Meet Dr. James Agtuca, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

By summer 2023’s end, I was discreetly laid off from one of the nation’s most profitable pharmaceutical conglomerates after five years of service. In spite of continuous job seeking surrounding the layoff, I remained largely unemployed until having discovered AmeriCorps and its service opportunities through VISTA come spring 2024. While daily applying to companies and hunting for positions both within and beyond the confines of medical practice during the in-between, very little did I know that my time practicing explicitly as a clinical specialty pharmacist had quietly come to an end. In hindsight, a large portion of my everyday prayers throughout 2022 consisted of asking for something far more meaningful to do with my life, my education, my passions and strengths, etc. Perhaps this explains why I ultimately considered the loss of employment more liberating than disappointing, especially seeing as my days of mundane regularity, working from sunrise to sunset with little appreciation and no recognition expressed by company leadership, had become a thing of the past. Upon guidance by CAVALRY’s founder, Dr. Tracie Edmond of San Antonio, TX (and learning of the non-profit’s acclaim as one of America’s most forward-thinking project management experiential programs), there was no doubt that I found what I had long been hoping for — the unicorn opportunity to bridge my longstanding professional experience with innovative philanthropic ventures. And since day one serving as CAVALRY’s Partnership and Outreach VISTA through OneStar, not even a second has passed in which I felt an itch to look back at my prior, seemingly-ages-ago life as a work-from-home pharmacist. Rather, the ability, power, and resources to affect direct, positive, and situation-altering change on people who have not been fortunate enough to learn for themselves is all I look forward to now. With each new day and every fresh perspective granted, nothing but unique, life-changing, legacy-lasting opportunities abound amidst voices expressing otherwise. And this is what drives me daily to further the impact of delivering hope to our communities.

Meet Ryan Klemz, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

What does it mean to serve? This is the question that has defined my decision to spend a year with AmeriCorps, despite the seemingly obvious answer. I gravitated to this opportunity, as Imagine Art’s Long-Term Care Operations VISTA, because of this desire to serve. After working a corporate job for three years, I desired to focus more on what brought me satisfaction in my free time in high school and college: working with nonprofits, volunteering, helping people in the community I live in. With this decision came excitement, a deep sense of fulfillment, and a strong ambitious drive to bring my best self to this service. However, this intrinsic desire to serve also came with unexpected consequences. I quickly found that my eagerness to serve and desire to help wherever I could contribute to burnout. Where the beginning of my service was defined by a rapid stream of ideas and energy to implement them, I began to slow down. I was losing sleep, becoming easily stressed, and struggling to find energy. Despite serving others as I had wanted to for a long time, I felt that the way in which I did so was not sustainable. A change was necessary, and to make this change, I began to embrace the culture of my host organization, Imagine Art. When I visited our clients in the art studio in my free time, I appreciated the patience with which they completed their art, and by which other AmeriCorps members assisted them with this process. In difficult times, our team emphasized “working from a place of rest”. In my quest to serve those at Imagine Art, I realized that I couldn’t do so without taking care of myself as well. I try to visit our clients in the art studio at least once a day. This reminds me why I serve, and to slow down and enjoy the experience. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in group activities or art projects with these individuals as a way to connect with those I indirectly serve, and to remind myself to be patient with myself so that I can perform my best service in the long run. Through this process, I’ve realized that service is not only defined by what we give to others, but also how we nurture ourselves in order to put our best foot forward for those around us.

Meet Tamia Nady, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

Hello, my name is Tamia Nady. After graduating from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a degree in Economics, I was not sure what career path to pursue. However, my love for volunteering and mentoring kids made me realize my passion for helping underserved communities. Affordable housing has always been a topic of interest for me. My mom has been a real estate agent for over 15 years, and discussions around the lack of affordable housing have always been part of our conversations. These conversations, paired with my drive to support communities, motivated me to explore roles that would allow me to address housing challenges while continuing to serve others. This sparked my interest in housing equity and addressing disparities that impact communities. While exploring opportunities after graduation, I discovered AmeriCorps and came across a VISTA position relating to Affordable housing Research in Houston, TX at Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. I did not fully know what the role would entail but I was excited to take a step toward meaningful service. This experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges facing underserved communities and strengthened my commitment to creating change. After my service year, I plan to pursue a career in community development using the skills I’ve gained to continue advocating for equity. AmeriCorps has been a transformative journey, giving me the tools and inspiration to make a lasting impact wherever I go.

Meet Sandy Porter, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

Sandy Porter, Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA, Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF). My journey to VISTA starts with my children. I have always been an advocate for them and always found STEM programs for them that allowed them to see other paths in life. Even though our community was not designed at the time to have those opportunities for them I was fortunate to find nonprofit organizations that furthered their love of STEM. I joined VISTA because I saw an opportunity that I can serve youth who may not have that opportunity to learn about STEM and its advantages. I was able to learn a lot about outreach, grant writing, blogs, volunteering, and how STEM has a huge impact on the city of Houston. In my role in VISTA, it has led me to my future plans. I will be going into a master’s program for Non- Profit Leadership. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in my collegiate future until I was able to have a chance to be a part of VISTA. VISTA has shown me what the meaning of serve means and I would like to continue learning and serve the community.

