My name is Sulakshmi Vaid, and I am the Transform Mid-Atlantic AmeriCorps Vista at Goldey-Beacom College for the Wowzers’ Program. My service to this institution is to recruit volunteers from Goldey-Beacom for the Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Delaware and build the foundations needed for an engaged campus within the community.

Before coming to Goldey, I was a senior in college. I was in various roles, including being a civic engagement advocate to promote students engaging in elections, voting, etc., and an inclusion advocate to foster diversity and inclusion within the student body. These positions revolved around my own identity and experiences. I realized how important it was to advocate for oneself, use one’s voice to feel included in the world around you, and create diverse representation for people. Social justice became my passion.

I also volunteered at a local Boys’ & Girls’ Club as part of a service-learning course. I learned how important it is to give back to the community to foster positive change in this period. I wanted to be the person I needed growing up.

When I ended my college experience, I knew I wanted to help others, so I joined AmeriCorps to find a meaningful job as I entered the next chapter of my life. My passion for advocating led me to find a job at Goldey-Beacom College.

As I am now navigating the role of building community service and engagement at Goldey-Beacom College, I am determined to help students recognize their value as members of a community beyond just their daily college experience. I was a leader in my college experience, and now I must grow into the leader needed for the college to grow and reach more and more communities so the students here can grow.

Sulakshmi Vaid

2022-23 Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellow