Meet the 2027 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows: Leading with Purpose & Passion While Serving Our Community

The 2027 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, has officially begun! From October 2026 to May 2027, 31 Civic Fellows will drive positive change by organizing at least one volunteer project each month with their partner organizations. Alongside this, they will participate in monthly leadership and professional development workshops, and each Fellow will raise a minimum of $750 to support Hands On Atlanta’s mission. Click here to give them a head start!

Last year, 24 Civic Fellows made a remarkable impact by engaging over 1,800 volunteers across 190+ service projects. Additionally, they directly supported Hands On Atlanta’s mission, raising a record total of $21,003! We’re excited to see the 2026 cohort continue this legacy of impact across metro Atlanta.

• Liveable Buckhead

• Out of Hand Theatre

• Piedmont Park Conservancy

• Safehouse Outreach

• Stella Love Nonprofit

This year's program will support the following nonprofits and schools:

• Clean Walks Alliance

• Discovery

• Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

• Helping Mama's

• Lifecycle Building Center

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Anna Kanze Hamilton

Safehouse Outreach

Anna Kanze Hamilton is an advisor, mentor, and board member dedicated to increasing access to resources and networks to support youth development, entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment in metro Atlanta and beyond. She is a wife, mother of two children in the City of Decatur school system, where she actively volunteers, and a dog mom. She also serves as an advisor to local Atlanta organizations, including the Partnership for Southern Equity, the Kristine Pettoni Foundation, Emory's Start:ME program, and Safehouse Outreach. She holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from NYU Stern Business School.

Ayesha Adams

Liveable Buckhead

Ayesha Adams is a human resources and culture leader with more than 20 years of experience building strong teams, inclusive cultures, and meaningful employee experiences. She currently serves as National Director of Culture & Engagement at Skanska USA Building, where she leads initiatives focused on culture, engagement, leadership development, and inclusion. An Atlanta native passionate about civic leadership and community service, Ayesha serves on the City of East Point Ethics Board and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is also a graduate of Leadership Buckhead’s Class of 2026 and holds a Master of Science in Human Resources from Troy University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia State University.

Bailey Maxwell

Out of Hand Theater

Bailey Maxwell, is a Social Impact Manager at Beazley, where she leads initiatives focused on community impact, inclusion, and employee engagement. With more than 14 years of volunteer service across metro Atlanta, Bailey is passionate about connecting people, organizations, and resources to create meaningful change. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of talent development, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, building partnerships that strengthen both workplaces and communities. She believes strong communities are built through service, connection, and opportunity, and is honored to join the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program to deepen her understanding of Atlanta's nonprofit ecosystem while continuing to invest in the city she proudly calls home.

Cheryll Davis

Piedmont Park Conservancy

As a 2027 Civic Fellow Cheryll looks forward to deepening my connection with the community, creating meaningful programs, building lasting relationships, and successfully carrying out service projects that make a positive impact.

DeAndre Harper

Stella Love Nonprofit

DeAndre is an Atlanta native with a zeal for learning, community engagement, and public service. With over a decade of experience in K-5 education, congressional politics, public policy, diplomacy and international relations via Cobb County Schools, the United States Congress, and the Department of State, Hands on Atlanta offers a tremendous opportunity for him to deepen his commitment to local community impact through advocacy and volunteer projects. DeAndre currently serves as a Political Campaign Organizer focused on deep canvassing battleground state voters in competitive US Senate and Gubernatorial races around the country.

Deborah Truitt

Safehouse Outreach

Dr. Deborah Truitt is a business and community leader, entrepreneur, consultant, and licensed insurance professional dedicated to strengthening families, expanding access to resources, and creating pathways to economic stability and generational success. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Family Legacy Network, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the founder of Mommy Mean Bizness, where her work encompasses family empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial education, legacy planning, and community resource navigation. Dr. Truitt currently serves as a Family Peer Ambassador for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (GA DECAL) and as a GEEARS Changemaker with the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, serving communities in Gwinnett and Hall counties. Her community leadership also includes serving as a mentor through Project Restart, and supporting initiatives focused on children, families, education, housing stability, and community well-being.

