AmeriCorps is not a moment. It’s a movement. Let’s celebrate 30 years!
By Brandon Rendon, Washington Service Corps
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps Week, we interviewed Service Corps alumni who are now employed here at the Employment Security Department — about 20 in all! The Washington Service Corps, which began 41 years ago, runs the state’s AmeriCorps state program. Service Corps promotes community service and supports youth employment around the state.
Our Service Corps alumni, who recently served at WorkSource offices around the state, shared their thoughts about their time with AmeriCorps and what it means to them now as public servants for the state of Washington.
Ariana “Ana” Gonzalez served at WorkSource Yakima County
“I don’t think I could have gotten [my current] job without my experience [in the Washington Service Corps]. It was a good way to start off my professional career and learn how to work in an office.”
Maria “Ale” Green served at WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord
“The AmeriCorps program was awesome. I definitely learned a lot professionally. I also experienced self-growth. I’m from Guatemala, and my service helped me build my confidence.”
Anna Marie Ortiz served at WorkSource Thurston County
“Serving with Washington Service Corps was a fabulous experience for me. Being an AmeriCorps member at WorkSource Thurston changed the direction of my life and professional career. I love my work now and am extremely happy to be a part of the ESD and WorkSource family.”
Jessica Hardy served at WorkSource Thurston County and the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council
“I partnered with [another member serving] at the time. We created a volunteer opportunity for youth in the WorkSource resource room. It did for sure help my professional development! I went straight to working in a youth program [for a WorkSource partner organization] and ran that for two years in Mason County. I haven’t stopped my upward trajectory yet! So thankful for AmeriCorps!”
Samantha Salazar served at WorkSource Clallam County
“My AmeriCorps service was instrumental in changing my career and my life for the better. Through the skills and community building opportunities at my service site, I became more connected than ever to my mission of serving others while staying true to myself. I’ve become more patient, knowledgeable and flexible, and those character traits will serve me for a lifetime. I don’t know where I’d be without my AmeriCorps experience. I’m glad I don’t need to give that alternative reality a second thought.”
Lindsey Schmidt served at WorkSource Spokane
“My time with the Washington Service Corps at WorkSource Spokane equipped me with a valuable network, experience and education that built the foundation for my career. I reflect on my service fondly and appreciate the relationships with community members and mentors. The Washington Service Corps challenged me to grow both a service- and solution-oriented mindset, which I will use throughout my career.”
Mohammad Ali Hosseini served at WorkSource Auburn and with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
“Starting a new life with three kids — one a newborn baby — in a new country with different and diverse cultures is not that easy. Especially when you come from a country that is not really developed. You suddenly find yourself in a bigger place, in terms of size, systems and expenses. It’s overwhelming.
One of the fundamental things you need to figure out is the right job for yourself. I am glad that I started with AmeriCorps. It provided me with a great opportunity to learn during my term and even after that. I enrolled into a certificate program at the University of Washington using my AmeriCorps educational award. AmeriCorps is a great start for people like me.”
Tyler Devereaux served at WorkSource Central Basin in Moses Lake
“I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to work with the Washington Service Corps and the Employment Security Department. It was an amazing experience. It allowed me to make incredible relationships with the hard-working employees who help the communities of Washington state. And it gave me the ability to work with community members, making a difference in their lives and ensuring their success in finding their own careers.
I worked with such diverse types of people in regard to age, language and experience in the world. I’ve taken it all with me.”
Payton Dorothy served at WorkSource Columbia Basin in Kennewick
“I started my service in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. I needed to come up with creative ways to teach community members vital computer skills to access services that had gone virtual.
My supervisor encouraged me to use my background in creative industry and customer service to provide this service as effectively as possible. I had the opportunity to try new things, make adjustments and receive constructive feedback from peers, who care deeply about the customers they serve. These were the motivating factors that led me to pursue a career in workforce development. Without my service at WorkSource Columbia Basin, I would not have been exposed to phenomenal mentors who pushed me to further my skills and gain experience needed to move forward to my career at Columbia Basin College.”
Daryl Hamilton-Manier served at WorkSource Auburn and WorkSource Rainier in Seattle
“During my term of service, I had the incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on my community. I cultivated new skills that have proven to be instrumental in my personal growth and development. The diverse range of experiences has not only enriched my skill set but has also broadened my perspective on community engagement and social responsibility. I gained invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience, and I had the privilege of meeting a multitude of interesting and inspiring individuals.
The ripple effects of my AmeriCorps journey are evident in the seamless integration of the acquired skills and experiences I carried with me into my current position as a Strategies for Success instructor with ESD at WorkSource. Moreover, the network of like-minded individuals I encountered during my service continues to be a source of support and inspiration. AmeriCorps has been an instrumental chapter in my life, equipping me with the tools to make a positive impact in my professional pursuits and personal relationships.”
Rikki Smick served at WorkSource Vancouver and WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum
“With a servant’s heart, I love helping others. The Washington Service Corps gave me the opportunity to combine my love of community service with my skills in digital literacy to help others gain access to resources and employment opportunities. After my contract year ended, I was hired as a WorkSource specialist. I continue to serve communities, help offices gain resources for their customers, and mentor new AmeriCorps volunteers serving at this site. I love to help them overcome their barriers and watch them grow and gain confidence in themselves and their futures.”
If you want to read more inspiring stories about the impact of AmeriCorps, please visit the Washington Service Corps website. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
