Pittsburgh Members

Leslie Hernandez

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I joined AmeriCorps/National Health Corps because I believe that this program can make a difference in the world and in my life. The last four years of my life have been filled with service and helping the community I live in and I know that NHC can help me continue that journey. I love helping those who are in need especially in relation to healthcare.

Dana Thomas

What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?

I joined AmeriCorps/National Health Corps to have a direct impact on those who are not being served adequately by the current healthy system. Health disparities and inequities are systemic barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized populations. The world today is not functioning effectively in providing support, resources, education and care for these individuals. As such, I hope to fight health disparities and improve healthcare on a community level in Pittsburgh.

Cassen Singer

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

AmeriCorps has a strong reputation for being a challenging and powerful experience that I believe could help me develop in my passion and provide invaluable exposure to diverse populations in the healthcare field. I joined because I believe AmeriCorps will continue my quest for exploration and will instigate a means to build positive relationships and mutual growth.

Gabrielle Wasilewski

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

Much of my undergraduate education and experiences influenced me to think about health and healthcare from a social perspective. Through this, I gained awareness of health disparities and inequities that people face across our country today, and I became motivated to confront these issues in a career in medicine. When deciding how I wanted to spend my gap year applying to medical school, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful and with an organization that shared my goals and values. Becoming a member of the National Health Corps seemed like a great opportunity to perform service that has the potential to be truly transformative, all while learning more about myself, my areas of interest in healthcare, and the communities I want to help most.

Lauren Kargul

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I joined AmeriCorps/NHC because I wanted to serve communities and decrease health disparities.  A person’s wellness is the most important factor in creating a happy life which I would sincerely love to impact people in such a positive way.  I also wanted to increase my experience in the health field before pursuing my MPH.

Gigi DeWeese

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I wanted to be able to give back to the community and to explore different areas of public health so that I can better guide my future plans in order to continue to best help those around me.

Amanda Mayer

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I have a strong belief in the importance of national/ community service and a lot of different things I’d like to try in life, so AmeriCorps fits the bill for me! I want to focus my career on working with underserved populations, and National Health Corps seems like a great place to start. The chance to learn on the job, work with a dedicated and talented Corps of fellow members, and improve the Pittsburgh community has me excited for the year ahead.

Laura DeMers

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I am a strong advocate for the positive impact and importance that service has on a community. I joined NHC to be part of a team of like-minded healthcare professionals and members, who are as passionate about working towards change and the well being of others as I am. 

Annie Davis

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I was looking for a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community and work toward health equity. I am very interested in Public Health and was looking for a way to get hands-on experience. 

Brandon Neal

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I was searching for an opportunity to help the people around me. I also love biology and healthcare, so this was a great chance for me.

Kyla Tucker

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

This past year, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and have grown immensely. I was eager to find a similar experience with a stronger public health emphasis and a cohort of peers with similar goals and values. 

Madison Altmyer

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I joined the National Health Corps to provide myself with a full-time opportunity to further explore the different realms of service and make a real difference in the local and greater community.

Madeline Standbridge

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I joined AmeriCorps/National Health Corps for the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a public health role within a new community. During college I discovered my passion for public health and community development. I was able to spend a lot of time volunteering in the community, however, I still had to divide my time between classes and other obligations as well. Serving with AmeriCorps will allow me to devote time to what I love all while meeting new people and living in a new city. I am excited for all of the new experiences and opportunities to grow and learn that I will have in this next year.

Brenna Cockburn

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I wanted to make a difference in a new community during my time off after completion of my undergraduate degree.

Sirisha Pasupuleti

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

While serving in my local communities such as Flint and Detroit, it was difficult not to notice how healthcare disparities impact the quality and access of each individual area. It was important to me to continue to work in similar communities to provide resources and information to directly influence a population. 

 

Lizzet Suarez

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

In searching for post-grad plans I knew that service had to be at the core of my next step. I wanted something that combined direct service and public health. I came across AmeriCorps and then eventually NHC. It was the perfect fit and I’m incredibly excited for this upcoming year!

Tim Oliver

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I decided to join AmeriCorps because the inequalities and health disparities that exist in our country are too severe for me to ignore. I wanted to commit to a year of service addressing these health disparities and gaining more skills and experience while I have the time and flexibility in my life to do so.
 

Sarah Crowe

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

Serving others is an important part of my identity, and so I have known for a long time that I wanted to participate in a service program of some kind after graduating from college. When I discovered NHC, it seemed like a wonderful fit. I care deeply about helping to eradicate health inequalities, both around the world and within my own communities. NHC’s focus on populations that most need to be connected with healthcare services aligns perfectly with my goals. I could not be more excited for my year with NHC!