Topic - Alumni

Dec. 9, 2025

Attention, casual athletes: Ready for a Pickup?
Dec. 2, 2025

Physical therapist Michael Fiorante embraces new role with U.S. Soccer
Nov. 14, 2025

Meet-a-Ram: IBé Crawley still adding creative chapters to her life story
Nov. 6, 2025

Chief of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe of Virginia to speak at VCU
Oct. 29, 2025

VCU honors 50 years of the Gay Alliance of Students
$A gold graphic with black letters that says \"10 under 10\"$
Oct. 21, 2025

VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 award recipients to be honored for noteworthy achievements
Oct. 10, 2025

Meet-a-Ram: Andrew Alli’s path to James River Park System leadership came through VCU
Oct. 2, 2025

VCU alum offers new hope for treating Tourette syndrome
Sept. 17, 2025

Christina Philips embraces her move from learner to mentor in orthodontics
Sept. 17, 2025

VCUarts alum Aprille Zammit makes waves back home in Malta
Sept. 4, 2025

VCUarts cinema played a starring role in trio’s ongoing collaboration
Sept. 2, 2025

VCU and VCU Health surpass $250M in fundraising for second time
Aug. 5, 2025

High-five! Record tally of sports program grads join VCU Athletics
July 31, 2025

Alum authors children’s book to spark early interest in health science careers
July 25, 2025

Social work leader brings Ram pride to her role – and brings colleagues to VCU territory
July 24, 2025

Recent VCU grad Emma Cummings is bonding, and banding, with the birds
July 11, 2025

Meet-a-Ram: Sarah Abubaker brings lessons from VCU to Richmond City Council
July 10, 2025

Recent VCUarts graduate Häsler Gómez wins prestigious fellowship
July 7, 2025

Crypto in motion? Animator Robbie Shilstone blends art and currency
July 3, 2025

From Hawaii to Virginia: Why an educator traveled 4,700 miles to learn play therapy
$A photo of a pile of books next to a photo of a man. The pile of books shows the book spine of each book. They are all white and have black text that reads \"THE MAN FROM FIGUERAS.\"$
May 6, 2025

Longtime dance professor Chris Burnside shares life stories in ‘The Man from Figueras’
April 28, 2025

At Virginia’s Executive Mansion, Martin Townes serves the present and preserves the past as butler-historian
$A black and white photo of a man. Next to the man are four faces of four of other men. In front of him is a poser with an illustration of a knife that says \"The New Lords\" \"Specters at the Feast.”$
April 14, 2025

VCUarts alum Steven Marque has remained in tune with his dream
April 3, 2025

19th annual Burnside Watstein Awards highlight community empowerment
$A photo of a man leaning his left arm against a chair and his right hand on his hip. He is standing next to a desk that has a stack of books, a bobblehead of James Madison, and a bust of Thomas Jefferson with two denim baseball caps that say \"We the People\" in white text covering its face.$
April 2, 2025

Meet-a-Ram: History Department alumni honoree was a close call – geographically
March 28, 2025

Scott M. Strayer shows the breadth of practice available to family medicine physicians
March 17, 2025

VCU alum Lanto Griffin takes aim at a big season on the PGA TOUR
March 6, 2025

VCU Alumni seeks nominations for 10 Under 10 awards
Feb. 14, 2025

Unbreakable bonds: The philanthropic spirit helped bring Lesley and Andrew Maggard together
Feb. 12, 2025

The legacy of the singular American writer Tom Robbins lives on at VCU
Feb. 10, 2025

Brandcenter alums go big for advertising’s big time: The Super Bowl
Feb. 3, 2025

From nurse to narrator with alum Michael Sullivan and his play ‘WillJee’
Jan. 30, 2025

How I found my research: Micah White examines the intersection of social media and African American identity
Jan. 9, 2025

In the merging of sports, video and social media, VCU alum Kam Black is a top player
Jan. 7, 2025

In the C-suite at Commonwealth Savers, Carolyn Bishop and Vivian Shields invest their Ram pride
Dec. 17, 2024

From A (arts) to Z (zoology), VCU alum Carl Patow is a true renaissance man
Dec. 12, 2024

Commencement speaker Chris Tsui revels in the risks and rewards of running restaurants
Dec. 11, 2024

