Community Impact
AmeriCorps VISTA: 5th Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation
Community Impact Through Capacity Building
As an AmeriCorps VISTA with Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation in Houston, I expanded the organization’s capacity by supporting the real estate development team through research, stakeholder engagement, and community events.
Over my year of service, I managed 10 projects, including facilitating nonprofits through the East River Community Investment Fund process, conducting research on job training and business development opportunities, leading outreach for community meetings, and overseeing the first home deconstruction in the historic Artist Village. I also contributed to housing preservation efforts by identifying candidates for a home rehabilitation program in collaboration with the Houston Community Land Trust.
Through this experience, I strengthened my skills in project management, community development, and strategic collaboration while deepening my commitment to equitable housing and economic empowerment.
Read about my experience here.
Community Impact Through Mentorship
As a 2-year mentor of participants of the Take Action Challenge, I guided 3 mentees each cycle through their year-long challenge of creating social impact in their community. In 2019, I met with mentees in-person or over the phone to advise their projects. In 2020, I exclusively met over the phone or on zoom due to the pandemic.
This role challenged my communication and technological skills by requiring me to learn the workings of Zoom as a facilitator of small group activities including whiteboard, screensharing, and time management. I coached mentees through problem-shooting their TAC plan and making local connections for their projects. I guided my mentees until they presented their TAC at the End of Conference Presentation.
Read this Feature Story about the Young Women's Leadership Challenge I created for my communication course.
Community Impact Through Beautification
As a volunteer, I improved the condition of the soil and plants within the Serenity Garden. We also painted the walls and organized files.
Outside of being a volunteer, I help organize these events for NAACP to attend each semester by coordinating with Director Roxson. FYSC became a consistent partner of the NAACP at LSU. We have held 3 volunteer days with FYSC with over 60 volunteers total.
Through our efforts of exposing members to the FYSC, 4 other organizations have started to hold volunteer events at the FYSC throughout the year.
Community Impact Through Reentry Education
I volunteered with the Tiger Prison Project by helping formerly incarcerated people learn about today's technology. We helped them create email addresses, write resumes, text on their phones, and use Outlook each session.
This was a bimonthly volunteer opportunity I attended for over a year. Over 40 formerly incarcerated people have been served with this program with TPP.
Through this experience, I have opened my eyes to the injustice of our incarceration system within Louisiana and across the United States. Digital literacy is vital in the job market and bridging the digital divide for these individuals will help them reacclimate to toady's society.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Community Impact Through Sisterhood
As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I served as the Chair of the GenerationNext Committee, focusing on engaging members under the age of 40 through networking, professional development, and sisterhood. I organized social events such as Paint and Sip and Golf Night Out to foster connections among young members. Additionally, I contributed to community service efforts by assisting with volunteer events for Angel Babies, supporting families in need. Through this role, I honed my leadership and event planning skills while deepening my commitment to service and sisterhood.