We are so excited to welcome this year’s AmeriCorps cohort — 23 civic-minded individuals who are committed to spending the next year at area nonprofits working hard to make Nashville a better place to live. Here’s a little bit of insight into these amazing individuals who are helping Nashville nonprofits serve the community in a variety of ways.
Joe Chapman
Cumberland River Compact
Clean Streams Coordinator
Q: What drew you to serve with AmeriCorps?
A: I think taking a year to give back to the community and planet is such an important opportunity. I’m honored to be able to do so.
Q: What are you most excited to do in your new service position?
A: I’m excited to build my professional skills and work outdoors! I’m also excited to meet some inspiring people!
Q: What is a silly/random fact about you?
A: I play the ukulele.
Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not serving or volunteering?
A: I love to camp, hike, skateboard, play board games, and listen to music!
Liam Ulasevich
Cumberland River Compact
Urban Forestry Coordinator
Q: What drew you to serve with AmeriCorps?
A: I had completed service as a Peace Corps volunteer and enjoyed the work thoroughly. Also this position fit right in line with my interests and goals.
Q: What are you most excited to do in your new service position?
A: I am excited to spread the joy of trees and learn more about this city’s tree culture.
Q: What is a silly/random fact about you?
A: I once gave a speech to 700 people dressed as a Teletubby.
Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not serving or volunteering?
A: I love hiking, drawing, eating, and solo dance parties.
Makinsy Fitzgerald
Cumberland River Compact
Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Q: What drew you to serve with AmeriCorps?
A: I wanted to connect with my community and make it a better place for all.
Q: What are you most excited to do in your new service position?
A: I am most excited about working with like-minded individuals that have a passion for service.
Q: What is a silly/random fact about you?
A: I went to more than 25 concerts in 2019.
Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not serving or volunteering?
A: Going to concerts, listening to podcasts, thrifting, and hiking!
Morgan Florsheim
Cumberland River Compact
Environmental Education Coordinator
Q: What drew you to serve with AmeriCorps?
A: I was drawn to serving with AmeriCorps because I wanted to do meaningful work and to be given a higher level of responsibility than your average entry-level job. I also feel like I have been privileged in my access to education and I want to pass that on to others through environmental education work.
Q: What are you most excited to do in your new service position?
A: I am really excited to get to do some curriculum development and to engage young people in environmental work. I had some amazing mentors in that field when I was younger and I would love to be able to serve in a mentorship role for other young folks.
Q: What is a silly/random fact about you that you?
A: I didn’t eat a burger until I was 20 years old.
Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not serving or volunteering?
A: I love to run, hike, bike, canoe, and generally spend time outside. I also really enjoy reading and writing and watching bad reality TV shows.
Tyrah Cobb-Davis
Cumberland River Compact
Urban Forestry Coordinator
Q: What drew you to serve with AmeriCorps?
A: Honestly, I was drawn to the AmeriCorps program after learning more about NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). I liked that program in particular because of the opportunity to travel and see new places. I ultimately chose to serve with the HON AmeriCorps Program because I think that being in the same place for a while has a greater impact on the organization and I was really drawn to the location and being part of a larger cohort. I think that service opportunities provide unique opportunities to gain professional work and general life experiences! I am excited to see what this year has in store.
Q: What are you most excited to do in your new service position?
A: I am most excited about meeting new people and experiencing a new place! The position is also pretty interesting. I have recently taking a liking to trees and am looking forward to spending the year as an Urban Forestry Coordinator. In general, I am excited to leave my home state of Maryland for a bit to see what Nashville has in store.
Q: What is a silly/random fact about you?
A: Ice cream is my all time favorite and I oftentimes eat it for dinner. It is a must for me to find a new spot when I visit new places. 🙂
Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not serving or volunteering?
A: I enjoy the outdoors, reading, bingeing TV shows, and finding new ice cream shops and local restaurants.
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