VCU safety ambassador Denise Smith honored for response to high school graduation shooting
Nov. 6, 2024

Ram Fridges will provide fresh produce and other perishable foods to VCU students
$White text reads \"2023 ALUMNI STARS\" with yellow sparkels around.$
Oct. 28, 2024

VCU to celebrate 14 notable alumni at biennial Alumni Stars event
Oct. 18, 2024

With Broadway debut, VCU alum Alysha Morgan is dancing into a childhood dream
Oct. 14, 2024

In the historic Egyptian Building, creativity rose to the occasion to replace more than 1,200 ceiling tiles
$A cream circle with an illustration of a opossum holding a piece of paper that says \"BALLOT\" in black letter with its tail. In its right hand is a red pencil. The bottom of the sticker says \"RVA * VOTES\"$
Oct. 14, 2024

VCUarts alum’s winning design for ‘I Voted’ contest is a featured creature online
Oct. 11, 2024

With ‘storytelling via woodworking,’ VCUarts alum Raul De Lara connects styles, cultures and a creative personal journey
Oct. 1, 2024

VCUarts alum Tony Cokes wins a prestigious ‘genius grant’ from the MacArthur Foundation
Sept. 27, 2024

Nationally recognized school superintendent among VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 Award recipients
Sept. 20, 2024

Meet-a-Ram: VCUarts alum Sophia Li brings style to storytelling about the climate
Aug. 14, 2024

After a bold introduction, Shawn Meredith found his niche in U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s office
Aug. 7, 2024

Fruits of their labor: VCU School of Business alums are now at the core of Blue Bee Cider
July 30, 2024

Unbreakable bonds: An ode to VCU besties everywhere on International Day of Friendship
July 22, 2024

Lake Anna writing retreat helps Ph.D. social work students build their dissertations – and friendships
July 17, 2024

The artistry of Alice Tangerini has deep roots at the National Museum of Natural History
July 15, 2024

Survivors never quit: VCUarts alum Tevin Davis dishes on competing on the reality TV hit ‘Survivor’
July 10, 2024

‘VCU has been my life’: B. Ellen Byrne retiring after a half-century of commitment
July 3, 2024

Drawing from his own VCU journey, Nick Garcia helps School of Pharmacy students navigate their paths
$A photo of a man from the waist up standing with his arms crossed against his chest and smirking. Behind him is a screen that says \"PEGGY RHODS And the Underground RR For Mennonities and Dunkers who refused to fight in the American Civil War\" in black text with a photo of the book cover for \"Peggy's War\" next to it.$
June 24, 2024

Meet-a-Ram: Alum Karl Rhodes tells the gripping story of a relative’s role in the underground railroad
May 31, 2024

Study abroad inspired VCU alums to pursue global careers
May 30, 2024

VCU alum Avanti Yamamoto, who pivoted from medicine to math, is Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
May 8, 2024

Alum and freshly minted Tony Award nominee Joshua Boone to inspire new VCUarts graduates this week
May 3, 2024

In full-circle moment, author and VCU alum Ronnie Sidney II will address graduates at Accessibility Achievement Ceremony
May 1, 2024

Monument at Shafer Court highlights a golden moment for Black fraternity at VCU
April 26, 2024

VCU alum and Richmond sportswriting veteran Paul Woody inducted into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
April 24, 2024

Former SGA president Adele McClure takes service to a new level – as a state delegate
April 19, 2024

VCU grad receives Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for 2024
March 28, 2024

Two recent MBA graduates from VCU earn prestigious Presidential Management Fellowships
March 22, 2024

VCU alum and NBC White House correspondent Aaron Gilchrist shares insight with students
March 21, 2024

VCUarts alum and muralist Emily Herr brings visual flair to Shafer Court Dining Center
March 19, 2024

Meet-a-Ram: RecWell’s Mia Liadis blends VCU student experience into a career focused on student well-being
March 14, 2024

VCU professor uses 3D to bring life – and accessibility – to upcoming museum exhibit
March 1, 2024

With expertise ranging from comics to economics, VCU alum earns honor from History Department
Feb. 29, 2024

VCU alum Jeffrey Blount shares the inspiration for his new novel – and a life lesson that still resonates
Feb. 27, 2024

