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City of Philadelphia
Learn more about the 2023-2024 VISTA Corps and their work. If you’re interested in becoming a VISTA, review the application process and sign up for updates.
Members of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps work with City departments to fight injustices and causes of poverty. In addition to the VISTA leaders, the current service areas include:
Audrey grew up in New Jersey, where she attended Rutgers University and received a Bachelor of Arts in English. She served in the Peace Corps as a teacher trainer and education specialist in Thailand. Audrey is interested in education and social justice, and she is excited to be working with the Serve Philadelphia VISTA program.
About the VISTA position: Serve Philadelphia VISTA Leaders work closely with program staff to expand the impact and reach of our program. Serve Philadelphia VISTA Leaders co-create and support the implementation of sustainable strategies to:
Julia held a variety of titles throughout her career, from barista to tutor to wildlife rehabilitation assistant, and she learned from all of them. When she graduated from Penn State, she joined AmeriCorps to share her experience and good fortune with others. Julia recently enrolled in her second term as a VISTA Leader with the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) for more opportunities to grow as a professional and be of service.
About the VISTA position: Serve Philadelphia VISTA Leaders work closely with program staff to expand the impact and reach of our program. Serve Philadelphia VISTA Leaders co-create and support the implementation of sustainable strategies to:
Tahir is an AmeriCorps alumnus. He’s really passionate about protecting the environment and everything that lives in it.
About the VISTA position: FDR Park is South Philadelphia’s largest park and one of its most important public institutions, reflecting this community’s remarkable racial, cultural, and economic diversity. FDR Park is developing a youth empowerment and career readiness program to provide paid internships for South Philadelphia teens from low-income households. This program launched in Summer 2021 and will provide employment, training, and mentorship to prepare these teens for college and for careers in natural lands conservation and park management. VISTAs will have the opportunity to help at this developmental stage with research of best practices, program design, outreach efforts to low-income communities, and direct support to our teaching staff.
Originally from northern England, Graeme moved to the Philadelphia area in 2008. Graduating with a B.S. in Arabic language from Ohio State University in 2020, he has gained an appreciation for community building and development in his research and grassroots organizing experiences. Graeme is passionate about anti-poverty, good food, climate change, and leisure. He is honored and excited to be working on a project that can engage the local community and better inform public policy on economic justice.
About the VISTA position: Creating a data and research integration team will position the City to make more impactful decisions to improve economic mobility and create better pathways to economic opportunity for the most vulnerable, thus moving the needle on the percentage of those living in poverty in Philadelphia. The Data and Research Integration VISTA will focus on capacity-building within the launch and implementation of this work by:
Nathaniel is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, where he earned his B.A. in criminal justice in May of 2023. He spent this time learning and understanding issues in communities due to the justice system. He also learned how people’s lives are affected by its policies because of the treatment given to former inmates who return with no prospects and are at risk of reoffending because of it. He is eager to use his knowledge and skills to help re-house individuals.
About the VISTA position: The VISTA will be a key member of a team assembled to pursue enhanced investment in support for housing and other basic needs for individuals returning from incarceration. The VISTA will work on research, reports, and presentations to help secure funding for this investment. The VISTA will also work with stakeholders to help design a program that will best meet the needs of individuals returning from incarceration.
Antonia was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral counseling and a master’s in public health from Drexel University. She has 15 years of dedicated work experience in healthcare and civil service. She has a proven ability to learn challenging concepts quickly and has developed competencies in diverse areas. She is active in her community serving as majority inspector at the election polls for Ward 34/30 as well as trustee and assistant church clerk at Zion Hill Baptist Church. She looks forward to this VISTA experience to continue to serve the city of Philadelphia on a broader scale.
About the VISTA position: The Engagement and Partnership Relations VISTA’s project goal is to develop an engagement and recruitment plan to identify opportunities to increase PHL City ID partnerships. Obtaining additional partnerships will increase the PHL City ID program’s appeal, inclusivity, and visibility to all Philadelphians, specifically the most vulnerable communities. This project will promote the PHL City ID as a low-barrier, low-cost, inclusive ID that all Philadelphians can obtain to access basic needs (housing, drug and alcohol treatment, employment, etc.).
Keyanah “Ava” Campbell is an outgoing non-binary go-getter born in Philadelphia. They’ve graduated from Central High and recently completed a peer specialist course at Drexel. In his spare time, ze likes to invest their time in multiple tabletop roleplaying games [ttrpgs], such as Dungeons and Dragons, Cyberpunk Red, and Pathfinder. Ava wishes to put his training and desire for advocacy to work in the VISTA, by working on outreach skills they were trained for.
