CFI has welcomed three new AmeriCorps member and an intern to the team. Each has a passion to help the Flint community and enjoy learning while serving. Brief bios for each are below, in the order of their appearance in the photo.
Liz Schondelmayer is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in both Political Science and Media and Information. She will be interning with CFI this summer through MSU's Study Away Program and is looking forward to spending the summer living, learning, and making a difference in Flint. Native to the Grand Rapids area, Liz hopes to move to Washington, D.C. after graduating next spring to continue her career working with nonprofits.
Erykah Benson is a sophomore at Michigan State University and is from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She is majoring in Global and International Studies with a minor in Environmental Health and Spanish. In the future, Erykah sees herself working to improve and rebuild communities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency or through the Environmental Protection Agency, but her sights are open to any opportunity that comes her way. She was drawn to Communities First, Inc. because of her interest in learning more about how to improve communities through environmental education and cultural engagement.
Zachary Tobias is a recent high school graduate from Mount Morris who has been working with CFI since late January of this year. He has been working with the Green Life program on projects including: Lorax Day, Greening Your Life, and Good and Green. Zach has also been helpful in the Culture Shock Program for the Taste of Culture event earlier this year. In the fall, Zach will begin a higher education at Eastern Michigan University, studying Political and Environmental Science.
Charnae is a LISC AmeriCorps member, serving with Communities First, Inc. in Flint. She received her B.S. from Ferris State University where she was an active student leader on campus, participating in several campus organizations. Charnae is excited to bring her community engagement experience to her home community of Flint. Charnae serves as the Community Assessment Coordinator at Communities First and is responsible for collecting data, administering assessments/surveys, comparing statistical measures, and engaging the community. As an artist, she finds ways to bring art appreciation into her community through her service.
Be sure to say hello when you see them out in the community!