In pictures: Homecoming 2024
Feb. 27, 2024

Stepping at VCU: A look back
Feb. 22, 2024

With poise and grace, VCU’s first Black nursing graduate charted a path – and even schooled the faculty on a memorable day
Feb. 13, 2024

Ram romances: A required freshman course at VCU was just the start for Kathleen and Will Hale
$An illustration of multicolored conversation hearts with the phrases \"be mine\" \"cutie pie,\" \"you rock,\" \"Black & gold,\" \"XOXO\" and an image of a ram on them.$
Feb. 13, 2024

Ram romances: In their words
Feb. 13, 2024

Ram romances: Their first (and second) impressions were way off, but Kimberley Neal-Helt and Jacob Helt found their way to happy ‘havoc’
Feb. 12, 2024

In the rarefied airtime of Super Bowl ads, VCU Brandcenter alums get plenty of attention
Feb. 9, 2024

Ram romances: For one VCU couple, everything started with a pencil
Feb. 9, 2024

Ram romances: It was a meeting with a mission for Bobby and Ruby Dizon
$A photo of two men standin on a stage. The man on the left is standing holding an award while the man on the right watches him. Behind them is a screen that reads \"STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR STEPHEN BARTON & GORDY HAAB COMPOSERS)$
Feb. 7, 2024

Two VCUarts alums win Grammy Awards
Jan. 12, 2024

At Hollywood conference, VCUarts professor Yossera Bouchtia enjoys a close-up of the television industry
Nov. 29, 2023

Meet-a-Ram: Christina Davis embraces past, present and future tenses of her Native American identity
Nov. 28, 2023

How I found my research: Krista Dalton studies the genetics of cancer to give pediatric patients a brighter future
Nov. 21, 2023

VCU Center for Sport Leadership alum helps the NFL kick off in Germany
Nov. 8, 2023

Navy veteran and VCU doctoral student Jennifer Weggen is serving her military colleagues on many fronts
Nov. 6, 2023

VCU Life Sciences doctoral student Ciara Rhodes receives National Institute of Justice fellowship
Nov. 3, 2023

VCU fashion grad Alexandra Mitchell puts a vintage spin on today’s rock stars, ‘Loki’ and more
Nov. 1, 2023

Alum Meika Downey brings Virginia’s rich history to life
Oct. 12, 2023

Marjorie Stuckle follows her heart in endowing scholarship for social work students
Oct. 5, 2023

With mystery novel, VCU grad Diana DiGangi puts investigative journalism skills to work
Sept. 28, 2023

VCU alum Joy Bogese's transformation from addiction to advocacy
Sept. 27, 2023

VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 award recipients to be honored for noteworthy achievements
Sept. 27, 2023

VCU communications professional Gary Garbett is named a Fulbright Specialist
Sept. 20, 2023

VCU alum Kevin Powers takes on murder mystery in new book ‘A Line in the Sand’
Sept. 19, 2023

From Dreamer to dentist, Laura Choque found support and success at VCU
Sept. 13, 2023

In huge Scott’s Addition mural, VCU alum Emily Herr pays homage to area’s industrial history and the creativity it inspired
Sept. 12, 2023

For VCU psychology major, studying abroad was time well-spent – and money well-saved
Sept. 7, 2023

Nursing Alumna’s Mentor Inspires Charitable Gift Annuity
Aug. 31, 2023

One alumni couple's decades of support for dentistry
Aug. 31, 2023

VCU alum Kai Frazier brings the world to students through virtual field trips
Aug. 28, 2023

New scholarship invests in LGBTQIA+ health care needs
Aug. 16, 2023

OB-GYN faculty chair honors pioneering leader
Aug. 10, 2023

Emmy-winning alum gives back to VCU theatre department that helped him find his calling
Aug. 9, 2023

With the health of athletes in his hands, VCU alum Jerome Reid is an NFL star outside the spotlight
Aug. 8, 2023

VCUarts alum Loie Hollowell makes a triumphant return to campus
July 20, 2023

Starting with just a blog during freshman year, VCU alum Ilias Anwar has built a thriving creative agency
$A portrait of a man from the chest up looking to the right. Behind him is the entrance to a school. Above the doorframe are the words \"GLEN LEA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.\"$
July 19, 2023

