Clarissa Schauseil joins the Hub as AmeriCorps VISTA
The SSU Kricker Innovation Hub is pleased to welcome Clarissa Schauseil to the team! Clarissa will be serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA focused on improving digital skilling initiatives in our region.
Clarissa graduated from Marshall University with an emphasis in chemistry and biology earlier this year. She is also a veteran of the National Guard, a wife, and the mother of three boys.
“I graduated from Minford in 2006,” explained Clarissa. “I’ve lived in this area most of my life. And while I do have work experience with various community organizations, local businesses, and in marketing, I really wanted to gain the additional professional development afforded by the AmeriCorps VISTA program.”
Clarissa’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.
“This is really an opportunity to get involved and help our community,” said Clarissa. “I’ve had various opportunities to move away, but my husband and I are dedicated to Portsmouth. We see all the progress going on and we want to see it continue.”
Going forward, Clarissa is excited to work alongside Hub staff to both improve existing programs and begin new projects.
“I cannot wait to help create programs with sticking power. I want people to be able to get the skills they need to open a business or seek digital employment. That’s how Portsmouth moves forward into the future.”
Clarissa may be reached at clarissa.schauseil@ruralinnovation.us.
Q&A with Clarissa
Favorite Restaurant? I think my favorite restaurant in town is Sonora Mexican Grill. There is never a time I will turn that down!
Hobbies? I like to play Dungeons and Dragons, read, and spend time with my children.
What do you like about Portsmouth? This is a small, tight-knit community. For the most part, everyone here wants to see progress and improvement. That may look a bit different for each of us, but everyone wants to see Portsmouth bounce back.
Dream vacation? Japan. I am fascinated by Japanese culture. They have so many different types of technology and animation styles. And the food is fantastic!