AmeriCorps Connections

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Addie Lipson
Connect with Addie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/addielipson/
Reading Corps -http://www.readingcorps.org/
City Year - https://www.cityyear.org/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. Reading Corps & City Year! "Life altering decision"  
2. AmeriCorps teaches you how to Give a SHIT!
3. Referred by Dana Buzzelli! (watch Dana's episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrBZI55wqjo&t=1150s)
4. "I pull up the City Year handbook once a quarter" culture building, core parts of culture..."If you put your heart into City Year, your values come with you"
5. "Service to a cause greater then self" one of City Year's core values
6. City Year is a masterclass on how to have a really fun workplace! 
7. Five phases of team development:
   1. Forming
   2. Storming
   3. Norming
   4. Performing
   5. Adjourning 
8. "If you treat people right, the business will succeed."
9. Radical Candor Kim Scott & Jason Rosoff - https://www.radicalcandor.com/blog/
10. Employee Psychology - 
    1. IQ - technical ability to do your job.
    2. EQ - emotional quotient, how do you respond the the emotions of your employees? 
    3. AQ - Adaptability quotient, how do you deal with change?
11. My new Key Performance Indicators are ensuring people survive. 
12. National Labors Relations Board! - https://www.nlrb.gov/ 
13. Self care - "If it feels good, don't feel guilty about it, as long as it's not hurting anyone."
14. City Year - Seven Year Promise - https://www.cityyear.org/impact/unique-approach/seven-year-promise/
15. AmeriCorps members are making a difference in their little part of the world
16. "Alumni Network Conspire together" 
17. Every morning - while brushing my teeth I am thinking "G-O-O-D M-O-R-N-I-N-G!!! GOOD MORNING!!!! GOOD MORNING!" this chant is psychologically making me happy, so thank you service year! 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni network with City Year by registering here as an alum & stay connected through the quarterly newsletter, The Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service.
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award  https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring 
•  https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Chrissy Heyne
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-heyne-74945731/
Sub stack - https://chrissyheyne.substack.com/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. Phoenix Corps member - 2002 Phoenix Corps Member!
2. Wasn't sure about AmeriCorps or Peace Corps - sent in a PAPER APPLICATION by MAIL to Teach for America (TFA)! https://www.teachforamerica.org/
3. Members in TFA lifted me up and motivated me! "I was always getting stretched before I I was ready to do it." First day of teaching, "I was out of activities by 10am!"
4. Having others believe in us - makes me push to be more! I will figure out how to live up to that expectation! With always great coaching and training. 
5. Reaching the end of curiosity in teaching - such a great framing! :) 
6. Lit up about manager and leadership training! 
7. SHOUT out to ALL TFA - mentors! 
8. Being a "decent" human being pays off! 
9. What is THIS - Coaching with Chrissy - Lead your Life on Your Terms!
10. FOR NOW!!!! Try something new. 
11. DoBeDoBeDo!!!! - Are you Being or doing - both are important, but need to be in alignment.
12. "It's really hard being human, its hard to override the ways in which our brains get in our own way!"
13. Looking to elevate your team, or yourself! Consider Failure Lab   - https://www.failure-lab.com/ Better understand yourself, better understand others, and better understand US! Jordan O'Neil - AmeriCorps alumni https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-o-neil-1a36a74/
14. If you are interested in "Living a life that really feels GOOD" reach out to Nicki or Chrissy about joining our mastermind group! 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni network by registering here as an alum & stay connected through the quarterly newsletter, The Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service.
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Visit AC Connections to learn more -https://sites.google.com/acalumninetwork.org/acalumninetwork-org/home?authuser=0

Today we talk with Frankie Nicolas all the way in Germany! | https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-nicolas/
 
This episode is the first INTERNATIONAL AmeriCorps Connections Alumni Conversation! HISTORICAL!!! Some conversations are easier than others to navigate, this fund fascinating, hysterical conversation I have with Frankie Steiner is worth sticking around until the end.....

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. Served through Notre Dame Community Mission Volunteers https://www.ndmva.org/serve/americorps/
2. Use nature to represent the color wheel! 
3. Work in the real world - mirrors service...there will always be bureaucracy and systems. Service prepares you for this! 
4. Chihuly Glass Blowing - https://www.chihuly.com/life
5. Butterfly research! - Michael Jordan ran so Lebron could fly! 
6. Moths are unsung hero's of the  Lepidoptera family! They are the GOAT! 
7. Wholly Bear moths can live up to 14 years! https://ccswoollybearcaterpillarbaum1.weebly.com/information.html#:~:text=The%20rest%20of%20their%20lives,of%20any%20butterfly%20or%20moth. 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Visit AC Connections to learn more -https://sites.google.com/acalumninetwork.org/acalumninetwork-org/home?authuser=0

