Meet Our AmeriCorps VISTA Members - Powell (2024)

General VISTA Activities or Projects: Building the Park County Open Lands program's capacity to support food producers in the region and ensure the long-term success of local agriculture. This includes community outreach and needs assessment, developing and implementing resilience models, and connecting stakeholders to resources and resilience building opportunities.

Reason why you chose the VISTA Program: My senior year of college, I participated in a direct service program where I worked with unhoused individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area on getting access to social services. I found there were many systemic issues that made the work much harder but that I had no way of impacting from within my role. I grew interested in indirect service as a way to better address the root issues behind poverty and chose the VISTA program as a way to engage in meaningful indirect service while still early in my career.

Why you chose this VISTA position, experience, location: While I have always lived in urban areas, I recognize that rural communities make up a large part of the population and that without the agricultural work done in rural areas, urban living would be impossible. I chose this position out of an interest in better understanding rural poverty and living as well as a deep passion in conservation, climate issues, and sustainable food systems. I was particularly drawn to northwestern Wyoming out of a deep love for the region's landscape. The rugged mountain ranges, the big open skies, and the abundant wildlife make this place truly special.

One thing you want to do other than your service tasks, in your year of service in WY: Climb the Grand Teton!

If you could create a book series, movie or TV show about your life, what genre would it be and why? Probably a sitcom -- something silly and unexpected is always happening!

What genre of book, movie or TV would you like to have if stranded on a desert island or at the top of the Big Horn Mountains? A long, suspenseful science fiction novel.

General VISTA Activities or Projects: I will continue implementing recreation access projects launched by previous VISTAs, including identifying stakeholders, locating funding, and planning for program sustainability after my exit.

Reason why you chose the VISTA Program: I see VISTA as an opportunity to gain professional experience working in my chosen field. Also, VISTA provides non-competitive eligibility for future federal employment! That's a huge bonus.

Why you chose this VISTA position, experience, location: I'm an outdoor recreation fanatic! I love the idea of helping individuals with access hurdles get into outdoor rec. Whether that looks like kayaking, climbing, backpacking, or front-country camping, I'm all for helping people get outdoors. What initially drew me in was the proximity to so many national parks and other public land opportunities!

One thing you want to do other than your service tasks, in your year of service in WY:I'd love to make it to the top of as many of the region's peaks as possible by the time I'm through my term. Also, I would love to hit up the cave systems and climbing sections throughout the region. Also, the region has a thriving mountain bike and multisport community, and I would love to become involved in it!

If you could create a book series, movie or TV show about your life, what genre would it be and why? I like to think I've got a few cool stories to tell. That puts me squarely in the Adventure category.

What genre of book, movie or TV would you like to have if stranded on a desert island or at the top of the Big Horn Mountains? Give me a DVR with every episode of How It's Made, and I'd never leave that mountain top.

General VISTA Activities or Projects (Use VAD Objectives and activities) Revise and increase the effectiveness of the environmental stewardship education and programming; decreasing costs associated with caring for lands and rec sites.

Reason why you chose the VISTA Program:I chose this Vista opportunity in order to gain experience with the Bureau of Land Management. I aim to learn about public outreach and the necessary actions to take in order to protect the land.

Why you chose this VISTA position, experience, location: this opportunity will give me valuable experience in protecting our land and the ability to experience life out west

One thing you want to do other than your service tasks, in your year of service in WY: Explore Yellowstone!

If you could create a book series, movie or TV show about your life, what genre would it be and why?: it would be a science fiction western, because I am bringing experimental guitar playing to Cody!

What genre of book, movie or TV would you like to have if stranded on a desert island or at the top of the Big Horn Mountains? I would pick fantasy in order to distract myself from the current situation

General VISTA Activities or Projects (Use VAD Objectives and activities):I will help increase the capacity of Wyo Hoofbeats by writing grants to support patient scholarships, planning fundraisers, and conducting outreach. My activities will address poverty by increasing mental health services, their accessibility, and their use.

Reason why you chose the VISTA Program:Serving in the AmeriCorps VISTA program is a great way to develop my skill set and use those skills to foster growth in the community as well.

Why you chose this VISTA position, experience, location:As someone who values mental health and has a passion for horses, this opportunity was a great fit! This program also gave me a chance to live in a state that I have always dreamt of exploring.

One thing you want to do other than your service tasks, in your year of service in WY:Experience as much of the wonderful state of Wyoming as I can... preferably on horseback!

If you could create a book series, movie or TV show about your life, what genre would it be and why?:Ask me again in a day and it will change!

What genre of book, movie or TV would you like to have if stranded on a desert island or at the top of the Big Horn Mountains?:A thriller to lighten the mood...

General VISTA Activities or Projects: Understand different perspectives of agriculture from members of the community, focusing on organizations that provide food through community programs. Research and understand rules and regulations governing food production, provision and distribution to beneficiaries of each provider including the Wyoming State Nutrition Program. Create an outreach plan incorporating potential opportunities to educate target groups in the community.

Reason why you chose the VISTA Program: After completing the Appalachian Trail and with a fresh degree in Environmental Health, I wanted experience within my career aspirations. A friend recommended me to AmeriCorps, and after doing some research I knew I wanted to serve. I chose the PEP VISTA position because of the positive impact and outreach provided for the community; I feel it is meaningful service and great introduction to Public Health.

Why you chose this VISTA position, experience, location: I chose the Local Farm Foods Coordinator position because of the opportunity it provides in public health and insight into food distribution for farmers' in Wyoming. This position allows me to use my strengths and grow my professional experience. Wyoming, or the western part of the county, is somewhere I've always wanted to become acquainted with.

One thing you want to do other than your service tasks, in your year of service in WY: I'd like to paddleboard at Bighorn Lake.

If you could create a book series, movie or TV show about your life, what genre would it be and why? A TV sitcom. I feel would set a great tone to how I view most undesirable situations. The glass is always half full and there can always be something to make you laugh.

What genre of book, movie or TV would you like to have if stranded on a desert island or at the top of the Big Horn Mountains? I'd probably like a mystery book series to keep me on my toes. No scary stories- those are not for me.