Welcome Ariel Vaughan, the new AmeriCorps Development VISTA

What is your educational background?

I received my bachelor's in 2017 in Geography and International Development, and I earned by master's in Community Development and Planning in 2018, both from Clark University.

What is your professional background?

Youth Mentor at the REC (Summer 2014, 2015, 2017,2018)

Food Program Coordinator at YWCA of Worcester (May 2017-October 2017)

Program evaluator at the REC (December 2017-July 2018)

How did you get involved with the REC?

I was looking for opportunities in the city the summer after my freshman year at Clark. I stumbled across the Youth Mentor position and it seemed like the perfect fit for me! I immediately fell in love with the mission of the organization and have found ways to stay involved ever since.

What does working at the REC mean to you?

I have always been passionate about food and our food system, so knowing I am working toward healthier and more food-secure communities in Worcester is extremely meaningful to me.

If you could be any fruit or vegetable, which one would you be and why?

A cauliflower! It's very underrated and everyone loves the underdog.

Besides fighting to fix our food system, what else do you do with your time?

I love to cook, swim and do anything outside!