The VISTA Project

The Challenge
Serving as a VISTA working in Economic Empowerment at Prince George's Community College, Catherine was tasked with addressing the financial capability of county residents. Her mission was to grow and refine the existing financial coaching program, ensuring it reached those in low- and moderate-income brackets who needed it most.

The Solution
To expand the reach and effectiveness of the coaching program, Catherine utilized a multi-faceted approach focused on volunteer mobilization and strategic outreach:

• She successfully structured training programs for volunteers to increase the human resources available to support the coaching initiative.

• She developed and implemented marketing strategies specifically designed to increase program awareness and availability for county residents.

• She expanded an outreach program that coordinated directly with local non-profit and social service organizations to provide comprehensive support for low- and moderate-income residents.

The Legacy
Catherine’s two-year tenure resulted in a significantly expanded financial coaching program, bolstered by a more robust volunteer network and stronger ties to essential community service organizations, creating a sustainable foundation for ongoing economic empowerment in the county.

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Life After VISTA

Catherine has built a multifaceted professional career that demonstrates versatility, operational excellence, and a commitment to service. Since 2019, she has leveraged her skills as a Freelance Consultant, helping clients transform inspiration into tangible strategy and results, while also maintaining a stellar 5-star record as an independent contractor in the transportation sector.

Currently, she serves as an Executive Operations Partner, where she applies her experience in supporting leadership teams within fast-paced environments. Her work involves managing complex calendars, cross-functional coordination, and executive priorities, demonstrating her ability to master new tools and workflows to ensure leaders operate at peak effectiveness. Her career path highlights a transition from direct social service and program development to high-level executive operations and independent consulting.