Meet Leo
Since September 2008, Leo has served as a full-time AmeriCorps volunteer, supporting the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, a community organization that provides affordable housing and social services to residents of the East Bay. Leo became a volunteer so that he could “get to know the Bay Area and become an active partner in creating a positive influence in the communities.”
As a program assistant, he helps teach workshops to youth and adults on financial literacy, protecting the environment, and social services. By giving back to his community, Leo has felt humbled and privileged to work with the people of Oakland. This year of service is giving him the opportunity to build upon his community development skills to involve more people, especially youth, in the many positive programs and events offered in Oakland. He says, “I would like to see people who were previously apathetic become engaged in the improvement of their communities. I would also like to increase the number of children who plan on going to college.”
Leo is driven by his belief that every person has an impact on the world, so he should make his impact as positive as possible. He states that “all of our communities have the potential to be great, but only if we work together to provide safe neighborhoods, good schools, and strong families for everyone.”