About the VISTA position: The goal of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities is to bridge the gap in access to City resources for people with disabilities. When a person with a disability can attain employment and have the resources to maintain it, the income level for the community the person lives in improves. To create sustainable outcomes, the VISTA will work with community partners focused on viable solutions to reduce these inequities in the community. Partnerships with residents about the types of access that are needed will be gathered via surveys and focus groups.
As a former student of Friends World College, Wadia spent several years abroad in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, working on various community projects. From building solar showers to planting coffee beans and teaching art to refugee children, she knows how important it is to listen, learn, and ask questions. “Never assume you know the answers to peoples needs. Listen, learn and render assistance where and when it is required.”
About the VISTA position: The FPAC Communications and Outreach VISTA project will design, pilot, and evaluate a communications and outreach program. The VISTA member will develop a program with and for Food Policy Advisory Council (FPAC) members to listen, learn, and collaborate with residents most impacted by food inequities. Ultimately, the project builds a sustainable process for engaging and training those residents to lead and influence food policy in ways that make amends for historically racist and unjust policies.
Ashlynn graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in liberal arts while majoring in political science. Ashlynn is in the process of earning a master’s degree in public health at Gwynedd Mercy University. Her undergraduate and current academic experiences have led her to pursue a path of community engagement and addressing social and health disparities in underserved communities. Ashlynn is starting her service in the Managing Director’s Office for Health and Human Services.
About the VISTA position: The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the erosion of our social safety net and its disparate impacts on communities of color. In the transition from COVID-19 response to recovery, the City has an opportunity to maximize resources, ensure the social service system is just and inclusive, improve integration of services, and incorporate best practices. The VISTA will support these goals by focusing on people who are housing insecure or experiencing homelessness. This includes building the capacity of eviction prevention programs, public sanitation efforts, and public-private collaborations to address street homelessness.
Marcus is from El Paso and has a bachelor’s in computer engineering and a master’s in business administration from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He served in the SeedCorps program at Roadrunner Food Bank during his master’s program and the One Albuquerque Volunteer VISTA program after graduating, which developed his interest in partnerships, sustainability, and community engagement. He looks forward to serving the Philadelphia community.
About the VISTA position: The West Philadelphia Promise Zone will begin the 10th and final year of the 10-year federal designation. With a strong foundation of more than 100 Promise Zone partner agencies implementing a collective impact strategy, Promise Zone VISTAs will focus on the work that supports resident capacity building and resources needed to make our work sustainable for community-based organizations and civic and resident groups. Project goals include:
Yanah, a graduate of Temple University with a B.S. in community-based education and a minor in political science, is fueled by her upbringing in Philadelphia to empower marginalized communities and advocate for a collaborative approach to education. Following graduation, Yanah assumed the role of a partnership coordinator at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, actively facilitating relationships between organizations and school partnerships to enhance student enrichment and development. Throughout her academic journey and professional experience, she has remained dedicated to the significance of urban education, community engagement, and data science.
About the VISTA position: The Department of Commerce aims to serve as a primary resource for Philadelphia business data and research. The Community Engagement & Neighborhood Data Collection VISTA will update Commerce data set through in person surveying of businesses on commercial corridors. The VISTA will analyze data results to recommend programs that improve safety and generate wealth in communities.
Batuhan Kesici grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, but moved to Philadelphia to become a first-generation college student. Batuhan graduated from Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design with a B.S. in entertainment management with a concentration in sports management. Batuhan is passionate about justice and fairness, and he is excited to be serving the people of Philadelphia.
About the VISTA position: The Strategic Engagement VISTA will build structural capacity for the Office of Worker Protections and prioritize the Fair Workweek law, a labor law that protects fair scheduling and increases economic security for service, retail, and hospitality workers. Under employment, low wages, little to no wage/job protections, and lack of access to benefits fuel poverty. Sustainable outcomes include increased worker protection resources, strengthened partnerships, and increased presence of the office on public platforms.
Kayla Knight is a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in sociology and public policy. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Kayla has been a part of the community for over 15 years. Currently, Kayla works with a local nonprofit that empowers and inspires young Black girls to become community advocates and leaders. Also, Kayla participates as a facilitator with a national nonprofit to advocate for young people and policies that affect their lives. Through her work, Kayla is able to showcase her passion for youth advocacy and creating equitable spaces.
