AmeriCorps Spotlight: Jamia Charles

We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Jamia Charles! Jamia Charles is a Community Servant, Community Builder, Youth Advocate, and apart of our Hands On Atlanta family.

Learn more about her journey and how she is shaping the future!

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Introducing Jamia Charles the Community Servant, Community Builder, Youth Advocate


Why did you join AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps literally fell into my lap. While going through my emails, I stumbled upon the program and became curious. I thought to myself, “Why not give my childhood aspiration a try?” That curiosity led me to apply, and it has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives as well as the community. What started as a chance discovery has become a defining step in my professional career.

What did you like most about working with your students?

What I liked the most was seeing students grow academically and gain confidence over time. Being a part of their progress and watching them achieve their goals was very rewarding for both the scholar and me. I also valued building positive relationships with my students and creating a supportive learning environment where they felt encouraged to participate and succeed.

What did you gain from this experience?

Through this experience, I gained hands-on experience working with students, strengthened my communication skills, and developed a deep understanding of how to support diverse learning needs.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself growing in a leadership role within a nonprofit organization where I can contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that address community needs. I also see myself continuing to develop my skills in community outreach and strategic planning, allowing me to take on greater responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission and overall success.

When you’re not serving the community, what do you like to do for fun?

Outside of serving the community, I enjoy activities that help me recharge, such as running, reading, and spending time with people who are important to me. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance, stay disciplined, and continue learning.

“What I love about Atlanta is its rich history, abundance of opportunity, and vibrant diversity. The city’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, earning it the nickname “Phoenix City” after it rose from the challenges of the past to become a thriving hub of culture, business, and transportation. Today, that spirit of growth and determination continues to define Atlanta, making it a place of possibility for both personal and professional development. It’s a city like no other, and I am proud to call it home.”

— Jamia Charles

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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!

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Amber Moore

We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Amber Moore! Amber is a visionary leader with a passion for helping others. She serves as a Student Support Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.

Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps because I was raised by two visionaries who fought for Civil rights in two different ways. They were the first to teach me to get into "Good Trouble" ( John Lewis). My parents and grandmother always taught me that serving my community is a responsibility of being an American citizen. AmeriCorps has been an amazing gateway for me to serve children who look like me but might not have the opportunities or exposure that I had, and I should help them have "Genius Awakenings" as well as give me a chance to have a hand in the education of our future.

 

What do you like most about working with your students?

What I like about this opportunity to work with students is seeing their faces when they have gone from 2nd grade reading level to 3rd grade - 4th grade reading level. When the Student Council was launched, the atmosphere changed, excitement was in the air, and the behavior of students changed.

“Atlanta allows me to be able to express my masculine-presenting side, and be a leader and advocate for the Black LGBT Greek community. While being a part of the teaching of our students in areas of leadership, and student emotional learning support.”

— Amber

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

This work is a part of my legacy. I want to be the one that many years from now, something I have said or my character is what they remember.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to have the Kindezi West Student Council recognized for several awards, and I have a job with the Kindezi School System to create programs like the Student Council. I would love to work with Kindezi Schools to have AmeriCorps members heavily present at all schools.

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

I like to binge-watch movies, series, or just comedy shows. I love to travel with my fraternity members. Sometimes just hanging out at home is peace for me.

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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!

AmeriCorps Spotlight: DeSeana Brockington

We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member DeSeana Brockington! DeSeana holds a degree in PR and has a  passion for youth advocacy and development. She serves as a Teacher Assistant through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta.

Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I've always had a genuine passion for community service and helping others, especially youth in discovering, maintaining, and pursuing their dreams and aspirations. I was working in marketing and visual merchandising, and though I enjoyed the work, I didn’t feel like I was operating within my true purpose. I prayed and asked God to use me however He saw fit. Then one day, AmeriCorps appeared on my screen, and I thought to myself, “okay”. Out of faith, I quit my job. Two days later, I received a call from AmeriCorps, and that’s when I knew this was exactly where I needed to be.

 

What do you like most about working with your students?

I love my students. Every day, they inadvertently remind me to keep going, even when things get a little dicey. They help me stay connected to my childlike side, all while teaching me how to be a better influence and a better human being.

