AmeriCorps Alumni Connections with Sana Shaike | Teach For America

AmeriCorps Connections

1.2 Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG! We are a voice for national and community service. We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other! Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Sana Shaike

Sana shared her journey from discovering AmeriCorps through recruitment officers at Berkeley to teaching in Baltimore City as part of her service. She was drawn to AmeriCorps' mission of helping others with limited opportunities and resources. Sana also worked for Teach for America (TFA), where she was a coach supporting other teachers. She highlighted the robust alumni network and support system in place for TFA members, which helped her transition to a career in policy and eventually a Ph.D. Sana and host, Nicki, discussed imposter syndrome, the influence of supportive educators, and the importance of authentic self-expression. Sana emphasized the role of relationships in creating a sense of belonging and the importance of feeling valued in order for talent to thrive in a company. She also focused on organizational change and transformation driven by the needs of the people, and her current efforts in talent retention. In the end, they discussed the importance of not allowing work to define one's identity, the need to prioritize personal relationships and self-care, and the challenges people face in navigating complex systems.

• Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:
  • DEI Work Involves:
    1. Identifying the Root Issues
    2. Defining the Purpose: What Impact Do You Aim to Achieve? What's the Driving Force Behind
    Your Program or Initiative in addressing these issues?
    3. Identifying Key Advocates: Who Needs to Be Engaged? Who Are the Crucial Stakeholders?.
    4. Crafting an Effective Strategy for Implementation
    5. Establishing Evaluation Mechanisms

Sana's Reflections: The realm of DEI encompasses recruitment, retention, and combatting attrition. DEI offices serve as subject matter experts, collaborating across various facets of an organization to tackle the complex challenge of cultivating and maintaining diversity, thus amplifying the voices we seek to empower.

The Core Tenet of AmeriCorps Programs and Teach For America is to Provide Individuals with Opportunities for Growth and Development. "Give people a chance!"

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1. Sana expressed hope for the community, emphasizing the importance of amplifying voices and experiences, not being cynical, and continuing to make an impact.
2. Give people a chance!

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group -
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year -
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring -

Shout out!

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

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