Maurice Huff credits his alma mater, Loyola University New Orleans, with instilling an excitement for service in its students, which led him to serve multiple terms in AmeriCorps. “My first AmeriCorps term was in-person as a wellness coordinator at a homeless day shelter in New Orleans in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” recalls Maurice. “My second term was virtual as a communications and social media coordinator for a K-12 reading nonprofit in Oakland, California.”

These two terms were impactful and memorable for Maurice. “I had an amazing experience both times giving capacity to a new organization and also building new friendships along the way,” says Maurice. “These experiences inspired me to dive right back into the AmeriCorps pond and give service to my own home state of Virginia since I’ve been away for so long… It’s awesome connecting with the local community.” He is currently serving as a Volunteering and Civic Action AmeriCorps VISTA at Serve Virginia, where he supports organizational capacity and implementation of the Virginia Community Engagement Index.

Going forward, Maurice is confident that he will continue in a career that focuses on service. “I’m grateful for the growth I’ve gained in AmeriCorps terms,” he reflects. “Part of what makes AmeriCorps so special will always be the connections you make and the fun you have as you grow as a professional.”