Today we talk with Gia Grier McGinnis | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ggriermcgin/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. Leveraged service to find her way to her now career self proclaimed "Service Geek".
2. Served through partnership with EPA and Children's Environmental Health Network https://cehn.org/about/staff/ 
   • Gia recruited Environmental professions to introduce environmental issues to middle schoolers. At the end of the program Gia was moved while watching the middle schools present on topics they learned about during the program and advocating! 
3. Shout out to Executive Director for CEHN, Nsedu Obot Witherspoon MPH! 
4. John's Hopkins Center for Social Concern - https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/socialconcern/
5. University Maryland Baltimore - UMB CURE Scholars Program Website - https://www.umaryland.edu/cure-scholars/
6. Transform Mid Atlantic - AmeriCorps Opportunities   https://transformmidatlantic.org/2023-2024-vista-opportunities/ 
7. Loyola University Maryland - AmeriCorps Opportunity [Loyola Strong York Road Schools] LINK
8. Loyola’s Center for Community, Service, and Justice https://www.loyola.edu/department/ccsj
9. Follow Loyola University Maryland on IG: Loyola CCSJ (@loyolaccsj) 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!
Visit AC Connections to learn more -https://sites.google.com/acalumninetwork.org/acalumninetwork-org/home?authuser=0

Today we talk with Shawdae Harrison | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawdae-harrison-b8190493/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. The stipend world was a bit of a shock - but "I wouldn't have changed a thing"
2. The hook that got Shawdae excited to serve! Listing on In Deed "Are you looking to grow professionally? Are you interested in volunteerism?" 
3. When I moved on from my service year the connections I made, followed me after my service year.   
4. I feel like I grew so much as a human - My Volunteer Maryland Class ranged from 19 year old's to 60 year old's and we all gave each other something!
5. I grew my hobby during the pandemic, my self care turned into a side business! 
6. With this humongous network of AmeriCorps Alumni I would love a central place to connect. 
7. If you are at a nonprofit that does legal services - apply for grants from MLSC! 
8. Visit me at Flower Mart Event (May 5th and 6th) - https://mountvernonplace.org/flower-mart/ 

Connect with Shawdae - 

• University Maryland Baltimore - UMB CURE Scholars Program Website - https://www.umaryland.edu/cure-scholars/
• Maryland Legal Services Corporation - MLSC Grant information - https://www.mlsc.org/grants/what-we-fund/
• MLSC Job Resources - https://www.mlsc.org/get-involved/civil-legal-aid-jobs/
• Flower Mart Event (May 5th and 6th) - https://mountvernonplace.org/flower-mart/ 
• Terraria Hysteria Website (final edits in progress, will be published this weekend)  - http://thinklikepants.com 
• Terraria Hysteria Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/terraria_hysteria/
• Email address for any questions  - [email protected] 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

BIG THANKS to - Dan from Time or Money Production for helping me produce and distribute this podcast!   Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

We are 1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

We are celebrating April as Earth Month! Highlighting AmeriCorps Alumni who served in environmental programs or environmental adjacent program and are in some way still working in the field.

It is my hope that through these stories of service and current work that you will be inspired to take a moment to look around and embrace the beautiful planet we inhabit.  If you are so inclined by inspired action, you decide to raise up a cause that is important to you when it comes to the important issues that are currently playing out.....I encourage you to do what feels right in your story.

Today we talk with Angie Pollema  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiepollema1/

• Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps (2012 - 2013) - https://serviceyear.org/cedam/#org-positions
• Angie has two degrees in film production and creative writing and is now in television and film industry which was her goal since middle school!  

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. "AmeriCorps was bootcamp for the Film Industry!"
2. Connected closely with with AmeriCorps members across the state. 
3. Leaned into "extra curricular" activities.
4. FAIT! Angie was not the first choice for her program, but she persisted and found her place!
5. YouTube Series: The Good Grief Hotline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Fh_K38CkM&list=PL88A8iFW0x3iyPUuhH0va5M-D4aA53fmV&index=1

Alumni Power - What can we get done collectively! 

• Let's connect as AmeriCorps! Contact [email protected] if you want to work on this project! Let's find chapters, mentorship opportunities! 

Connect:   

• AmeriCorps Alumni Group LI  - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• AmeriCorps 2023 -2024 OPPORTUNITIES - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s. he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

We are celebrating April as Earth Month! Highlighting AmeriCorps Alumni who served in environmental programs and are in some way still working in the field.

It is my hope that through these stories of service and current work that you will be inspired to take a moment to look around and embrace the beautiful planet we inhabit.  If you are so inclined by inspired action, you decide to raise up a cause that is important to you when it comes to the important issues that are currently playing out.....I encourage you to do what feels right in your story.

Today we talk with Julia Garcia | https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-garcia-93091b1ab/
Sustainable Transportation! 

• CivicSpark - https://civicspark.civicwell.org/
• Los Angeles County Internal Services Department  - https://isd.lacounty.gov/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. Spent the first service term researching electric vehicle charging stations. 
2. Los Angeles is adopting the model Julia's team developed.
3. Take advantage of your service year and learn something new. AmeriCorps gives you the space to learn. 

EARTH MONTH - What can we do more of and less of?

• Do less driving - use other modes of transportation.
• More walking, biking, getting away from single occupancy vehicle.

