After graduating last spring from Cal Poly San Luis Obispio with my undergraduate degree in anthropology and geography, I was eager to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Joining SLATE-Z through AmeriCorps VISTA as the Jobs Workgroup Associate and Data Analyst Associate has been an incredible opportunity to do just that. Beginning in August 2024, this role has allowed me to work closely with diverse communities in South Los Angeles, combining my passion for equitable urban development with hands-on experience in a nonprofit setting. My time at SLATE-Z has not only deepened my understanding of urban inequity but has also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning and public policy after completing my service year.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of SLATE-Z is the mission of fostering economic revitalization and community empowerment in South LA. As the Data Analyst, I leverage my skills to support initiatives that directly impact job creation and workforce development in the Promise Zone. As head of the Jobs Workgroup, I have facilitated meetings focused on connecting employment and education pathways for South Los Angeles youth. Additionally, conducting a series of interviews with key stakeholders to identify what constitutes a “green job” underscored the importance of highlighting community voices in the planning process. Being part of an organization that prioritizes community voices in the planning process is particularly inspiring, and I witnessfirsthand how collaborative decision-making can lead to sustainable solutions to address community needs. This approach aligns deeply with my values and aspirations, as I hope to continue advocating for inclusive planning processes in my future academic and professional endeavors.
Dedicating my time through AmeriCorps has been a rewarding experience that underscores the importance of service. Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve seen the profound impacts of urban inequality and the resilience of communities working to overcome systemic challenges. This role has provided me with a unique perspective on the inner workings of a nonprofit organization and the complexities of addressing socioeconomic disparities. It has also strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the creation of equitable urban spaces.
Looking ahead, I am excited to build on the experiences and lessons I have gained during my time at SLATE-Z. The organization’s commitment to amplifying community voices and fostering collaboration has not only shaped my approach to urban development but also inspired me to continue advocating for systemic change. As I prepare to take the next step in my academic journey, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn from the vibrant communities of South Los Angeles.
I’m excited and invigorated to be a VISTA member supporting SLATE-Z and the amazing work in the South Los Angeles Promise Zone. It’s hard to recognize when we are exactly where we should be. I have the honor of being the Resource Development Associate in the Foster Youth and Education Workgroups. At SLATE-Z, my role as a VISTA allows me to support the Workgroups and Co-Chairs of these vital groups. Life, for me, is an ongoing experience with benefits in abundance. If we take the time and do the work, we see the possibilities in every action and challenge. The Education Workgroup recently met with presenters, including David Rincon from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Betsy Blanchard from the Youth Business Alliance, whose programs guide underserved youth to future living wage work opportunities. SLATE-Z partners promote awareness of the options they may have never thought would be available in healthcare professions. The Youth Business Alliance provides options for youth who want to become entrepreneurs. Of course, you can only do so much in one meeting, but based on the conversation, partners look forward to collaborating and are scheduling time to move forward. More than 30 partners in attendance are collectively thinking about the possibilities of creating living wage jobs and careers for the youth in South Los Angeles.
What’s great about SLATE-Z is the teamwork that goes into every committee, activity, and collective action. As a VISTA, I am learning how SLATE-Z’s strategic planning process supports the success of each lever and workgroup. We work and train together, exhibiting how the backbone supports the body and stands straight and tall to build an unshakable foundation moving forward.
I’m a VISTA who is slightly different. How different, you may ask? Well, I am a graduate student with great-grandkids. Yes, it’s not a typo. It may be considered unusual, but I am delighted to have an opportunity to serve as a VISTA, especially in a Promise Zone. I am familiar with many partners working to make Los Angeles a place where residents have the tools to achieve fulfilling lives with dignity and purpose. Community pride is exhibited in the number of individuals who support the activities or the co-chairs' commitment to examine ways they can facilitate meaningful capacity-building opportunities for future generations. There is so much to learn and build upon in South Los Angeles, and being part of the VISTA team is allowing me a slightly different VISTA, it is a dream come true.
When someone asks what VISTA is, I say it’s people like me and you giving of themselves to serve the communities that need to become stronger, happier, and better together. VISTA programs allow people of all ages to get involved. Finally, I say check out VISTA and see if your service or the service of someone you know will improve your community or another community needing help.
Working at the intersection of economic revitalization and environmental sustainability, SLATE-Z is exploring the question: what is a “Green Job” in South Los Angeles?
For the past year our Jobs Workgroup has led a Job Growth Series, with green jobs as one of its central themes. Joelle Sabater, an AmeriCorps VISTA lead for SLATE-Z, led the first two occurrences of the series. In conjunction, she examined the state of green jobs in South Los Angeles, which culminated in a report: the State of Green Jobs in South Los Angeles.
The report explores the historical need for a climate-resilient economy, policies that are now spurring economic growth, and work that SLATE-Z partners are currently undertaking. There is not one definition of a “Green Job” in California. Sabater interviewed leaders in the Promise Zone to understand how this has affected their work. The broad definition creates a need for focused working groups to address aspects of this emerging sector. SLATE-Z is continuing its Job Growth Series in 2025 to connect its partners and create new career pathways for South Los Angeles Residents.
SLATE-Z is in its tenth year, with eight as the backbone organization for the South Los Angeles Promise Zone. Promise Zones are a 10-year designation by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department focused on the economic improvement of residents, students, and businesses. Only two years are left in the designation, and through five levers of change SLATE-Z has been hard at work to convene its partners to revitalize the economy in South Los Angeles.
To learn more about the State of Green Jobs in South Los Angeles, read our report, linked here.
I joined SLATE-Z as a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Associate VISTA in March 2024. Previously, I completed an AmeriCorps service year, but I had missed out on the full experience since we shifted abruptly to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I pursued a second year of service, looking to be part of a nonprofit focused on inclusive efforts and access to resources within South Los Angeles. I was immediately interested in working with SLATE-Z, a backbone organization and collective impact effort with the mission of “revitalizing South L.A. by moving residents to economic opportunity” and prioritizing a levers of change model. Now, I have the pleasure of serving as a VISTA for SLATE-Z.
One of the great things about being a SLATE-Z VISTA is the hands-on experience, which allows us to wear many hats. I was eager to work as the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Associate, facilitating workgroup meetings and uplifting South Los Angeles small businesses. I have also learned about other areas of interest, including communications, where I use my creativity skills for social media efforts.
Immediately apparent to me at SLATE-Z is the inclusivity efforts for folks living and working in South Los Angeles. Inclusivity is a consistent central tenet of my social justice ideology, and to see and be a part of an organization that aims to close gaps created by historical marginalization is a true joy. These inclusivity efforts also translate to SLATE-Z’s team, where we are learning, growing, and always prioritizing ways to better understand the issues and factors that impact the South Los Angeles community.
I greatly appreciate the tireless dedication of SLATE-Z and its partners, both as someone who was born and raised within the South LA region and as a member of the team. I have had the pleasure of upholding this dedication, and I know that even after the end of my service, the infectious work ethic and drive shared among our community will remain with me. For that, I am truly grateful.
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