Meet-a-Ram: In the Richmond area, James Gordon shapes young minds close to home
$A photo of a woman from the chest up next to a blooks with the title \"Lupus In the Jawas of the Wolf A Physician's Personal Guide to Living with Lupus.\"$
July 10, 2023

Alum’s new book tackles the ‘enigmatic’ disease of lupus
July 7, 2023

‘The Guardians of Process’
July 7, 2023

VCU alum, who practices at the Mayo Clinic, has developed specialties ranging from aerospace medicine to long COVID
July 3, 2023

South of the (Virginia) border, VCU alum Keith Rogers Jr. takes the lead as city manager
June 20, 2023

Coaching surgeons
June 6, 2023

In support of young scholars, author David Baldacci connects VCU, libraries, Richmond and how communities can change
May 24, 2023

VCU School of Social Work alum Viola Vaughan-Eden honored by Capitol Hill advocacy institute
May 19, 2023

From church choir to Broadway tour, VCUarts alum Tyler Fauntleroy let passion lead him to ‘Hamilton’
May 17, 2023

VCU criminal justice student embraces insider perspectives and making an impact outside the classroom
May 15, 2023

Blending art, advocacy and awards: a conversation with actress and VCU alum Mikayla Bartholomew
May 9, 2023

Mo Alie-Cox recalls his days at VCU and prepares to motivate graduates at commencement
May 3, 2023

One of VCU’s first Black fraternities shares a seat of honor to mark a half-century of service
April 14, 2023

Four VCU students, three alumni selected for prestigious NSF grant
April 6, 2023

Every step counts: Take a walk in Adeel Shams’ shoes.
April 5, 2023

VCU alum Rachel Beanland, author of ‘Florence Adler Swims Forever,’ releases a new novel about the deadly fire in 1811 at the Richmond Theater
March 27, 2023

VCU studies helped prepare alum Samantha McCartney for a career in France
March 24, 2023

As CEO of UMFS, VCU alum Nancy Toscano builds on career marked by dedication to vulnerable families and children
March 20, 2023

A VCU medical school alum’s country music career is earning newfound, overdue attention
March 16, 2023

Persistent pandemics: Alum lung researcher studies long-term impacts for global health
March 15, 2023

Got milk? VCU alum’s snarky new book finds the ‘dumbest’ things to complain about
March 10, 2023

Into the wild: Three alumni share a passion for high-altitude and wilderness medicine
Feb. 28, 2023

VCU grad pushing profession forward as leader of National Association of Social Workers
Feb. 24, 2023

Arnethea Sutton selected for National Cancer Institute Early Investigator Advancement Program
Feb. 24, 2023

From the theater stage to the silver screen: Two VCUarts alumni nominated for the NAACP Image Awards
Feb. 15, 2023

Teri Stockham: Godmother to the CSI generation
Feb. 13, 2023

Brandcenter alumni’s ads shine again on Super Bowl stage
Feb. 10, 2023

True RAMances
Feb. 1, 2023

Producer Morgan Saunders, a VCU alum, promotes diversity in reality TV and advertising
Jan. 30, 2023

VCU Alumni seeks nominations for 10 Under 10 awards
Jan. 26, 2023

Teaching clergy how to prevent domestic violence
Jan. 19, 2023

Years of playing video games, and professors’ encouragement, pay off for Anna Webster
Jan. 17, 2023

Nick Kaviani crosses the finish line
Jan. 12, 2023

Love and basketball (and health care)
Jan. 10, 2023

VCU grad Candace Parrish finds success with self-care company
$A sign made of giant letter that spell \"V C U\" in the snow. Next to it is a black half circle with the text \"BLACK & GOLD & YOU\".$
Dec. 12, 2022

Black and Gold and Joy All Around: Three VCU team members reflect on their reasons for giving
Dec. 10, 2022

At VCU commencement, Rabia Kamara tells graduates: ‘You should be prouder than proud of yourselves’
Dec. 9, 2022

Commencement speaker Rabia Kamara reflects on her personal journey as she prepares to celebrate VCU’s newest graduates
Nov. 21, 2022

