The Hub welcomes Chelsea Watkins as an AmeriCorps VISTA

The SSU Kricker Innovation Hub is pleased to welcome Chelsea Watkins to the team! Chelsea will be serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA focused on improving digital skilling initiatives in our region.

Chelsea has previously worked in special education as a Teacher’s Assistant, as a liaison for film festivals, on the promotional team for local hot sauce brand ‘Thump’, and as the lead singer of local blues band Mikey Mike and the Big Unit.

“I wear a lot of hats,” quipped Chelsea. “But, I love Portsmouth and I truly want to see it succeed. That’s why I’m so involved in the community. And that’s why I wanted to serve the Hub as an AmeriCorps VISTA. It’s a great program and it will give me a lot of great opportunities going forward.”

Chelsea’s position is made possible by the support of the Center On Rural Innovation (CORI). CORI is a non-profit dedicated to increasing the amount of tech jobs and startups in rural areas. Chelsea said she is excited to work alongside Hub staff to both improve existing programs and begin new projects.

“I am really excited for all the events the Hub is set to host this year. But right now, I am focused on Ohio Tech Day. I love how it is bringing various organizations together to do really important work in the community. That’s how we build rural Appalachia - by bringing people together to do important work.”

Chelsea may be reached at cwatkins@shawnee.edu.

Q&A with Chelsea

Favorite restaurant? I love Coffee at the Lofts. It’s one of my favorite places to go in town. The coffee is great, the atmosphere is great, and the food is so good.

Hobbies? I’m a big nerd. I love comic books, horror films, and I love to sing, dance, and cook!

What do you like about Portsmouth? I love the heart of this City. The people are so creative. Whether its in art, music, or just seeing all the new innovative things going on the best thing is the people who live here.

Dream vacation? Florence, Italy. It’s so beautiful and picturesque.