Eboni Lowery

Liveable Buckhead

Eboni Lowery, MSN, RN, is a Nursing Professional Development Practitioners and educator with more than eight years of nursing experience, dedicated to advancing clinical excellence, professional growth, and the development of the next generation of nurses. In her professional role, she supports nursing education, onboarding, competency development, quality improvement, and staff engagement while also serving as adjunct nursing faculty and an infusion nurse. Beyond healthcare, Eboni is actively involved in community service and leadership through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, the Atlanta Black Nurses Association, and nonprofit initiatives focused on supporting mothers, youth, and underserved communities. Her passion for education, service, and mentorship drives her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for both healthcare professionals and the communities she serves.

Ellissia Scott

Stella Love Nonprofit

Ellissia Scott is a hospitality leader who has called Atlanta home for the past five years. Originally from Mississippi, she brings nearly a decade of restaurant operations and team management experience, along with a genuine spirit of hospitality, to her work and community. She has volunteered with efforts addressing food insecurity and helping people meet other basic needs. Ellissia is motivated by the belief that even a small act of care can help someone feel seen and supported.

Hamaria Crockett

Discovery

Dr. Hamaria Crockett is a workplace and positive psychologist dedicated to creating better workplaces and opportunities for people to thrive. Her work spans workforce development, organizational effectiveness, leadership, talent strategy, economic development, and education across corporate, higher education, nonprofit, and public-sector environments. A two-time TEDx speaker, executive coach, educator, and mentor, her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. Known as the “Mary Poppins of the Workplace,” Hamaria combines workplace psychology with practical strategy to help organizations strengthen their people and communities.

Isha Williams

Piedmont Park Conservancy

Isha Williams is a creative, service-driven leader passionate about building stronger communities and creating meaningful impact through both her professional and civic work. Her career has spanned affordable housing, including work within the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) sector, and FinTech, where she currently leads complex, cross-functional initiatives. A Georgia Southern University alumna, Isha earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies and later earned a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Policy Analysis and Evaluation from Georgia State University. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she also serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of 20:35 Worldwide, a nonprofit supporting community development and service initiatives locally in Atlanta and internationally in Kenya. Outside of her professional and civic endeavors, Isha is a writer, registered yoga teacher, traveler, and lifelong learner who believes deeply in the power of connection, community, and intentional leadership.

Jada Hogue

Clean Walks Alliance

Jada Hogue is a communications and community engagement professional with experience in digital marketing, strategic communications, and media relations. In 2020, she co-founded Empower Atlanta Magazine, a print and digital publication created to inform and inspire Atlanta communities, where she served as Managing Editor. Her experience also includes developing and executing marketing and communications strategies at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, helping expand organizational visibility and community engagement. Through her work, Jada has found purpose in connecting people to information, opportunities, and organizations that strengthen the Atlanta community.

Jesus Rivera

Helping Mamas

Jesus Rivera is a civic and community leader committed to serving others, building stronger communities, and creating opportunities for people to grow together. With more than 17 years of leadership experience, Jesus currently serves as a leader within Citizens of Georgia Power, where he helps organize and mobilize volunteers to support communities across Georgia.Through his civic leadership, Jesus has helped lead initiatives supporting families, children, education, hunger relief, community development, and disaster response. His service has included partnerships and volunteer efforts with organizations such as Helping Mamas, Open Hand Atlanta, Kindezi, Children Without Beds, and Hands On Atlanta.

Jodeci Acosta-Gorman

Out of Hand Theater

Jodeci Acosta-Gorman is an education and community leader with more than a decade of experience supporting youth, families, and educators. She currently serves as Director of High School Transitions for KIPP Atlanta Schools, where she works to strengthen middle-to-high school transitions and expand access to financial aid, college attainment, and strong match-and-fit postsecondary pathways for historically underserved students and families. Her leadership also includes global education initiatives, efforts focused on Black male college persistence, and service on Achieve Atlanta’s College Access Leadership Council. In 2025, Jodeci and her team received a national Excellence in College Counseling Award through Common App and Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative in recognition of their impact on students and the college access field.

Kami Bankston

Out of Hand Theater

Kamariah “Kami” Bankston is a product and program leader based in the Atlanta area with more than a decade of experience in technology, data, and digital product development. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kami’s experiences living in different communities throughout her life have shaped her curiosity about people, systems, and the ways our environments influence opportunity.

