Meet one of CE’s AmeriCorps VISTA members
Many people have heard of the national community service organization AmeriCorps, but did you know that Creativity Explored actually has TWO AmeriCorps service members working to support artists with disabilities?
Sophia Yau-Weeks is one of Creativity Explored’s 2021-2022 AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America). Sophia in particular focuses on art and business development at CE. With her service year almost up in May 2022, we decided to interview Sophia about their time serving in AmeriCorps with Creativity Explored.
Photo of Sophia Yau-Weeks
Portrait of Yau-Weeks by Valerie Jenkins.
Why did you choose to serve in AmeriCorps?
When I completed my undergraduate degree in December 2020, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the social sector, particularly with an organization focused on disability. As a longtime caregiver of disabled people and counselor at Camp Krem – a camp for disabled individuals – I was familiar with Creativity Explored, as many of my campers and clients were also artists at the studio. Combining my passions of disability rights and the arts, CE was the dream organization for me to work with after finishing school. I was frequently checking job listings at CE, and when I saw the AmeriCorps position, I knew it would be a great fit. Despite my direct services experience in the social sector, finding a job for which I felt passionate was really difficult given I did not have a master’s degree nor administrative experience in the nonprofit world. I feel extremely grateful to have found this position during such uncertain times. It has brought me a lot of clarity and knowledge during a transitional period in my life.
What kinds of things do you do as an AmeriCorps VISTA?
As an Art & Business Development AmeriCorps VISTA, I do many different things. I pitch licensing projects, assist with art services installations, create communications graphics and blog posts, coordinate logistics for upcoming exhibitions, work on partnership sustainability, and manage a variety of projects with artists. The main objective of my role is to recruit and maintain partnerships with businesses and fellow nonprofits to support artist income and opportunities. One of my favorite projects during the past year was managing a public art project with The Kelsey. I worked directly with CE artists to submit art proposals for a public art installation outside The Kelsey’s future disability community center. It was wonderful to work on something with such a strong community focus with our artists’ creativity and imagination at the forefront.
How has your VISTA service at Creativity Explored impacted you?
My VISTA service at Creativity Explored has given me valuable experience working in the nonprofit sector. Working with CE has solidified my desire to work for an organization that aligns with my values while making a positive social impact. Spending my time around such creative people has pushed me to continue exploring my own creativity – whether that be through textile work or singing and songwriting. The positive impacts of CE on my life are both professional and interpersonal. I cannot wait to take everything I have learned to whatever is next.
You can read Sophia’s bio and meet more CE staff members on our People page. Learn more about AmeriCorps or how you can serve communities in need by visiting the official AmeriCorps website.
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