Meet PPL's AmeriCorps Members

Denae works as an Opportunity Navigator for PPL’s Access Program in the Career Center. In her role, Denae supports participants with their employment goals through instructing workshops and providing one-on-one career guidance and support in navigating the employment process. While working with PPL, Denae says, "a highlight has been witnessing an increase in fortitude and confidence in participants when writing cover letters and resumes and practicing interview skills." Denae looks forward to empowering and guiding participants in their journey to reach their career goals.

Sirry works as an Opportunity Navigator for PPL’s Access Program in the Career Center. In her role, Sirry helps participants write their resumes and navigate data tools that will make the job searching process easier. She also teaches workshops, helps with scheduling, curriculum building, and more! Sirry says, "a highlight has been staying connected to participants virtually." She looks forward to the creation of more virtual workshops so participants aren’t limited by their schedules and will be able to always access content.

Virginia works as a Technology Services Coach through the Community Technology Empowerment Project. In her position, Virginia teaches live workshops over Zoom, proctors Northstar Digital Literacy assessments, and works with participants on their digital and job readiness skills. For Virginia, a highlight has been working with participants who are excited to better their digital literacy skills. “I love to hear that participants are learning and referring people in their own social circles to our services. As a Latina woman, I have also been loving directly serving more BIPOC women this year.” Virginia says.

Rachel works as a Technology Services Coach through the Community Technology Empowerment Project. In her position, Rachel works one-on-one with participants and leads workshops for the Career Center that revolve around technology and job skills training. A highlight for Rachel has been working with participants, answering their questions, and feeling like she is making a difference in their lives. In the upcoming year, Rachel looks forward to reaching more participants. “The digital divide was painfully obvious at the beginning of the pandemic and I am hoping to close that gap and fight for equity in education,” Rachel says.

Aleah works as a Technology Services Coach through the Community Technology Empowerment Project. In her role, Aleah procures devices and internet for PPL residents, hosts one-on-one training sessions for participants to work on basic computer skills, as well as monthly workshops that cover topics like computer basics and housing searches. While at PPL, Aleah has appreciated the amount of care and seriousness staff take in their work. “The community that has formed around the issue of social inequity is a strong and impassioned one,” Aleah says. In the upcoming year, she looks forward to building relationships with participants and strengthening the relationships that already exist.

Grace works as a Technology Services Coach through the Community Technology Empowerment Project. In her role, Grace teaches basic technology workshops (Excel, Google Drive, computer basics, etc.) and works with participants one-on-one to help them achieve their employment goals. Grace has enjoyed her time at PPL; the participants and staff she is able to work with. Though her job is virtual, she is grateful to be meeting and working with new people all the time. Grace looks forward to building capacity within the Access Program and hopes to be back in person before the end of the year.

Sage works as a Child Enrichment Specialist through the Public Allies program. In their role, Sage helps to create, plan and facilitate enrichment activities for PPL’s youth. While working remotely, Sage has been able to develop new ways to engage with participants. “I have enjoyed getting to know our participants and their families; we work with some amazing people,” Sage says. Despite having to work remotely, Sage is looking forward to being back in person with participants in the future.

Siena works as a Child Enrichment Specialist through the Public Allies program. In her role, Siena works with youth programming where she is able to collaborate with her team in a virtual setting. Siena enjoys her work with art therapy and has been excited to see the participation happening amongst the PPL youth. Siena also facilitates the distribution of activity kits for families in St. Paul. She has appreciated receiving positive feedback from parents following distribution of supplies for youth in the program. While at PPL, Siena has been able to observe the passion and genuine care her team has had for the Twin Cities community. She looks forward to the continuation of this work and to further her understanding of importance of providing families stability through supportive housing. 

Angela works as a Youth Justice Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA program. In her role, Angela finds resources and events for Learn-Earn-Achieve-Potential (LEAP) students in order for them to be successful. With limited contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, Angela has had to change her role in order to adapt to a virtual setting. Angela looks forward to providing students with the proper resources and to being in-person with students in the future to help them achieve success.