“I love the diversity. I’m from Savannah, Georgia, and I’ve never been exposed to so many people of color with different hobbies, aspirations, and lifestyles who yet still respect, support, and include one another.”

— DeSeana Brockington

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I want to use my platform and draw on the resources I’ve gained from my experiences and pay it forward to individuals, families, and communities in need. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself serving not only the Atlanta community but also expanding my impact to other states and even countries.

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

I like to relax and enjoy my rent. Whether that means chilling at home watching All American or Scandal with a plate of food in front of me, or hanging out with my homegirls.

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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!

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Kennedi Smith

We’re excited this month to highlight AmeriCorps Member Kennedi Smith! Kennedi is a Changemaker passionate about helping others thrive. While working on her Master’s Degree at Georgia State, she serves as a Student Success Coach through AmeriCorps, in addition to volunteering throughout Atlanta. Learn more about her journey to AmeriCorps, and how she’s shaping the future!

Check out the interview below!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps because I wanted to give back to my community in a meaningful way while also gaining hands-on experience in education and public health. Serving as a Student Success Coach allows me to pour into students the same way others poured into me, and to help close gaps in learning and confidence for young people.

What do you like most about working with your students?

What I like most about working with my students is the comfortable environment I’ve been able to create with them. When they run up to me just to share something small, give me a hug, or call my name, it really makes my day. Even though the school year just started, I’ve already seen little pieces of advice—like reminding them it’s okay to ask the teacher for help or encouraging them to come out of their shell—make a difference. Watching them grow, even in small ways, is what I enjoy most.  

What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to grow as both a mentor and a professional. This role will strengthen my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges students face. Ultimately, I want to take these experiences with me into my future career in health education and promotion.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself working in public health—designing programs that promote mental health, wellness, and education for underserved communities. I also hope to be in a position where I’m still mentoring young people, because that’s something I’ve found I truly enjoy.

“I hope to grow as both a mentor and a professional. This role will strengthen my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges students face. Ultimately, I want to take these experiences with me into my future career in health education and promotion.”

— Kennedi Smith

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love Atlanta because it’s truly shaped who I am. Growing up here, I was surrounded by diversity and got to see people who looked like me in every position, which taught me early on that I could do anything. The city’s resilience and culture gave me a sense of pride and drive that I carry with me today. Now, being able to serve students in the same city that raised me feels full circle, and it means a lot to give back to a place that’s poured so much into me. 

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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!

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Maia Newhouse

Y’all, we are so excited to introduce you to this month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Maia Newhouse!

Maia leads with heart, purpose, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around her. Whether she’s building connections, stepping up to lead, or lending a hand to her peers, Maia brings intention and positivity to everything she does. She’s a graduate of the University of West Georgia, and a Teaching Assistant through our AmeriCorps program! Her drive to create meaningful change and her ability to work alongside others makes her a true force for good.

We’re proud to celebrate Maia’s leadership and the impact she’s making every day. Check out our interview below!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined the Ameri Corps because it gave me a way to serve students and also provided time for me to figure out what's next. While exposing me to new opportunities and growing my leadership skills.

What do you like most about working with your students?

The thing I like most while working with my students is the unmatched joy they possess. Kids have a way of smiling through the rain naturally & finding joy in the simplest things. They’re my daily reminder of how great life is.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the education system and understand why there’s such a gap with this new generation. To be able to see the effects of COVID and be part of the solution is unmatched.

“In five years I see myself with a masters degree and living in D.C to chase my dreams of being the next White House Press Secretary. While also launching my collegiate giveback initiative.”

— Maia Newhouse

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

I LOVE mini golf and brunch!!! My perfect day would be to sleep in, leave around 1:30pm for brunch, then go to a mini golf course and lastly end the night with a movie.

What do you love about Atlanta?

The one thing no other city can top is WINGS!!! I’ve traveled this country and I can confirm no one does a wing like Atlanta(extra crispy & extra wet).

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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 to start your application for the 2025-26 term.

AmeriCorps Member Spotlight: Rue Randall

We are so excited to introduce you to this month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Rue Randall!

