LiftFund is proud to introduce a group of new team members supporting our mission thanks to a partnership and funding from AmeriCorps. The grant awarded is part of the Economic Mobility Corps, a new joint initiative by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund and AmeriCorps created to increase the capacity of CDFIs, like LiftFund, to uplift underserved communities with financial literacy and education services.
The seven new Economic Mobility AmeriCorps members will work side by side with our team to further our business and financial education efforts across the many communities we serve.
Learn more about the 2022 LiftFund Economic Mobility Corps members, their roles, and areas of focus below!
Erika Juarez
Events & Communication Assistant
Erika has a Bachelor of Art in Psychology and has previously served under AmeriCorps as a San Antonio City Year member. She has two cats and in her free time likes to listen to K-Pop, play Genshin Impact, and read manga.
Lauren Shannel Medina
Support Specialist, Launch SA
Lauren comes to LiftFund with over a decade of accounting and finance experience, has a degree from The University of Incarnate Word and is studying for her CMA exam. She loves to sing, is an avid true-crime sleuth, and loves watching Yellowstone.
Vanessa Urbina
Entrepreneur Advisor, El Paso
Vanessa has a background of community development, including advocating for the importance of mental health and serving as a Certified Community Health Worker in her home state of New Mexico. She enjoys writing poetry, drawing, and riding her skateboard.
Tiara Kirksey
Entrepreneur Advisor, Houston
Prior to her work with LiftFund, Tiara gained an educational background in business and provided Louisiana communities with disaster assistance. Her hobbies include making music, cooking, and learning about the ocean.
Regina Maspero
Entrepreneur Advisor, Dallas
Regina comes to LiftFund with experience in training, education and community organizing through both her previous position as coordinator for the Grow Healthy Together Pathways HUB and her work in neighborhood commercial revitalization. Regina is a Master Gardener, mother of two and an avid reader.
Jaelle R Jenkins
Entrepreneur Advisor, Birmingham
In her past positions, Jaelle has served many diverse communities and gained experience on the impact that entrepreneurs can have through volunteering, donating, and participating in skill-building programs. Her hobbies include making digital art and watching British shows and movies.
Donaven M. Rodriguez
Data Analyst Aide
Donaven previously held positions at a customizable furniture company, the U.S. Airforce, and the Red Cross. In his free time, Donaven loves watching baseball, trying new foods and activities with his son.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
This material is based upon work supported by AmeriCorps, the operating name of the Corporation for National and Community Service, under Grant No 21NDGTX001. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, AmeriCorps or the AmeriCorps State and National program.
