Hub AmeriCorps VISTAs Reflect on their Year-Long Service

Chelsea Watkins and Emily Nickell are finishing up their year-long AmeriCorps VISTA service at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub. Made possible in partnership by the Center on Rural Innovation, Chelsea and Emily have worked to build capacity at the Hub by developing inclusive digital skilling initiatives for our region.

“During my time at the Hub, I’ve learned so much about the power of community and the impact of tech education,” says Chelsea. “I got to work closely with local tech skilling programs and help them align with what our local employers need. One of my favorite parts of service has been engaging with all sorts of people in our various events and activities. We have consistently brought together diverse groups of people, including those often underrepresented in the tech field, and created hands on learning, educational, and leadership opportunities.”

The AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program is a national service programed designed to alleviate poverty in the United States. VISTA members serve all over the country across many different fields to build capacity for organizations striving to make a positive impact in their communities. Beyond their service, VISTAs also get access to trainings and professional development opportunities.

“I’ve loved the professional development opportunities,” says Emily. “My favorite has been getting to work with our new accelerator program - LevelUp:Shawnee State - and watch it be built from the ground up. I’ve learned so much through hands on experiences in community outreach, program facilitation, business financials, grant writing and compliance, and even corporate sponsorship. This is an invaluable experience as I move forward in my career.”

Going forward, both Emily and Chelsea plan to further their education and go back to school. Emily is starting Shawnee State’s new MBA program, while Chelsea plans to finish her bachelor’s degree and continue working with her film production company.

“The Hub has been an amazing place to work with truly wonderful people,” says Emily. “I can’t say enough about the encouragement from Director Amanda Hedrick - and all the staff - who allowed us to explore and work on various kinds of projects that were important to us. I always felt welcomed, needed, and appreciated.”

“The Hub helped me to believe in my strengths and appreciate my weaknesses,” says Chelsea. “At the start of my service, I may have had imposter syndrome. I didn’t know if I belonged in the world of business or entrepreneurship. But, at the end of my service, I am now confident in my abilities and that is because of the amazing support of Amanda Hedrick and the staff at the Hub.”

Both Chelsea and Emily plan to be involved with the Hub in some capacity moving forward - even if that is simply becoming co-working members and taking advantage of the unique space available in downtown Portsmouth. “The Hub is an incredible asset to the community,” says Emily. “It provides a place to network, access workshops and trainings, and a variety of programs to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills.”

Chelsea and Emily wrap up their yearlong service at the end of August. Be sure to stop into the Hub and wish them luck in their future endeavors!