About the VISTA position: The West Philadelphia Promise Zone will begin the 10th and final year of the 10-year federal designation. With a strong foundation of more than 100 Promise Zone partner agencies implementing a collective impact strategy, Promise Zone VISTAs will focus on the work that supports resident capacity building and resources needed to make our work sustainable for community-based organizations and civic and resident groups. Project goals include:
Michelle loves giving back to the city that has given her so much. Conserving the environmental gems in Philadelphia and sharing these spaces with the community is her passion.
About the VISTA position: The VISTA will support a mission to transform miles of riverfront brownfields into trails and parks, free outdoor programs, “green” job skill training, and land restoration projects. The VISTA will support a volunteer and job skill trainee base by researching best volunteer management practices, program design, direct engagement, and direct support of community activities. Intended sustainable outcomes include:
Laura Muñoz graduated from Virginia Tech, where she majored in political science with a focus on sociology. Social and racial justice was one of her main motivations throughout her life. During school she participated in creating a student led club called Students for Racial justice as well as worked for Habitat for Humanity Argentina. Throughout her education and experience, the importance of housing has been a central focus. She hopes to address that issue through serving the Philadelphia community as a Benefits Access Policy & Program VISTA.
About the VISTA position: Local, state, and federal benefits are among the most significant poverty-fighting tools we have. They reduce the cost of living, offer cash assistance, and stabilize households. Accessing the benefits for which an individual is qualified can be overwhelming, and programs are often designed to keep people out. Philadelphia has made great strides in strengthening benefits access, but too many still lack access to the benefits they deserve. The VISTA will conduct research, coordinate work with partners, and identify policy solutions to maximize benefits enrollment for Philadelphians. The VISTA will help create the systems, communications channels, and policy changes that staff would implement during and after the project concludes.
Declan grew up in South Philadelphia and has lived there for most of his life. He studied environmental studies and biology at Swarthmore College, graduating in 2021. Declan has worked as an environmental educator and enjoys making connections between people and the natural world around them. He is especially interested in promoting and protecting green spaces within the city of Philadelphia and is excited to bring this passion to South Philly’s largest park.
About the VISTA position: FDR Park is South Philadelphia’s largest park and one of its most important institutions, serving as a gathering space for many immigrant communities. For decades, FDR Park has been home to a vibrant vendor community serving as an economic lifeline for many immigrant families. Today, more than 60 Asian and Latin American vendors work in FDR Park. Vending community leaders formed the Vendor’s Association of FDR Park with support from park staff. This VISTA position provides organizing support for the park and the association, offering vendors technical support and assistance navigating City regulations. Our goal is to improve economic opportunity through an organized and empowered vendor community at FDR Park.
John Peppard Gonzales is an accomplished financial and IT professional with a strong commitment to public service. He has served multiple terms as an AmeriCorps volunteer. He holds a B.S. in business administration in management information systems from California Polytechnic State University and a certificate in financial planning from Boston University. His passion lies in promoting financial empowerment and equal access to trusted financial advice and education for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. He firmly believes that financial literacy should not be limited by one’s circumstances. He aims to engage with communities most affected by consumer financial fraud, scams, crimes, and misinformation. He is dedicated to building a coalition that addresses the unjust targeting of the poor and underserved population in matters of consumer finance.
About the VISTA position: Consumer fraud and predatory consumer practices strip wealth from low-wealth individuals and transfers that wealth to high-wealth individuals. This project will support a newly created Consumer Financial Protection Task Force that works to mitigate consumer threats through enforcement, outreach, and legislation. The Task Force will work for three years at the conclusion of which the Task Force will either be renewed, dissolved, or transitioned to a permanent office based on needs and resources.
Ali was born and raised in West Philadelphia and Germantown and has called Philly home for his entire life. He became passionate about community work and planning while attending high school, where he volunteered for his neighborhood’s CDC and later attended the Citizens Planning Institute. He recently graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in geography and urban studies, where he developed a strong interest in housing justice, affordability, and land use. As a VISTA member, Ali hopes to continue these passions and meet some great people along the way.
About the VISTA position: The financial strain of the pandemic, combined with rising rental costs, has caused eviction filings to increase over the past few years while federal support for rental assistance is decreasing. Eviction disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities and is a problem that the City is working to respond to from a few different avenues. As the City transitions from direct response to the COVID-19 crisis and creates new and improved programs for constituent resources, it has the opportunity to work to ensure that the racial disparity within the housing crisis is addressed. The VISTA will support the City’s efforts in expanding and creating new programs that are racially just and inclusive, as well as improve access to City services through an inclusive strategic planning process.