Kayla King Scott

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

As a Philadelphia native, Kayla Starr King Scott, brought a little Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection with her to Georgia. She's is a marketing and communications professional, two-time award-winning author, and MBA candidate at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Professionally, she works with Diamond in the Rough, where she supports programming focused on mentorship, college readiness, leadership development, and empowering the next generation of young women. Her community leadership experience spans the Junior League, Urban League Young Professionals, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. At the heart of Kayla’s work is a passion for uplifting girls, connecting people to opportunities, and helping women and young people see what is possible for themselves.

Kenneth Hobson

Lifecycle Building Center

Kenneth Hobson is an educator and nonprofit leader who believes every student deserves someone in the classroom who can help them become a strong reader. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Program Strategy, Impact, and Implementation at The Literacy Lab. He leads efforts to prepare Fellows to support young readers in classrooms across five regions: Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, DC, and Maryland. He works with a partner organization to train paraprofessionals who work one-on-one with students. KennentH is excited about his acceptance into the CLP with Hands on Atlanta.

Kiara Henry

Clean Walks Alliance

Kiara is Director of Client Services at Wyng, a marketing technology company, where she leads service delivery for global brands including Mondelēz International, LVMH, and Church & Dwight. She is a metro Atlanta native who studied journalism at Georgia State University, where a UI/UX assistantship became her path into tech. In the community, she volunteers with the Marcus Graham Project, MomoCon's panel moderation team, and Hands On Atlanta's Discovery program. Guided by the belief that talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not, Kiara works to open pathways into creative and tech careers for K–5 students and young professionals.

Lauren Small Simmons

Lifecycle Building Center

Lauren is an HR professional and passionate community leader who believes that meaningful change begins when people feel connected to something bigger than themselves. With more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition and people-focused leadership, she brings a strong passion of creating experiences that bring people together. Within her community, Lauren serves as a Chapter Chairman for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she focuses on reconnecting and engaging sisters through service. She has also served on the board of her alma mater’s alumni and other non-profit 501c3 organizations where she contributed to initiatives that strengthen connection, leadership, and community impact.

Leesi Barinem

Helping Mamas

Leesi supports college students in achieving their academic goals by connecting them with academic and campus resources. She is passionate about community building and strategic program management, with a focus on improving operations and engaging diverse communities. For example, she has successfully planned and organized Flag Football events that brought together over 40 Christian adults, ages 28–55, to foster connection and community. Leesi is passionate about serving others and creating events that positively impact my community.

Mashanda Burton

Helping Mamas

Mashanda Burton serves as the Director of Operations at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, where she aligns organizational strategy with impactful operational leadership. Driven by an enduring passion for maternal health equity and community advocacy, she dedicates her work to uplifting families and expanding access to supportive perinatal care across Georgia.

Michaela Carter

Safehouse Outreach

Michaela Carter is an author and communications professional with experience spanning sports and entertainment, higher education, and government. She currently serves as Internal Communications & Digital Platforms Manager at U.S. Soccer, where she develops communications and digital experiences that connect employees to the organization’s people, purpose, and work. Beyond her professional career, Michaela is the founder of RAWCove, a faith-centered community dedicated to creating restorative experiences for women, and actively serves through her church through mission work. Her commitment to service extends throughout the Atlanta community, where she has supported unhoused individuals through organizations such as SafeHouse Outreach, served seniors through Meals on Wheels, and volunteered to read to children in local schools. She is also passionate about mentorship, civic engagement, and using her gifts in storytelling and community-building to pour into women, children, and underserved communities.

Monica Davis

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Monica Davis is a Senior Client Performance Manager at Cox Automotive and an MBA candidate at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. She is passionate about community engagement and regularly volunteers through Cox, serves on Motion Run Club’s Community Service Committee, and is active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also serves as an Evening MBA representative for Emory’s Black MBA Association, supporting student engagement and community building. As a Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, Monica is excited to deepen her impact across metro Atlanta through service, leadership, and nonprofit partnership.

Monique Lee

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Monique Y. Lee is a nonprofit executive with nearly 20 years of experience in youth development, education, operations, philanthropy, and community engagement. She is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities that help children, families, and communities thrive. Her commitment to service extends through her involvement with United Way VIP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Monique is dedicated to expanding her impact through civic leadership, service, and meaningful engagement throughout metro Atlanta.

