Name: Itza Serrano (she/her)

Where is home to you? Providence, RI 

Education:  M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, URI; B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Women and Gender Studies, Holy Cross

Biography: Itza is the 2019-2020 AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with the Providence After School Alliance (PASA), a Swearer Center community partner. During her term, Itza will be analyzing and reporting data to keep external stakeholders informed of target metrics and to inform internal development including the creation of a professional development plan, in addition to developing a data collection and reporting timeline, and automating reports. At URI, Itza learned the powerful role of data-informed advocacy and its ability to add strength behind “common-sense” policy making. Outside of the fellowship, Itza enjoys questioning the next phase in her life and a good wholesome laugh.

Why I Serve: I previously served with AmeriCorps, fresh out of college, as an after-school program provider and teacher assistant. I made friends and connections that I still have and appreciate to this day. I view AmeriCorps as a safe space to reinvigorate passions and find a new path, while gaining satisfaction and self-worth by serving others.

Why Brown University AmeriCorps VISTA Fellowship? I served with my community partner, PASA, during the summer as a program assistant. I was very fortunate to have found an amazing community with a worthwhile mission and I wanted to continue my work with them. It was recommended that I apply for the VISTA position which serendipitously aligned with my interests in assessing, creating, and maintaining program quality. Working with the Brown VISTA fellowship, and all the resources they have as a community, has been an amazing added bonus to this endeavor.