In our VISTA Spotlight, our OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA members share in their own words about the transformative experience of serving with nonprofits and agencies in Texas working to eliminate poverty.
I am Tralise Barton, but my nickname is Lisa. I was not working full-time and was trying my hand at entrepreneurship in San Antonio, TX. While self-employed I was still open to regular employment opportunities if I’d found one that was a good fit. I’d just completed a course in project management training, when I’d came across a table an employment and job training fair. There I met Mr. and Dr. Edmond where they shared the mission and program details of CAVALRY and the opening of a Stakeholder Engagement VISTA role. It was then that I knew that CAVALRY aligned with many things I believed in and had goals I could easily get behind. Since that time, I have been able assist with monitoring and working with 4 high school students from beginning to successful certification completion. I have also participated in the hands-on project and the student/stakeholder experience. I have also been able to successfully connect multiple business partnerships and have been working with Workforce Solutions offices to provide information to other potential students. I am currently still sourcing additional opportunities to increase student enrollment and business partnerships.