual assault receive care in hospitals. Thanks to this legislation, every hospital in the Commonwealth is now required to provide appropriate health and forensic care to survivors or ensure a seamless transfer to a facility that can. 

Reflecting on your time at VCU, how do you feel your time on campus helped prepare you to accomplish the work you’ve done so far in your career?

Something I often tell people about VCU is that it’s not a university that coddles you, it challenges you. It gives you space to grow, push your limits and discover who you are as an engaged member of society. 

While at VCU, I worked multiple jobs, built a life beyond campus and studied full time nearly year-round. I was able to explore who I was outside the brand and structure of a traditional university experience. Like many of my peers, I faced tough life lessons that ultimately shaped me into a more resilient, well-rounded person. This real-world experience—not an insulated college bubble—allowed me to see political issues play out in real time, understand the everyday impact of federal and state policy and ground my advocacy in lived experience.

What’s your why?

I love this question and ask people it all the time! My ‘why’ is to help build a better society where people can access the systems that drive change and become powerful agents of it. I’m here to break down the barriers that stand in the way of progress for individuals, communities and humanity as a whole.

I hope to use my professional career to make our political work more equitable and accessible. I continue to dedicate my work life to making a more perfect democratic system where the disenfranchised and disengaged can shape their own future.