Meet our 4 New AmeriCorps VISTA Members!
US Together is so excited to introduce our 2021-2022 cohort of AmeriCorps VISTA members! Beginning in 2018, US Together has served as a host organization for several VISTA members each year to work on local initiatives in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a unique federal program dedicated to ending poverty through national service to build the capacity of organizations serving low-income communities.
Scroll down to meet our newest members!
Natalie - Columbus
While Natalie was pursuing her undergraduate degree, she went on study abroad programs to Ecuador and Cuba. On these trips, she learned about the public health issues facing these countries and was able to see different healthcare systems around the world. Those experiences sparked her devotion to fighting for health equity. She loves being part of an organization that celebrates different cultures and enjoys hearing so many different languages spoken in the office. Natalie is currently learning Spanish and has a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a certificate in Global Health from Ohio University.
Yulani - Columbus
Yulani graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pan-African Studies. She knew she wanted to work with groups that have been historically excluded, and through her community involvement she discovered refugee resettlement work. Her favorite thing about US Together so far is the pride everyone has for their job. She says, “everyone is so dedicated to making sure refugees and immigrants have the best transition into the U.S., and you can feel how much of a difference the agency is making.” Her favorite things to do outside of work are dancing, roller skating, and trying new food.
Courtney - Toledo
Courtney decided to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA because, “a year of service has the potential to change me and my community for the better.” This role is her first time working for an organization that serves refugees and immigrants. She says, “That’s the fun of AmeriCorps: You get to experience many different jobs you might otherwise not have.” This allows service members the chance to learn about different nonprofits and in her case, refugee resettlement work. She is very artistic and can be found painting, reading, or writing when not at work. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2018 with a degree in journalism.
Grace - Cleveland
While studying Security and Intelligence with a specialization in Eastern Europe at The Ohio State University, Grace took a Peace Studies class. In this course, she researched the conflict and subsequent effects of displaced people in Burundi. Through this, she found an interest in refugee resettlement work. Grace has a basic understanding of Russian after studying it while in school. She loves painting, listening to music, and spending time outside.
At US Together, we are so grateful for all the AmeriCorps VISTA members who have served and who are currently working to build the capacity of our organization. If you are interested in learning more about the work AmeriCorps VISTA members have done at US Together, click the button below!