Myles Logan

Lifecycle Building Center

Myles Logan is a proud Stone Mountain native, public service professional, and community leader with a passion for serving others and creating meaningful change. He is a two-time graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration. He currently serves as a Deputy Clerk with the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court, where he supports critical court functions and provides high-quality service to the public. Outside of work he enjoys playing soccer, mentoring youth, volunteering, and staying actively engaged in communities throughout Metro Atlanta.

Nadia Krause

Clean Walks Alliance

Nadia Krause is a Field Operations Manager with 2020 Companies, where she leads teams, develops talent, and drives operational excellence. She is passionate about community service and has supported initiatives focused on nonprofit development, digital access, food security, and community engagement. As a Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Fellow, Nadia looks forward to strengthening her civic leadership skills and continuing to create meaningful impact in the communities she serves.

Naquila Gilchrist-Jalajel

Discovery

Naquila Gilchrist-Jalajel is an operations strategist and civic-engagement leader who helps mission-driven organizations and communities thrive. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Winston-Salem State University and an MBA from Florida International University. After 15+ years in the defense contracting industry, Naquila moved into small-business entrepreneurship. As the Founder of Quila Consulting and Director of Operations and Co-Owner at Technician Interactive Security, she focuses on building strong teams, designing practical governance frameworks, and creating data systems that help organizations grow and deliver on their goals. Naquila’s advocacy work centers on boosting democratic participation and elevating underrepresented voices. As President of Voices of Muslims – Fayette County Chapter, a recent appointee to its Advisory Board, and a District Captain and Post Seat Holder for the Fayette County Democratic Committee, she helps guide statewide strategy, build coalitions, and support civic-education efforts.

Shantreez Burris

Safehouse Outreach

Shantreez Burris is a Strategy & Operations Manager on The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Meetings & Events team, where she leads strategic programs, operational initiatives, and cross-functional efforts that improve how teams work and deliver experiences at scale. Prior to Coca-Cola, she spent six years at Accenture, partnering with organizations on strategy, transformation, and operational improvement. Outside of her professional work, Shantreez supports the onboarding, coordination, and development of more than 200 volunteers within her church community and tutors children twice a month at Atlanta Mission’s My Sister’s House. A Spelman College graduate, she is passionate about service, community, and using her skills and experiences to create meaningful impact in Atlanta and beyond.

Sharon Hurdle

Piedmont Park Conservancy

Sharon Hurdle is a community-focused professional with more than 10 years of experience in health education, youth development, housing, social services, and program coordination. She develops and facilitates life-skills and prevention education programs that help individuals build confidence, self-reliance, and the skills they need for personal and professional success. Sharon creates opportunities that support youth, families, and communities while addressing practical needs through education, connection, and community partnerships. She is also actively engaged in nonprofit leadership and civic development opportunities that strengthen her ability to serve and create meaningful community impact.

Terance Clement

Liveable Buckhead

Terance Clement is a National Sales Leader at Comcast NBCUniversal, where he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen sales performance, customer retention, and leader readiness across the organization. Passionate about creating opportunities for others, he dedicates his time to mentorship, leadership development, and community service throughout Metro Atlanta. He serves with organizations including 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation, and America On Tech, helping expand access and opportunity for future generations. As a member of Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2027 and a recent graduate of the 100 Black Men of America Leadership Institute, Terance is committed to building stronger communities through service, collaboration, and civic leadership

Tiffany Shelby

Stella Love Nonprofit

Tiffany Shelby is a Talent Management Analyst at State Farm, where she supports strategy and workforce initiatives by turning complex or ambiguous challenges into clear, actionable solutions. Her career spans talent management, talent acquisition, underwriting, claims, and research, giving her a broad perspective on people, organizations, and how work gets done. Outside of her professional role, Tiffany is the founder and president of Aequo Pathway Foundation, a nonprofit that expands career exposure and opportunity for young people through connections with professionals and industries. She is passionate about building bridges between people, resources, and opportunities and using collaborative leadership to create lasting community impact.

