The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization would like to welcome one of our newest board members, Salena Acox, Board Secretary. Originally from the Sacramento, CA area, Salena attended Santa Clara University and then San Jose State where she earned her Masters in Sociology. After graduate school she spent some time down in Austin, TX where she managed a state wide AmeriCorps program called “Asset”, which assisted people with special needs in the areas of housing, financial literacy, and assistive technology (tools or devices that improve the lives of people with special needs, such as special keyboards, wheelchairs, etc.)
After a couple of years the program ran out of funds, and Salena found herself without work. Somehow the universe kept placing the name “Minneapolis” in her path. It was meant to be.
In 2011 she made the BIG move from the BIG state of Texas to Minneapolis, and she drove here “during one of the worst summers ever,” she said.
I personally remember that summer, because I am from Texas, and I know that year Texas had one of the longest draughts that unfortunately affected the growing season and the cattle business. So, when Salena said it was the worst summer ever, I believed her.
Salena, managed to land another AmeriCorps position. This time as a VISTA Program Manager funded by the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota. “One aspect of my role that I like is doing professional development biweekly. I would like to explore this aspect of my work with populations that really need it the most,” she said proudly. It’s been 3 years since she began as Program Manager, and she enjoys knowing her VISTA volunteers are going out into the world doing good wherever their services are needed.
At the moment Salena likes to spend time with her dog, Effie, and really wants to learn more about plants. In fact, this is Salena’s second year participating in the Corcoran Community Garden. Salena, we are glad to have you on board—welcome!
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