THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Meet Maranie Brown, student of the community
Maranie Brown is a dedicated volunteer and civic leader focused on creating equity-minded leaders and promoting technical skills in underrepresented communities. Maranie is the 2023 Program Co-Chair for LEAD Atlanta and President of Outstanding Atlanta, in addition to serving with several other organizations and programs, including the Hands On Atlanta 2023 Civic Leadership Program. In this spotlight, Maranie shares her passion for service and the importance of being a student of the community.
Meet Shah O. Martin: The Friendly, Helpful, and Awesome Volunteer Making a Difference in Atlanta!
Shah O. Martin has been Hands On Atlanta’s leading volunteer for FY23, volunteering 56 times for 220 hours! Shah is a shining example of how one person's kindness and dedication can make a positive impact in their community. His friendly, helpful, and awesome nature truly embodies the spirit of volunteering, and Atlanta is lucky to have him. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know what drives Shah to make service a lifestyle.
Growing Healthier Communities with Food Well Alliance
Supporting over 300 local urban farms, community gardens and orchards, Food Well Alliance is a major player in our local food systems. With a focus on eating local, and eating healthy, Food Well Alliance is making a big impact for food insecure families and we’re proud to support their work.
Gabrielle Rogers is Making a Lasting Impact On her Community and herself
Advocate, resilient, and passionate - these are the three words that best describe Gabrielle Rogers, a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. In this volunteer spotlight, Gabrielle shares how her passion for service has created an impact on the community and herself.
Sara Keith on Creativeness and Compassion to Make a Difference
As the President of Illuminate Atlanta and Owner of Atlanta School of Photography, Sara Keith is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond her professional endeavors, she is also deeply involved in various nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. In this volunteer spotlight, get to know Sara and how she’s using her creative skills to give back.
Meet Asim Gazi: PhD Candidate and STEM Enthusiast
Asim Gazi, a PhD Candidate at Georgia Tech set to graduate this summer, is not your typical student. With a passion for volunteering and a love for Atlanta's food scene, Asim is making a difference in the community while pursuing his academic dreams. In this volunteer spotlight, Asim shares his thoughts on volunteering, educational inequality, and his favorite moments from his experiences.
Stewarding Neighborhood Greenspaces with the Wylde Center
Today, we caught up with our friends at the Wylde Center – one of Hands On Atlanta’s long-standing nonprofit partners doing incredible work in the environmental space for nearly 25 years. We got the inside scoop from Matty Garrett, Wylde Center Greenspace Director, who fills us in on what it takes to operate five greenspaces in four different local neighborhoods, and to keep them open year-round for the community’s benefit.
LP Garcia on Using Passion and Skills to Do Something Good
"Volunteering gives my life purpose," says Louise "LP" Garcia, Vice-Chairwoman of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. Known for her grateful, optimistic, and caring spirit, LP is making a lasting impact in the community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations, including the Community Teen Coalition, Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, Hosea Feeds, and Free Foundation.