Unique Lewis

Discovery

Unique Lewis is an Atlanta-based nonprofit and community development professional who holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management. She brings experience in nonprofit operations, workforce development, youth mentorship, community outreach, and partnership development, including service as an AmeriCorps member with City Year. Unique is the founder of A Unique Way of Life Consulting, where she supports emerging nonprofit organizations in building strong organizational foundations and sustainable practices. Within her community, she collaborates with local nonprofit organizations to develop initiatives and create meaningful opportunities for youth and families. She is passionate about using service, collaboration, and community-centered leadership to strengthen the communities she serves.

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Constellation is proud to support the Hands on Atlanta Civic Leadership Program (CLP), which helps equip emerging leaders with the skills, connections, and experiences needed to create lasting impact in their communities. Through this partnership, Constellation supports leadership development and strengthens the ability of individuals to drive positive change across the Atlanta region.

To learn more about the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program visit https://www.handsonatlanta.org/civic-leadership

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Nataly Mar

Nataly Mar is an AmeriCorps member serving as a Student Support Coach who is passionate about supporting children’s social and emotional growth. With a background in psychology, she is dedicated to connecting with students and being a safe, supportive adult they can turn to. With a love for art, animals, and family, Nataly brings creativity and compassion to her service.

Learn more about her and her journey with AmeriCorps below!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Nataly Mar! This is my first year serving at Hands on Atlanta as a Student Support Coach. In May 2026, I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia.

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

After completing my undergrad, I decided it was important for me to serve my community and gain hands-on experience with the population and setting I want to work with- which is supporting young children's social-emotional skills in an educational setting.

What do you like most about working with your students?

I love connecting with the students and being a safe adult for them to come to when they need it.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

By gaining experience in this position, I will be able to understand the needs and struggles of both the students and the professionals I work closely with. This experience will shape me into a competent, understanding, and compassionate worker who extends a supportive hand to students, teachers, and staff.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself either with my master's degree or as a PhD student. I see myself traveling to different countries, enhancing my gardening skills and taking ceramics classes.

When you’re not serving as an AmeriCorps Member, what do you like to do for fun?

In my free time, I love to color, paint, learn about animals, and be with my family.

What do you love about Atlanta?

Growing up outside of the major city, I looked at Atlanta as place of opportunity for me. I always knew I would find myself working in Atlanta, and hope to live closer to the city in my near future.

Share one quote/motto that you live by or that inspires you.

“What you water grows!”

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!

HANDS ON HUNGER PANTRY SPOTLIGHT: Higher Ground Community Impact INC

We’re excited to spotlight Hands On Hunger’s pantry: Higher Ground Community Impact INC

Learn more about Higher Ground Community Impact INC below!

Tell us about why you applied to the Hands On Hunger Program and what you're goals are for the next two years

We applied to Hands on Hunger Program because we believe no family should have to struggle to put food on the table. Through Higher Ground Community Impact, we have provided free groceries to families in our community on the 2nd & 4th Saturday’s of each month for the past three years. Over the next two years, our goal is to expand our reach, serve more families, strength community partnerships, and develop additional programs that address the need of those we serve. Ultimately, we want to go beyond handing someone a bag of groceries. We want people to know they are valued, seen, and supported.

Tell us about your organization - what's your mission, and how does it impact our community?

HGCI is committed to strengthening families and improving quality of life in our community by meeting people where they are and connecting them with needed resources. Our mission is to serve, empower, and uplift individuals and families by addressing practical needs while creating opportunities for lasting positive change.

What's the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?

HGCI was created out of a desire to serve our community in a practical and meaningful way. What began as a commitment to meet an immediate need has grown into an ongoing community outreach ministry. For the last three years we have provided free groceries to families on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What is possible through the support of volunteers that would not be possible otherwise?

Volunteers are essential to the mission of HGCI. They help us organize, pack, distribute groceries while also welcoming and connecting with the families we serve. Their impact allows us to serve more people efficiently and with greater dignity. Volunteers also bring their skills, compassion, and community connections, helping us build stronger relationships and partnerships.

What community problem is your organization trying to solve? Can you tell us more about the issue?

HGCI is working to address food insecurity and challenges families face when they do not have enough resources to consistently provide nutritious food for themselves and their households. Many people are working hard but still find themselves facing difficult choices between food and other essential expenses.

Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization? For example, how many meals/families/individuals do you serve monthly?

HGCI serves over 500+ families on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each months. Our impact is measured not only by the groceries distributed, but also by the relationships and trust we have built within the community.

