Laquesha Wright is a GHCC sponsored AmeriCorps VISTA serving at Maryland New Directions (MND) in Baltimore City to improve client relationships through a client focus program and increasing the effectiveness of the community partner outreach process as well as improving its relations with current employers.

My service experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA has been very influential in shaping my perspective on social policy issues.  Being an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer opened my eyes to the possibilities of what service can be. AmeriCorps VISTA has been a great outlet for my passion of giving back. I have been able to explore the possibilities of service beyond direct service and I have learned ways to strengthen and support the initiative of an organization by coordinating community service programs, raising awareness, promoting justice work, and providing logistical/administrative support.

I have been able to work alongside MND to create sustainable resources that can be used to better impact the Baltimore community and contribute to its elevation. My work at MND has enabled me to focus on how to combine different skills and ways of thinking to help the community to achieve a common goal. Due to the service work I have done, I have developed a strong sense of connection to the people and things around me. Through these service experiences I have been able to work with many diverse people, which have changed, my current perception of the world and of social justice issues. My service work compels me to understand the origins of structural injustices and the policies that have perpetuated them on a global as well as national scale.