Siddiga Ahmed
I am from Sudan. I grew-up in the North of Sudan in a village called Aljabalub near the Nile River. I chose to join AmeriCorps to serve my community and gain some experience. After AmeriCorps, I would like to do my master’s degree in clinical social work. I am passionate about helping immigrants and refugees because they are facing difficulties in their life here in the United States. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. Siddiga serves with the Center for New North Carolinians in Greensboro.
Maha Elobeid
I am from a beautiful city named Khartoum, Sudan which is located in the heart of Africa. I chose to do AmeriCorps because social justice and service to immigrants and refugees has always been part of me. I believe I attained some success in my life as an immigrant in the U.S. and would like to give back now. It’s the responsibility of every capable person to help others advance and that’s how we grow and thrive as a society. After AmeriCorps, I would like to continue my quest for social justice. I am passionate about education as a vehicle for social justice. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and solving puzzles. Maha serves with the Center for New North Carolinians in Greensboro.
Veronica Gonzalez
I am from a small town called Yadkinville, but I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. I lived in Mexico for 8 years until we moved to the U.S. Although I lived in Mexico for 8 years, I don’t remember much about that time. Since moving to the U.S., I have always lived in North Carolina. My first home was in Concord, then we moved to Yadkin County, where I have lived for most of my life. I chose to join AmeriCorps because I have always wanted to serve my community. I always knew I wanted to work in non-profit and AmeriCorps was a great opportunity to acquire experience. After AmeriCorps, I want to work for a non-profit organization that focuses on serving the Latino community. Perhaps even travel to Latin America and work with an organization there. I am passionate about helping people. To me, that’s the real purpose of life; helping each other be the best we can be. I spend my time doing different activities. I like to help at my church doing different tasks. I also enjoy reading and painting. Anything that’s outdoor, I enjoy doing, from mountain biking to kayaking. Veronica serves with Thriving at Three in Greensboro.
Perla Hernandez
I am from Durham, NC. I was born in Maryland but moved to Durham at the age of 1 year old. Both of my parents are from El Salvador and have 22 years of living in the U.S. I chose to join AmeriCorps due to my major in school being Social Work and wanting to gain more experience working with immigrant families. I am a very hard worker and know that I will learn so much about the community with this experience. I would most likely like to become an intern at the site where I serve. I hope to later work with immigrants as my career. I am passionate about helping others by promoting Social Justice to vulnerable populations no matter their background. I come from an immigrant family and know the struggles people who migrate from another country face day by day. I like to exercise such as dancing. I am currently in a dance team at UNCG called “Ritmo Latino” which is a dance team founded by a group of Latino students (which I was part of) who are promoting diversity and demonstrating the Latino culture by dance. Perla serves with Thriving at Three in Greensboro.
Camille Hester
I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC but I spent summers, as a child, in Statesboro, GA. I decided to join AmeriCorps because I was placed at CNNC for my undergraduate internship and I loved the atmosphere, so I wanted another chance to serve this population. After this AmeriCorps year, I would like to possibly come back for a second year and also complete my graduate school studies. I am extremely passionate about social justice and equality as well as LGBTQ issues. I spend my free time studying! Graduate school doesn’t leave much space for free time. I also like to, whenever possible, play Pokémon Go with my 13 year old son. Camille serves with the Center for New North Carolinians in Greensboro.
Jannifer Pastorick
I am from Tampa, Florida. I chose to join AmeriCorps because it is a wonderful program that serves the community and provides many advantageous opportunities to members. After AmeriCorps, I would like to serve the community as a LCMSW (licensed clinical Masters social worker). I am passionate about supporting families as they grow and pass through transitions in life. I like to spend my free time cooking, reading, walking in nature, spending time with my family and animals. Jannifer serves with Thriving at Three in Greensboro.
See the Members from Series 1 here!