Rabia Kamara to address VCU grads at December commencement
Nov. 9, 2022

VCU grad learns the art of the startup through DIY project
Nov. 2, 2022

Richmond-based nurse, a VCU grad, keeps ‘The Walking Dead’ and other productions safe and healthy
Oct. 25, 2022

VCU graduate Myra Goodman Smith’s public service forges a more equitable path for Richmond’s future leaders
$A woman standing to the right of a man in front of a blue wall with the phrase \"Fulbright Philippines\" written all over it.$
Oct. 21, 2022

Through Fulbright, VCU alum applies data science to COVID outbreaks in the Philippines
Oct. 18, 2022

Dhara Minesh Amin, a VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 recipient, has thrived in the public safety sector
Oct. 12, 2022

VCU’s Jean-Venable “Kelly” Goode recognized as one of the nation’s top women in pharmacy
Oct. 3, 2022

Meet-a-Ram: Paul A. Henderson, an educator who wrote a book about perseverance
Sept. 22, 2022

Joshua Boone entered college with a plan to fail — now he’s starring in Tyler Perry’s ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’
Sept. 14, 2022

VCU alum starts ‘dream job’ at the American Embassy of Mali
Sept. 7, 2022

Meet-a-Ram: Kevin Nguyen
$Black text that reads \"2022 Alumni Stars\" over a gold background with stars$
Sept. 7, 2022

VCU to celebrate 15 notable alumni at biennial Alumni Stars event
Aug. 24, 2022

Alum Sesha Joi Moon ‘working with purpose and on purpose’ as leader of diversity, equity and inclusion at U.S. Capitol
Aug. 23, 2022

Alum’s passion propels her from practice to policy … and back
Aug. 22, 2022

NFL assistant coach teaches Center for Sport Leadership class
$Madeline Doane standing next to a sign that says \"Middlebury College.\"$
Aug. 18, 2022

VCU graduate’s peace fellowship supports her commitment to human rights work
Aug. 12, 2022

Being Rodney
Aug. 9, 2022

‘Birth of a Planet’ spotlights the life of Richmond Planet founder John Mitchell Jr.
July 22, 2022

VCU alum is loving her time in Argentina, helping to teach English
July 19, 2022

Alum illustrates new book telling the story of Mamie Till-Mobley and her son, Emmett Till
July 13, 2022

VCU students ‘look forward,’ delivering plan for Hopewell to evaluate 12-month school year
June 13, 2022

For VCU alum and 25,000 others using her platform, meaningful connections start with brunch
May 31, 2022

Holly Guelig: ‘I get to be a game changer’
May 25, 2022

Matt Lively is creating behind-the-scenes artworks of the Richmond Symphony
May 23, 2022

New graduate takes leadership roles advocating for women and social justice
May 20, 2022

The spirit of helping others
May 10, 2022

‘Be flexible and be teachable,’ and other advice from VCU grads who’ve become chief nursing officers
May 10, 2022

A new speech for a new era: Charlotte Moss will deliver VCU’s commencement keynote two years later than expected
May 1, 2022

TallTravelEats creator encourages followers to explore the world and support small businesses
April 27, 2022

Giving Day offers a way for everyone to transform VCU
April 25, 2022

Charlotte Moss to address VCU grads at spring commencement
April 21, 2022

Philanthropy Week highlights the impact of private giving at VCU
April 19, 2022

Graffiti artist creates powerful works as a form of protest and to raise awareness of crucial issues
April 15, 2022

A longtime military officer and historian returns to VCU
April 14, 2022

Alum found her life’s purpose as an advocate for older adults
April 8, 2022

Alum runs organization focused on helping Latino families flourish
March 31, 2022

Alum educator seeks equal access and opportunity for all students
March 29, 2022

Mother and daughter share passion for emergency medicine and their alma mater
$Janelle Washington's \"Stations of St. Paul's\"$
March 25, 2022

This Lent, take a contemplative pilgrimage through the history of St. Paul’s
March 24, 2022

Meet-a-Ram: Tanya Boucicaut, whose lecture on 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' went viral
March 23, 2022

Widely published psychology alum hopes to help create 'a more compassionate world'
March 14, 2022

Pharmacy alum excels as biomedical researcher and dedicated mentor
March 10, 2022

VCU alum is the recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program fellowship
March 9, 2022

