Welcome to Our Community: Meet Ashley Bustos, TMA AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for 2024-25
We are thrilled to introduce Ashley Bustos, our inspiring TMA AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for the 2024-25 term. Ashley's journey is a testament to the power of service and the pursuit of knowledge, making her a wonderful addition to our team.
Ashley’s academic journey began at Tulane University, where she earned a B.S. in Chemistry. Her passion for science and the natural world extended beyond the classroom, leading her to serve as an agricultural and science promoter with the Peace Corps in Paraguay. During her time in the Peace Corps, Ashley dedicated herself to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and promoting scientific education, embodying the spirit of servant leadership and cross-cultural collaboration.
After two transformative years abroad, Ashley returned to New Orleans and worked as a forensic scientist. This experience in forensic science was both rewarding and enlightening, prompting her to explore new ways to make a difference in her community. Driven by her desire to serve, Ashley joined First Grace Community Alliance, an AmeriCorps State and National nonprofit, where she committed to a year of service dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing critical community needs.
Ashley’s dedication to service is matched by her commitment to personal growth and education. While leading our VISTA program, she is also pursuing a master’s degree in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights at American University. This interdisciplinary approach reflects her belief in merging her passion for service with her scientific background to make a meaningful impact.
As a TMA AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, Ashley is excited to support and mentor our VISTA members across the Mid-Atlantic region. Her leadership will guide projects that address poverty, improve education, and promote community empowerment. Ashley is passionate about philosophy, flowers, and the principles of servant leadership, and she brings this enthusiasm to every aspect of her work.
AmeriCorps VISTA, which stands for Volunteers in Service to America, is a national service program dedicated to alleviating poverty. VISTA members work with local organizations to develop sustainable solutions that empower communities and create lasting change. Ashley’s role as a VISTA Leader involves coordinating these efforts, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that our VISTA members have the support they need to succeed.
Join us in welcoming Ashley Bustos to our community. Her unique blend of scientific expertise, service experience, and academic pursuit makes her an invaluable leader for our VISTA program. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have in the coming year!