Lily Diaz is thrilled to complete her second year of national service as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader with Transform Mid-Atlantic. She is passionate about uplifting and celebrating the work of fellow VISTA members through her leadership. With over a decade of experience in public service, Lily's unique background in nonprofit, public education, and military service strengthens her commitment to leading with empathy and excellence.
Lily’s professional experience has focused on capacity building to create a deeper, more sustainable impact for communities. As both an AmeriCorps VISTA and Site Manager at George Washington University, she led over 275 undergraduate students in service to public schools, nonprofits, and community centers across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virgina (DMV) region. Her experience has also involved ensuring institutional success by securing individual donations and grant funding, including contributing to international, multi-million-dollar grants.
Lily began her academic journey at Inver Hills Community College before earning her Bachelor's degree in English and Communication from Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Education at The George Washington University, where her studies have included extensive research with UNESCO in San Jose, Costa Rica, focusing on sustainable development and the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights rural contexts. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Lily enjoys learning new languages and exploring different cultures through travel, art, and cuisine.