Modeling success courtside
March 8, 2022

Nursing alum serves as a catalyst for innovation
$A still from Cecilia Hankyeol Kim's \"Phantom Border.\"$
March 4, 2022

‘Transnational nomadic lifestyle’ inspires alum’s award-winning work
Feb. 21, 2022

Alum strives to strengthen community development infrastructure
Feb. 18, 2022

NBC News, MSNBC share story of VCU Health, Hume-Lee Transplant Center liver disease survivor
$Dre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) pitches an ad concept for Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 Super Bowl commercial on ABC's \"Black-ish.\" (Photo courtesy Disney General Entertainment)$
Feb. 14, 2022

Brandcenter alumni show off their creativity in Super Bowl ads
Feb. 14, 2022

RPS teacher and VCU alum builds community by serving others
Feb. 11, 2022

Rams at heart
Feb. 8, 2022

Big man on campus
Feb. 4, 2022

Scholarship to Create Pipeline of DEI-Focused Health Care Leaders
Jan. 21, 2022

‘The biggest leap of faith in my life’: How James Nemitz draws on personal experience to prepare future physicians
$Author Ronnie Greene and the cover of Greene's book, \"Heart of Atlanta,\" the main photo of which shows Black Americans in the 1960s protesting in support of integration$
Jan. 19, 2022

‘Heart of Atlanta’: Alum’s book tells the story behind the first legal challenges to the Civil Rights Act
Jan. 13, 2022

From Disney to off-Broadway, Vanessa Leuck’s career is one of costumes and creativity
Jan. 10, 2022

Olivia Campbell, a VCU alum, tells the inspiring story of the first female doctors
Jan. 6, 2022

Grad and Southwest Virginia native returns home to practice rural medicine
Jan. 5, 2022

As first deaf employee at Altria, VCU Business alum embodies company’s push for diversity
Dec. 15, 2021

Starting over: Alum and breast cancer survivor finds strength, spiritual guidance and her calling at Massey Cancer Center (shared from VCU Health News)
Dec. 14, 2021

The strong women in Rabia Kamara’s life modeled how to blaze trails
Nov. 29, 2021

Using honey to heal chronic wounds
Nov. 17, 2021

Emmy-winning reporter and alum Derick Waller on Trump, journalism, VCU and life in New York
Nov. 15, 2021

Scenes from the Richmond Indie Comic Expo
$Matt Cricchio and a photo of his book cover of \"Security Day\"$
Nov. 9, 2021

Grad’s war novel highlights the complicated relationship between the U.S. military and the Afghan people
Nov. 8, 2021

Filmmaker, storyteller, neuroscientist: Charlotte Wincott’s latest project is a reflection of her many skills
Oct. 26, 2021

Paulius Mui’s enthusiasm helped him create a card game — and a new way of understanding medicine
Oct. 21, 2021

In memoriam: Rodney Harry, former president of the VCU African American Alumni Council
Oct. 6, 2021

Alum and radio host Oscar Contreras embraces his role as a uniter. ‘I really like doing this stuff.’
Sept. 30, 2021

In ‘Helper,’ An Liu invites us to think about our relationship with nature — and each other
$Paul Alexander Nolan and Joaquina Kalukango in \"Slave Play.\"$
Sept. 21, 2021

‘Slave Play’ could bring VCU alum Blair Russell his first Tony Award
$Joan Gaustad reads from \"Someone’s Missing . . . and I think It’s Me\"$
Sept. 9, 2021

‘Life with loss’: Artist and alum Joan Gaustad discusses her new book at VCU Libraries launch event
Sept. 7, 2021

Alum crowned ‘Clash of the Cones’ winner on Food Network
$VCU School of the Arts students and actors Christopher Martin, Dillon Douglasson, Richard Follin and Keegan Garant in \"Welcome to the Show.\"$
Sept. 3, 2021

In ‘Welcome to the Show,’ VCU students and graduates (and Richmond) take center stage
Sept. 2, 2021

Alum’s new memoir offers advice for those dealing with brain illness in loved ones
$Rabia Kamara on set on \"Clash of the Cones.\"$
Aug. 16, 2021

Rabia Kamara vies for ice cream glory on Ben & Jerry’s-inspired Food Network show