What kind of programming do you offer the community?

HGCI currently provides food assistance through free grocery distributions on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. We are also focused on developing additional community programming that addresses the broader need of families. Our goal is to grow from providing immediate assistance to creating pathways that empower individuals and families to thrive.

Tell us about what it's like to serve with your organization. How many volunteers do you host every month?

Serving with HGCI is a hands-on and rewarding experience. Volunteers work alongside our team to prepare, organize, and distribute groceries while interacting directly with the individuals and families we serve.

Tell us about how volunteers can jump in and get involved. How can they best support you?

Volunteers can jump in immediately by helping with our 2nd & 4th Saturday grocery distributions. They can assist with sorting and packing food, setting up, serving families, distributing groceries and cleanup.

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Higher Ground Community Impact INC

https://www.highergroundtabernacle.com/

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Kamrie Mensah

Kamrie Mensah is an AmeriCorps member on the Corporate Impact Team passionate about service, community impact, and lifelong learning. Through her service, she helps coordinate corporate volunteer efforts that bring engaging STEAM kits to students while deepening her understanding of community needs and nonprofit operations. With a love for family, friends, and discovering new skills, Kamrie brings care and purpose to her work. Learn more about her and her journey with AmeriCorps!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps for an opportunity to transition my career into full-time service. AmeriCorps allows members to make an immediate and meaningful impact, and I am thankful to be a part of the program.

What do you like most about working with Volunteers?

While I don’t work directly with the students, I am overjoyed when our partner schools share how much the students enjoy the STEAM Kits that our corporate partners put together for them. Being able to coordinate those efforts and realize the benefits of such is an amazing feeling.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a better understanding of community needs and the opportunities for impact. I am also looking forward to learning more about nonprofit operations.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I hope to be more engaged, more informed, and more effective in mobilizing others to serve. I plan to achieve this through a continued commitment to service and by furthering my education, so I am better prepared to advocate for others.

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““Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 - meaning, do what you can with what you have, and do it well!”

— Kamrie Mensah

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When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not serving, I am most likely watching a YouTube documentary or trying to a make a sugar-free, calorie-free dessert

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love Atlanta’s commitment to better - better spaces, better communities, and better opportunities

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!

HANDS ON HUNGER PANTRY SPOTLIGHT: FLIPPER TEMPLE AME CHURCH

We’re excited to spotlight Hands On Hunger’s pantry: Flipper Temple AME Church Food Pantry

Learn more about Flipper Temple AME Church Food Pantry below!

Tell us about why you applied to the Hands On Hunger Program and what you're goals are for the next two years

We applied to the Hands On Hunger Program to strengthen our capacity to serve families experiencing food insecurity in our community. As our outreach continues to grow, we want to ensure we have the tools, training, and support needed to operate efficiently and sustainably. Over the next two years, our goals include expanding our food distribution, improving our data tracking and reporting, increasing volunteer engagement, and building stronger partnerships that allow us to serve more households with dignity and consistency.

Tell us about your organization - what's your mission, and how does it impact our community?

The mission of the Flipper Temple AME Church Food Pantry is to provide nutritious food, compassion, and hope to individuals and families facing food insecurity. We serve as a bridge for those experiencing hardship, ensuring they have access to essential resources during difficult seasons. Our impact reaches children, seniors, working families, and individuals who rely on us for stability. Through our pantry and Pop-Up Café, we offer both food and fellowship, creating a welcoming environment where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

What's the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?

The Flipper Temple AME Church Food Pantry began as a small response to our community’s growing needs. As more families faced financial hardship and food insecurity, our church saw the need for a consistent, organized outreach program. Today, the pantry is a structured, volunteer-powered ministry serving hundreds of households each month. Its history is rooted in compassion, respect, and a commitment to service.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What is possible through the support of volunteers that would not be possible otherwise?

Volunteers are the heart of our mission. They prepare food bags, assist with distribution, greet clients, organize inventory, support data entry, and help maintain a clean and organized workspace. Their presence allows us to operate smoothly and serve families with care and dignity. Without volunteers, our pantry simply could not function at the scale it does. Their commitment makes it possible to distribute thousands of pounds of food each month and provide a warm, welcoming environment for every client who walks through our doors.

What community problem is your organization trying to solve? Can you tell us more about the issue?

