July AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Julia Brenneman

The Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition consists of 18 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members sponsored by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE) at Wake Forest University. 

Members are placed in full-time, capacity-building roles with community organizations throughout Winston-Salem in the areas of educational equity, economic empowerment, and health and food justice. United by their passion to make a difference, VISTA members have vowed to complete a year of national service and create meaningful change in Winston-Salem and beyond.

Since August, VISTA members have helped Winston-Salem community partners engage with over 900 volunteers and leverage over 325 thousand dollars in cash and in-kind donations.

This month the OCCE is happy to introduce Julia Brenneman, the 2020-21 AmeriCorps VISTA with LEAD Girls of NC; a local nonprofit that is dedicated to providing the tools and resources that low-income/at-risk preteen girls must have to become productive citizens and active leaders in their communities. 

In her role, Brenneman collaborates on new fundraising ideas, researches funding opportunities, and builds capacity for the organization. 

Julia Brenneman, 2020-2021 AmeriCorps VISTA at LEAD Girls of NC
Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Alma Mater: North Carolina State University (‘20)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Nonprofit Studies
Favorite place in Winston-Salem: Salem Lake and The Porch Kitchen and Cantina

Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA?

I knew I wanted to take a gap year between undergraduate and graduate school. When I was looking for how to spend that time I stumbled across the AmeriCorps program. It was then that I learned Winston-Salem, my hometown, had a program, and it fit exactly what I was looking to do. The more I learned about VISTA, the decision just made itself and after the interview process there was no way that I could turn away from the opportunity. 

I’ve always had a passion for education equity, and when I found out that LEAD Girls of NC was a placement site, and that I could serve there, it made it the perfect fit for me. LEAD Girls works mainly with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system, which I am a product of, so I thought that would be a great way for me to give back to my community. On top of it all, considering that I was looking for something to do during a gap year, I loved that it was just a year-long commitment. 

What would you say is the highlight of your 2020-2021 VISTA year so far?

We held our fifth annual Soiree this year, where we honor award recipients and share our annual impact report. It was a hybrid event paired with a silent auction, which I loved putting together. I was able to meet people at the Kimpton Hotel downtown, they lit up the top of the building in our teal and pink colors, and I was finally able to see everyone in person and meet some of our supporters. It was cool to see where LEAD Girls started five years ago, where we are now, and where Joy Nelson Thomas, the founder and executive director, plans on taking the organization in the future. I’ve never been a part of something where it’s been so easy to see the longevity.

What would you want people to know that want to get involved in AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA is what you make of it. There are expectations laid out through your VISTA Assignment Description, but I’ve been able to hone in on where I’m most interested and learn more about the things I’m passionate about. 

I’ve been working not only on education equity but also on fundraising, and have learned so much from the development team. VISTA gives you a great hands-on experience working in nonprofits, and while I had a degree in nonprofit studies I definitely feel that AmeriCorps*VISTA has helped me mature in my relationship with nonprofits because I’m able to put what I learned into practice.

As your AmeriCorps VISTA year of service comes near its end, what are your plans for the future?

I will be returning to NC State to pursue my Master in Public Administration.