Rue brings passion, purpose, and a powerful vision to everything she does—from her role as a Teaching Assistant in the classroom to her journey as a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. With a heart rooted in service and a deep commitment to equity in education, Rue joined AmeriCorps to pour into the very communities that shaped her.

Her story is one of dedication, healing, and empowerment. Whether she’s guiding students through academic challenges or supporting their social-emotional growth, Rue leads with compassion and clarity—embodying the true spirit of servant leadership. And when she’s not mentoring or tutoring, you can find her immersed in video essays, building in The Sims 4, or practicing her faith through her vibrant Buddhist community.

Rue is a proud Atlantan who sees this city not just as a hometown, but as a network of connections, resilience, and legacy. We’re honored to celebrate her this month and can’t wait for you to get to know her story.

Learn more about Rue in our interview below!

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Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps because I had a knack for teaching and was ready to follow my dreams of working in the school system and giving back to my community. I wanted to provide quality, equitable education to students who look like me and are living through what I lived through growing up. When I found this program, I had just graduated from college and had taught in preschools throughout all four years of my studies. While I loved those years, there was a deep yearning inside me to come back, relive, and heal parts of myself and my experiences by returning to those spaces and embodying what it means to be a good teacher—someone who advocates for their students when they cannot advocate for themselves. AmeriCorps gave me that opportunity, and I ran with it!

What do you like most about working with your students?

I love seeing their faces light up when they answer a question correctly or overcome a specific learning challenge. I also love helping them navigate their social-emotional issues by building the necessary tools to live their lives honorably and judiciously.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I feel that I have already gained so much—both in what I was looking for and in unforeseen ways. However, I really hope to build a sense of community in the school where I am currently stationed.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully, in five years, I will have completed my doctorate in School Psychology and will be working either as a school psychologist or a principal in a Title I school. I also hope to have opened a community center that provides free mental and psychiatric healthcare, GED preparation, and parenting classes to marginalized communities (among many other services). Through this, I would be honoring my grandmother's legacy, as she ran a school of her own called the Nairobi College/Day School in East Palo Alto.

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

I play The Sims 4 or watch video essays on a variety of topics. I also love watching cartoons, partying, and spending time with my friends on the weekends. My Buddhist practice is also a big part of my free time, so I enjoy showing up at the center and volunteering as a byakuren or usher.

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love that, no matter what, somehow, some way, everyone seems to know each other. You may not know the person in front of you, but that person knows someone who knows someone who knows you—and I think that's really beautiful. I've known Atlanta my entire life. I have never lived anywhere else. So, I'm rooted here. This will forever be my home, and that's something I deeply love about Atlanta.

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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 to start your application for the 2025-26 term.

Meet AmeriCorps Member - Chase Crosby

Chase Crosby, an AmeriCorps member and dedicated Student Support Skills coach at ASA Hilliard, brings a unique blend of passion and purpose to his role. With a background in psychology and aspirations to specialize in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children, Chase saw AmeriCorps as the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact. 

Learn more about Chase’s AmeriCorps journey below!

Why did you join a AmeriCorps?

I originally joined AmeriCorps because I was looking for an internship and that was related to psychology so when I was over in Italy I was looking at all the different options and came across social emotional learning and I thought it would fit in with my background especially with my future in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children it all just made sense the money was sufficient for what I needed this year and it really just all worked out and I think it’s going to be a big help in the future as well and it looks really good you know on a resume and gives me some great experience this going to take me a long way.

What do you like most about working with your students?

I think for me the most rewarding part is when the students faces light up when things start to click for them and I also enjoy like when the kids look for me and I know that I make their day better just by being there when I’m able to turn like a really bad situation and a child is going through a bad day and I’m able to flip that around and send them back to class or they leave me or I leave their room and there mode is just went from zero back to 100. I really enjoyed that being able to make a day-to-day difference in the lives of these children.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to continue to gain knowledge of course, I hope to network and meet new people as well. I hope to also learn background on children and seeing them in a school setting. I think that it’s going to be able to help me out in the future when I’m having like therapy sessions with children seeing them all like in different aspects you know seeing how children act at school versus how they act at home versus in therapy I think it’ll all just be a full circle thing. I think being a part of AmeriCorps is really special and a great opportunity for anybody so I’m excited that I got on.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now I will still be in grad school. I don’t think I’ll graduate until I’m 27 or 28. but I’ll still be in grad school probably in an internship by then. Something like this but maybe even bigger scale. Outside of a school setting, maybe in a hospital setting or something. Somewhere working with kids still changing lives.