Andryanna is very excited to be a part of the Immigrant Community Capacity Building project. She can’t wait to learn some new things and help as many people as possible.
About the VISTA position: The vitality of the immigrant community in Philadelphia depends on the government’s ability to partner with community-based organizations that provide key culturally competent services. Black immigrant communities in Philadelphia face issues of poverty, language access, trauma (as refugees), unequal access to quality and reliable health care, and race-based discrimination. The Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) seeks to support African and Caribbean immigrant-serving organizations as vehicles for community growth and economic development. OIA will develop a capacity building collaborative to provide culturally competent technical assistance and organizational development tools to community organizations.
Hansen is a driven scholar student with a 3.7 GPA and a rising sophomore at Drexel University studying computing information and cybersecurity. He has accelerated his education, which allowed him to graduate a year early and attend Drexel University at 16 years of age. Being a member of Worlds Affairs International allowed him to meet fellow peers from other countries, which has been enriching. Having traveled abroad to China and Canada, Hansen gained a better understanding of how to appreciate other cultures. Undoubtedly, he is passionate about service to others and impacting people’s lives. Asking himself how he can help better this establishment with his talents compels him. Finally, through all his challenges, he managed to serve his community by volunteering as a mentor to underserved youth in Philadelphia through the Steppingstone Scholars program.
About the VISTA position: The fastest-growing group of foreign-born Philadelphians from 2000-2016 came from Africa. The citywide African immigrant population is close to 25,000, and the majority live in underserved neighborhoods with an average rate of living below the federal poverty line. The VISTA will work with the Department of Commerce and community partners to engage with African and diaspora communities and neighborhoods, to identify their needs with regards to entrepreneurship development and connections to economic opportunities, and to ultimately create the foundation for the City to better design programs to support diaspora immigrant-owned businesses.
Akilah is an artist and a writer who loves to help people. She is a creative minded individual who prides herself on helping others. She encourages people to think for themselves and to follow their dreams.
About the VISTA position: The West Philadelphia Promise Zone will begin the 10th and final year of the 10-year federal designation. With a strong foundation of more than 100 Promise Zone partner agencies implementing a collective impact strategy, Promise Zone VISTAs will focus on the work that supports resident capacity building and resources needed to make our work sustainable for community-based organizations and civic and resident groups. Project goals include:
Shakira likes to go by the nickname Kira. She is very excited to join Philadelphia Serve VISTA! She is ready to learn and serve. She is a friendly and outgoing person willing to help out at any time.
About the VISTA position: Rebuild works with unions, contractors, lenders, and other partners to invest in supports and services to improve diversity in the building trades and growing minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE). Through these efforts, Rebuild is increasing opportunities for the participation of M/WBE construction contractors and professional services firms and implementing workforce diversity programs. Rebuild’s programs focus on improving diversity in the skilled trades and providing an opportunity for Philadelphia residents to obtain and earn a sustainable living wage.
Jeron Williams II was born in Pennsylvania, is a Philadelphia resident, a recent graduate of Central High School, and is a prominent figure in politics, nonprofits, and youth empowerment. They served as the president of the citywide student government and were appointed as a Philadelphia youth commissioner in May 2023. Through their work, they strive to bridge the gap between youth and the political sphere. Jeron will pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Temple University to graduate in 2027. They envision collaborating with esteemed individuals and dedicated friends to make their aspirations a reality. With an open mind and a passion for making a difference, Jeron is excited to continue their service in Philadelphia with the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service (OCEVS).
About the VISTA position: Service years are impactful experiences that prepare individuals to build successful careers in education, policy, health care, environmental stewardship, and more. However, service years aren’t always accessible to low-income individuals and people of color, despite evidence that shows they would benefit most from these opportunities as career and educational pathways. This VISTA project will build a data-driven, sustainable model for an emergency fund and support services strategy to address the immediate emergency and financial needs of AmeriCorps members throughout their term of service. The outcome of this project is to sustain a pathway for individuals experiencing poverty to reach their career goals through service.
Leslie is a recent graduate of Temple University with a B.A. in environmental studies. During her time there, she also gained a minor in political science and a certificate in geographic information systems (GIS). She is looking forward to applying her research, analysis skills, and experiences in positions of sustainability, environmental justice, and public policy, as well as furthering her skills in GIS. Leslie currently works as a part-time nanny and a volunteer dog walker. As a native Philadelphian, she hopes to grow as an active participant in her local community through working with AmeriCorps. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys dabbling in jewelry making, watercolor painting, thrifting, and Squishmallow collecting.