We are working to address food insecurity — a persistent challenge affecting families, seniors, children and unhoused individuals in our community. Many households and individuals struggle to afford food due to rising costs, limited income/lack of any income, or unexpected hardships. Food insecurity impacts health, stability, and overall well-being. By providing reliable access to nutritious food, we help reduce stress, support healthier families, support unhoused individuals, and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization? For example, how many meals/families/individuals do you serve monthly?

In July, the Flipper Temple Food Pantry continued its mission of supporting families across our community. Thanks to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, sponsors, dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we provided essential food resources to households and unhoused individuals facing real need.

Who We Served:

Households Served: 532

Total Persons Served: 1,536

Children Served: 617

Senior Citizens Served: 455

Food Distributed Total Pounds of Food Distributed: 7,936

These numbers reflect not just meals, but moments of relief, stability, and hope for families and individuals navigating difficult times.

What kind of programming do you offer the community?

Weekly Services and Support: We provide food distribution twice a week. On Wednesdays from 9:30AM to 2:30PM. On Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon and our Pop-Up Café provides a hot meal for our clients. Clothing assistance is available biweekly on Wednesdays. We also support clients through the Oasis Insight database and offer seasonal outreach programs.

What types of projects do you offer? Tell us about a few different offerings. Do you have monthly or weekly recurring opportunities? How about your seasonal or annual events?

Our primary recurring opportunities include weekly pantry distribution and food bag preparation. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, assembling family bags, organizing inventory, and supporting client intake. Seasonally, we host special outreach events such as holiday food distributions, and community fellowship meals.

Tell us about what it's like to serve with your organization. How many volunteers do you host every month?

Serving with the Flipper Temple Food Pantry is warm, organized, and community-centered. Volunteers work together in a supportive environment where teamwork and compassion guide every task. We typically host 80–100 volunteers each month, depending on distribution days and special events.

Tell us about how volunteers can jump in and get involved. How can they best support you?

Volunteers can get involved by signing up for Wednesday or Saturday service days, assisting with food bag preparation, helping with distribution, or supporting administrative tasks such as data entry. The best way to support us is through consistent volunteer participation, spreading awareness, and helping us maintain a welcoming environment for every client we serve.

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Flipper Temple AME Church

https://www.flippertempleame.com/

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Christian Parks

Christian Parks is an AmeriCorps member passionate about mentorship, education, and personal growth. Through her service, she is dedicated to helping students build confidence, resilience, and belief in themselves while continuing to grow as a leader and educator. With a love for adventure, community, and inspiring youth, Christian brings positivity and purpose to everything she does. Learn more about her and her journey with AmeriCorps!

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What do you like most about working with your students?

They’re constantly happy! They may have their moments but they want to bounce back just as fast. I also enjoy seeking the lightbulb go off in their minds!

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

A solid foundation for my future in education.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Teaching youth to be their best selves by giving everything 110% and never quitting on themselves.

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“I was looking for something that would connect me to my service roots, and something could push me to grow deeper in my self.”

— Christian Parks

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When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

Rock climbing and concert going. Soon to be jet setting again!

What do you love about Atlanta?

How resilient and amazingly diverse our little slice of this planet is.

Share one quote/motto that you live by or that inspires you.

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.- Robert F. Kennedy

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!

Congratulations to our 2026 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leaders!

On Thursday, April 23, we gathered at McKinsey & Co. to celebrate an inspiring group of changemakers—our 2026 Civic Leadership cohort. After seven months of service, growth, and impact, they have officially graduated from Civic Fellows and stepped into their new role as Civic Leaders.

From October through April, this dedicated cohort led hands-on projects not only within our Discovery Program, but alongside nonprofit partners, deepened their leadership through monthly professional development workshops, and collectively raised an incredible $21,003 to support Hands On Atlanta’s mission.

Now, equipped with sharpened skills and stronger community connections, they’re stepping forward to lead with purpose, helping build a more equitable and engaged Atlanta.