Meet Sharmente Alexandre, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

On August 5, 2023, I walked across the stage at the Addition Financial Arena to receive my bachelor’s degree in integrated business with a specialization in Human Resources from the University of Central Florida. What should have been the most monumental moment of my life felt surprisingly underwhelming. Perhaps because the educational journey had taken me eight years, or maybe because I was on and off the stage in less than two minutes.

Still, that moment taught me a valuable lesson: life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but the key is to enjoy the ride. After graduation, prioritizing that mindset became essential in my search for peace and fulfillment.

Immediately after graduation, I moved to Houston—a city I had never visited—to secure an HR job. However, after six months of rejection, I realized that the quote-on-quote dream job I had envisioned wasn’t what I truly needed. My best friend recommended AmeriCorps, and taking a leap of faith, I decided to join. Becoming part of AmeriCorps was the best decision I have ever made.

As a Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative VISTA, I channel my passion for administration, service, and advocacy into impactful capacity-building initiatives. This role has allowed me to gain valuable professional experience, expand my network, and enhance my communication skills. These opportunities have further ignited my ambition to pursue even more challenging endeavors.

After completing my service, I plan to pursue my passions by earning a master’s in international human resources development at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei City.

Meet Sarah Klein, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

Over the past year, I have served as a Development & Community Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA at Crossroads Community Services. I wasn’t sure what to do after graduating from Santa Clara University last summer, but I did know that I had always been passionate about social justice and wanted to do something that actually helped people in a tangible way. At SCU, I worked at our community service center, establishing relationships and volunteer programs with local nonprofits focused on food and housing insecurity. When I found out about AmeriCorps, I knew that would be a natural next step. Food is one of the most basic human needs and there is plenty for everyone, yet our systems are so broken that millions of people in the US don’t have regular access to affordable, healthy food. This May, Feeding America reported that Texas is now the #1 state in food insecurity. There is a lot of work to be done, and Crossroads is shaping the future of food security with its’ research and unique food distribution systems. Although my year of service is coming to a close, I am glad to have taken an active role in the Food is Medicine and food justice movements and will continue to support the community however I can.

Meet Tralise Barton, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

Meet Alec Corral, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

Alec Corral- Young Women’s College Preparatory Network- Community Engagement and Development VISTA- Sisterhood Month
When I arrived at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in the Ysleta District my Development Manager had already received a grant from the Teacher’s College Columbia University for Project Belonging. One of my first duties on campus was recruiting students to join the project team. At first, it was a bit slow to recruit students but they eventually came in. The students piled in and began coming up with ideas on their own. They came up with the idea for an entire month of sisterhood activities to happen at the school and to create a sense of belonging for students of all grades. It was impactful to see them work on posters, making Canvas for Instagram posts, making schedules, and creating decorations for the events. The students chose the activities, the games, the rewards, and gave many volunteer hours after school for the project. It was heartwarming and enriching to see young leaders showing up for the project and seeing it through. This project made me extremely proud to be an AmeriCorps VISTA and extremely lucky to have worked with the young leaders at Ysleta Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

Meet Amy Mehaffey, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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.

My Name is Amy Mehaffey, and I am the Marketing and Communications VISTA serving with Collegiate Edu-Nation. When I was asked to create marketing materials for the TASA MidWinter Conference, I knew it would be a project that would challenge me. Armed with ideas, Canva, and a hefty dose of caffeine, I poured myself into the work. Every design, from booth materials to flyers, became a canvas for CEN’s story–and a way to connect them to industry leaders. Creating something visually compelling isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about communicating impact, resilience, and hope. With each design, I appreciated more about CEN’s vision and the power of clear, intentional communication. As the event approached, I could see the pieces coming together, each element helping to shine a spotlight on the vital role of rural education. It’s moments like these that make me proud of my role and excited to see where my design skills might take me next.

Meet Felicia Hamer, OneStar | VISTA Spotlight

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 have always had the desire to see people become better than their current circumstances. As a child, I was often empathetic to the needs of anything or anyone that was hurt or sad. I would comfort the little bird that fell out of the tree or give my mom hugs if I sensed she was feeling sad. I was known to always have a smile on my face and my former pastor’s wife nicknamed me “Bubbles”. Ironically, my name Felicia, in many languages can be translated to mean “joy or happy”. I wanted to continue to share my love for giving by serving our communities.

Embracing the decision to join AmeriCorps Vista came with mixed emotions as I did have a desire to serve but didn’t know if I had the capacity to serve. I had already begun going back to college to earn my bachelor’s degree, at almost 50 years old the year before, and had just obtained my associate’s degree in digital marketing in March 2024. I was uncertain if I would be able to maintain a work-life balance that would allow me the ability to serve, finish school and fulfill my other personal obligations.

I took the leap and was assigned as a Vista to help a local mobile diaper pantry /financial empowerment for new mothers called ilooklikeLOVE here in Dallas. It has been a wonderful opportunity to share my gifts and see the impact of this organization on the community. By ensuring that babies get what they need, providing families with diapers and wipes helps to minimize the family’s financial burden and provides a more stable environment for the babies to grow and develop. I am looking forward to helping ilooklikeLOVE continue to grow and meet the needs of the community.