About the VISTA position: The Safe Routes Philly VISTA will work at four schools to train and support a team of teachers and staff who then work to encourage students to use active transportation. These methods, such as a walking school bus program and a traffic safety curriculum, can increase attendance and academic performance, helping to reduce learning loss and improve academic readiness. The cohort of schools from year one will be trained to recruit and mentor schools during subsequent years. The year two cohort will do the same. At the end of the project, the 12 schools supported by the VISTA will be able to train and mentor schools in the program beyond close out of the project.
Sophia Gray recently graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in conflict analysis and resolution. She is passionate about bringing peacebuilding and conflict transformation principles to local government. As an undergraduate student, she completed a summer internship in the Upper Darby Mayor’s Office, participated in the Peacebuilding Fellowship at GMU’s Carter School, and conducted research on the role of narrative in the 1985 MOVE bombing. She is excited to work with community members towards achieving a healthier and more just Philadelphia.
About the VISTA position: The Kensington and North Philadelphia areas are home to primarily Black and brown communities that face some of the highest rates of gun violence and unintentional drug overdose deaths in Philadelphia. The VISTA member will work to understand the complex dynamic within specific, highly-segregated Philadelphia communities to organize an effective response between City agencies that addresses relevant intersections.
Destanee is 24 years old. She grew up both in New Jersey and South Florida, where she relocated from. She has a passion for music and social service. Destanee believes that her purpose in life is to help people from the communities where she has grown up. She’s excited to become a VISTA member to gain some actual experience in social service as well as for new opportunities and meet like-minded people. She would like to possibly go back to school to gain her Master of Social Work (MSW) and further her career while also pursuing her other passions. All in all, she just wants to make a difference in this world.
About the VISTA position: Philadelphia social services staff provide supportive services to many families living in poverty. The goal of the Family Health Training Academy is to educate these staff so they can provide health education and referral information to families they serve. The Children’s Health VISTA will work with subject-matter experts to produce training e-modules, add them to various video-sharing platforms, promote the trainings, and design an evaluation plan. After three years, the Family Health Training Academy will be embedded into the training infrastructure of Philadelphia social services agencies through Learning Management Systems, onboarding materials, and employee newsletters.
Kerren grew up right outside of Philadelphia in Ardmore, PA. She is a graduate of Colorado College with a B.A. in environmental science. At school, Kerren focused on ecological and food systems research. In her spare time, Kerren enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and rock climbing. Kerren is so excited to begin her journey working within the City of Philadelphia on food security!
About the VISTA position: The Office of Children and Families (OCF) developed a pandemic food security response that included over 100 food and meal sites serving students, adults, and seniors, plus a free food distribution map. COVID-19 continues to exacerbate food and financial inequities in historically disadvantaged communities. The VISTA will help build our food security initiatives into sustainable models that enhance OCF’s services and citywide reach.
Michaela was born in upstate New York, raised in North Carolina, went to college in Pittsburgh, PA, and has lived in Philadelphia for many years. She was a mainframe computer programmer for 20 years and is anxious to start a new lease on life with the Philadelphia Serve VISTA program.
About the VISTA position: The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) is launching the START Model, a community-based crisis intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. With timely and needed supports, people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health needs have improved mental health, fewer restrictive hospital-based stays, and can better live and work in their communities. The START VISTA will support the team to identify and integrate the programmatic and data-informed processes that will achieve and sustain these outcomes.
Amanda began thinking about the relationship between trauma and poverty during the time she spent as a nursing student in Camden, New Jersey. While she ultimately did not complete her studies in nursing, she continued to question the social forces and environmental influences shaping our inner lives. She believes that a trauma-informed approach can productively address seemingly disparate public health issues like gun violence, substance abuse, or childhood neglect. She hopes her work as a VISTA will contribute to DBHIDS’s mission of making Philadelphia a more just, equitable city where every individual can achieve health, well-being, and self-determination.
About the VISTA position: The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) wants to make resources to address and mitigate trauma accessible to those individuals and communities in need of support. The experience of poverty alone is traumatic and long-lasting; the current traumatizing and stigmatizing nature of the behavioral health system compounds the traumatic effects for folks seeking and receiving support within the system. The Systems Integration Unit works to address trauma within the system as well as direct trauma.