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

Outside of all of this I enjoy going out with my friends, I also like to read. I’m also an artist so I draw some, paint some, as well as write poetry.

What do you love about ATL?

I love how Atlanta is its own little island I always say that that it’s like a 10-mile island of its own that’s like nowhere else everybody’s on their own time in here. I enjoy how you can go one mile down the street and it’s like completely different vibes but it all somehow comes together and make sense. Good time good people, good food good time!!!!!

Meet AmeriCorps Member: Aliah Robinson

Meet one of our fantastic AmeriCorps Members, Aliah Robinson! Aliah is a Student Success Skills Coach, and is on her second term in our AmeriCorps Program! Outside of AmeriCorps, Aliah is a dedicated volunteer, lending her hand at helping youth and educational programs.

Get to know Aliah, and all the good she brings in our schools + communities!

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

After the pandemic and a few toxic job environments, I decided to reevaluate my life. There were some tough and personal things I was going through. I did not want that to stop me from pursuing my goals. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to be a part of the Peace Corps. However, I was skeptical if I was ready to leave the country. AmeriCorps was the next best thing for me because I felt a sense of duty to my direct community. Atlanta is the best place for that.

Moreover, as a black woman raised by an immigrant family, I want to connect with those who relate to my experience. My goal is to seek the guidance of activists that encourage participation in activities that will positively impact marginalized groups. I am trying to do right by the world because there is so much dissension. I know I can't fix everything but AmeriCorps's values inspire me to constantly seek opportunities for the greater good. 

What do you like most about working with your students?

 Children are just little people learning how to be human. I always hear talk about how someone can be a "kid at heart," so children might enjoy their company more than others. Aren't we all kids at heart? At one point, everyone had the experience of being a child. Too many adults forget what it was like and deem what young students have to say unimportant and automatically wrong.

That said, children deserve to have their voices heard and their ideas represented. I want students to have faith that some adults operate with that mindset. Students deserve an experience that encourages them to voice their opinions without fearing retaliation. I feel pride when my student feels comfortable enough with me to express themselves unabashedly.

“I have gained so much already. When I started AmeriCorps, I felt I sought a sense of purpose in the wrong places. As I continue this journey, I hope to allow even more of my confidence and leadership skills to shine through. Based on earlier experiences in my career, I assumed my ideas were not worthy of being heard or that my differing opinions deserved to be chastised by others. I thought when I had a problem, it would be dismissed. As a member of AmeriCorps, my mindset changed drastically. I now realize my voice is my own to give importance. ”

— Aliah Robinson

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As a millennial, I view this question as complicated. Due to the various economic, political, and cultural shifts I have seen in my 31 years of living, the question is baffling. When I was three, I thought I wanted to be a nurse because my mom worked in medicine. Then, in my first year of high school, I thought being a forensic psychologist was my calling. I even made a PowerPoint presentation to convince my family. As a High School graduate, I thought I would be premed. Those aren’t the only changes I went through through the decade. Where do I see myself in five years? I will still be involved in my community, consistently helping uplift those who otherwise would not have a voice. That includes not speaking for them but standing aside. 

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

I sing with a band for fun. I have been in this band for about two years now. Since I was nine, I have participated in choir, but this is quite a different level of performing as a lead singer. I am glad I took this leap of faith for someone who only sang in karaoke. We have done several performances so far. My confidence and singing ability have reached new levels!

What do you love about Atlanta?

 I love that Atlanta is a city entirely of dreamers. The folks here dream of better days, opportunities, and environments to foster such dreams. Most importantly, Atlanta is a city where folks get out and DO. People want to do better and seek to make those dreams a reality.

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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 to start your application for the 2024-25 term.