Check out the nonprofits supported this year:

Thursday was full of fun, with our proud sponsor of the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation joining us for the day! First their team served with nonprofit partner New Life Community Alliance, and later attended the graduation, bringing gifts for the graduates! The graduation ceremony included an energetic recap from graduates Kelvin Sharpe & Kristel Silang, sharing moving impact stories. We received a powerful keynote from Monisha Longacre, who spoke to the lasting value of civic leadership and community-driven change through time. The event concluded with program alumna Ashley Hunter (Class of 2025) returning to share insights on navigating “Life After the Civic Leadership Program,” inspiring this year’s graduates to carry their experiences forward and stay engaged.

Along with highlighting the impact created by our fellows and memorable words shared by leading Atlanta influencers, recognition was given to the top fundraisers and the recipients of this year’s Impact Award.

Kelvin Sharpe

Kristel Silang

Monisha Longacre

Ashley Hunter

Impact Awardees

• Shermika Dunner​ - C.A.R.E. Award

• Clay Harmony Leland (Tyra Harper, Shanese Broadnax, Jonecia Williamson and Delonee McBride) - Discovery Impact Award

• Stella Love (Tameka Mitchell and Kelvin Sharpe)  - Nonprofit

Top Fundraisers

• Jordan Cheney ($3,550 from 43 Supporters)

• Kristel Silang ($2,500 from 56 Supporters)

2026 Impact

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We’re excited to see the impact our 2026 cohort continues to create across metro Atlanta.

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Take a trip down memory lane from our cohort’s service year

To learn more about the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program visit https://www.handsonatlanta.org/civic-leadership

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THank you to our Civic Leadership Program Sponsor - Constellation

The Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation is 10-month, immersive professional development/leadership training program that builds community leaders while supporting the needs of nonprofit and school partners. Civic Fellows get hands-on experience and also participate in leadership training and mentoring provided by Hands On Atlanta staff, program alumni and partners.

Constellation is helping advance America’s clean‑energy transition as the nation’s largest producer of carbon‑free energy, while delivering reliable solutions that support homes and businesses every day. Backed by an industry‑leading generation fleet, we are focused on meeting today’s energy needs while building a cleaner future. In Georgia, Constellation serves customers through its retail natural gas business, offering dependable, customer‑focused products and services that provide greater choice and control in how energy is purchased and managed.

 Constellation is committed to supporting local communities by investing in resources to help strengthen the places where our customers live and work. As the Proud Champion Partner who powers the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation is also a supplier of natural gas to Atlanta and surrounding areas. Using Offer Code HANDSON, our community members can find more information and a special offer here.

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Leilani Gibbons

Leilani Gibbons is a Georgia native and University of Georgia graduate with a strong passion for community impact and education. Through her service with AmeriCorps for the 2025 to 2026 school year, she is dedicated to supporting students and making a meaningful difference in her community. Her experiences have shaped her commitment to growth, connection, and equity.

Learn more about Leilani Gibbons, in our interview below!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a Georgia native and UGA graduate who is passionate about community impact to build a better future for everyone. I love to travel and after graduating with a bachelors in Sociology, I moved to Malaga, Spain for two years to teach English. This experience honed an interest in cross-cultural exchange and education, motivating me to teach with Americorps for the 25-26 school year. For my next venture, following the conclusion of my service term, I'm planning to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue my non-profit career pursuits and be closer to family.

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined Americorps because I wanted to give back to my community and was familiar with the positive impact of the organization. I am passionate about equity in education and was also looking to gain hands on experience with a non-profit organization, and teaching with Americorps/ Hands on Atlanta was a perfect intersection of these goals.

What do you like most about working with your students?

My favorite thing about working with students is that I feel like I’m getting a rare glimpse into the next generation. It’s interesting to see their relationships with technology and hear their perspectives of the world- it reminds me to lead with empathy and patience. They also share my love of silly jokes.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain even more appreciation for my community and the village that it takes to raise and steward children. I also hope to take the tangible leadership and organizational skills that I've learned with me throughout my career.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself graduated with a Masters in Public Policy and pursing a career in education policy. Additionally, I’ll hopefully have some chickens in my backyard!

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love the diversity of Atlanta and it's rich cosmopolitan space. Even though I grew up just an hour north, I feel like I am truly experiencing Atlanta for the first time, and having my longtime friends and family nearby is a blessing I am beyond grateful for.

Share one quote/motto that you live by or that inspires you.

“Train yourself toward solidarity and not charity. You are no one’s savior. You are a mutual partner in the pursuit of freedom.”

by Brittany Packnett

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Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and more!