Connect:   

• AmeriCorps Alumni Group LI  - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• AmeriCorps 2023 -2024 OPPORTUNITIES - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (ps, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

We are celebrating April as Earth Month! Highlighting AmeriCorps Alumni who served in environmental programs and are in some way still working in the field.

It is my hope that through these stories of service and current work that you will be inspired to take a moment to look around and embrace the beautiful planet we inhabit.  If you are so inclined by inspired action, you decide to raise up a cause that is important to you when it comes to the important issues that are currently playing out.....I encourage you to do what feels right in your story.

Today we talk with Kawon Veazy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kawon-veazy-34609621b/
Urban Agriculture! 

• Green City Forest - https://greencityforce.org/
• List Of Community Gardens - https://www.nycgovparks.org/greenthumb 
• Felicia Prince -  https://www.revivedsoulwellness.com/?fbclid=PAAabz6zON6H78tR0rvv0qrXwpgoTSorjxu3siqndvObkIah4m6aZgaNgmB0o 
• Day of Service - https://corpsnetwork.org/event/save-the-date-2023-great-outdoors-day-of-service/ 

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. I taught a bunch of people how to farm during my service year! 
2. Live your life right now! 
3. Wellness Warriors - https://www.revivedsoulwellness.com/about
4. Serving with Pride - Making a Difference in Communities through AmeriCorps - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mytq_3haoA 

EARTH MONTH - What can we do more of and less of?

• Do Less of - Stop littering! Compost food scraps
• Do More of - Volunteer at your local community gardens! 

Stay Connected -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

We are celebrating April as Earth Month! Highlighting AmeriCorps Alumni who served in environmental programs and are in some way still working in the field.

It is my hope that through these stories of service and current work that you will be inspired to take a moment to look around and embrace the beautiful planet we inhabit.  If you are so inclined by inspired action, you decide to raise up a cause that is important to you when it comes to the important issues that are currently playing out.....I encourage you to do what feels right in your story.

Today we talk with Samantha McCann |https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyimsamantha/

• Montana Conservation Corps - https://www.mtcorps.org/
• Student Conservation Association  - https://www.thesca.org/
• Texas Conservation Corps - https://corpsnetwork.org/gallery/photos-of-the-month-october-2020/texas-conservation-corps/
• Texas State Service Commission - https://onestarfoundation.org/
  • Davis Mountain - Texas State Parks - https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains
• American Youth Works - https://americanyouthworks.org/
• South East Conservation Corps - https://southeastconservationcorps.org/
• Palmetto Conservation Corps - https://palmettoconservation.org/palmetto-conservation-corps/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. "Having walls down" - be open to new and surprising opportunities. 
2. I learned that there are several conservation organizations, National Parks Services , Bureau of Land Management, World Wild Life Fund.
3. Prescribed burns promote biodiversity on the land.
4. Be a leader - pay attention to what your team needs - Ice Cream & Dogs! 
5. Now working with Nature Conservancy - manage private easements 160 easements 

EARTH MONTH - What can we do more of and less of?

• Get locally involved, river keepers, parks, green spaces.
• STAY on the trail - don't trample wildflowers! 

Connect:

• Follow - TicTok - Hey.ImSamantha  Instagram - Hey_ImSamantha       
• AmeriCorps Alumni Group LI  - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• AmeriCorps 2023 -2024 OPPORTUNITIES - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps
• Service Year Alums Corner - https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/the_alums_corner_the_scoop_after_service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (ps, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

We are celebrating April as Earth Month! Highlighting AmeriCorps Alumni who served in environmental programs and are in some way still working in the field.

It is my hope that through these stories of service and current work that you will be inspired to take a moment to look around and embrace the beautiful planet we inhabit.  If you are so inclined by inspired action, you decide to raise up a cause that is important to you when it comes to the important issues that are currently playing out.....I encourage you to do what feels right in your story.

Today we talk with Dana Buzzelli  |https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabuzzelli/

• City Year Cleveland - https://www.cityyear.org/cleveland/
• Northwest Youth Corps - https://www.nwyouthcorps.org/
• NCCC -  https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-nccc

Dana served with City Year Cleveland, Northwest Youth Corps, NCCC, and American Conservation Experience (ACE). Her AmeriCorps service led her to the National Park Service, where she worked for five years as a ranger before returning to her AmeriCorps roots as a City Year San Antonio staff member.  Dana continues to explore her love of the outdoors even though her work is no longer directly tied to nature.

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. You can always change your mind, and it’s ok!
2. Service is a great way to learn about yourself - what you want and don’t want!
3. What does it look like to maintain your identity separate from your jobs while also doing work that is meaningful to you?
4. Life sometimes comes full circle - be on the lookout for those moments.
5. Next Arbor Day, let’s all plant a tree! AmeriCorps members can make a difference in reforestation!

Connect:

• Email Dana - [email protected]
• Connect with Dana on LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabuzzelli/ 
• AmeriCorps Alumni Group LI  - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Texas State Service Commission - https://onestarfoundation.org/

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (ps, he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)