Meet Our Members

Gabrielle is a 2025 University of Rochester graduate with a major in Epidemiology and minor in Statistics. Although originally from Pittsburgh, PA (go Streelers!) she has grown to love Rochester and is excited to spend another year here. Gabrielle's assignment is unique in that she will be sharing her time equally between Ronald McDonald House and Harbor House as part of a collaborative effort for the two nonprofits. She brings a passion for public health, especially the health of communities and undeserved populations, which is what initially drew her to serving as a VISTA. Outside of VISTA service, Gabrielle loves to spend time outside any chance she gets, thrift, bake, travel, and (attempt to) play tennis.

Lee recently graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Sociology degree and a minor in Critical Museum Studies. Their academic passions introduced them to Americorps VISTA and they are excited to be working alongside Corn Hill Navigation for this next year on educational and accessibility programming projects. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania they are excited to be exploring a new city. At the end of this year they hope to have gained skills to take with them as they continue their academic journey pursuing a PhD in Sociology with a focus on the intersection of gender studies and urban planning. When they're not at work they enjoy being outside, rock climbing, finding new places to travel to, and reading a good book.

Alayza is a first-generation graduate from St. John Fisher University, where she majored in Public Health. Alayza is passionate about health promotion and educating others about social determinants of health. Having called Rochester her home for her whole life, she aims to give back to her community in a meaningful way. In her free time, Alayza can be found spending time with her family and pets or at the gym.

Aisha Abukar graduated from Nazareth University in 2023 with a bachelors degree in Social Work. She was born and raised in Rochester, New York. She enjoys going on hikes, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and organizing with her local community. As a prospective social worker, her islamic background informs that she makes a conscious effort to spend time with the world everyday. She is passionate about helping the community in the way that results in everyone being connected. She finds joy in meeting new people, so her VISTA service this year with East EPO, will be a great addition to that.

Geneva graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester with a degree in Political Science. She is keen to understand how institutions function and the way they can most effectively serve the public. Geneva will aim to do just that during her year of service with Rochester Hope, where she will be working to raise resources and build a network of community organizations.

Sage Arnold graduated from the University of Rochester as a member of the class of '25 with degrees in philosophy and physics. While searching for opportunities for their gap year, they were led to Rochester Youth Year and are now serving as the urban engagement coordinator for the Genesee Land Trust. Their work centers on facilitating equitable access to Rochester's green spaces and building institutional capacity for future projects in urban conservation. Sage's interest in studying law and the humanities has led them to an interest in graduate school while spending the present in service of the Rochester community. In the coming years they hope to enroll in law school, and they can often be found riding their bike and playing music with friends.

Amina Hassan is a first-generation graduate from the University of Rochester in May 2025, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics. For her AmeriCorps VISTA service year, she is serving as a Developmental Specialist at ReUse Systems in Geneva NY, helping to launch and grow the organization’s startup initiatives that advance environmental sustainability, community well-being, economic opportunity, through reuse and the principles of a circular economy. Amina is passionate about empowering undeserved communities, drawing on her own experiences as a refugee and the support her family received from nonprofits while settling in the United States. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, lifting, working out, creating flower bouquets, making gym content for her TikTok, traveling, and learning new languages. She speaks three so far and is learning two more.

Sab is a recent graduate from the University of Rochester majoring in Anthropology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences. They previously participated in Americorps through the Urban Fellows program and received the Certificate of Community Engaged Learning along with their honors thesis. Now, they have come full circle and landed back at the CCE as a VISTA. Outside of RYY, they enjoy doing a little bit of everything. They especially love being outdoors in any capacity and hope to train for a triathlon. They’re an active participant in the arts and music scenes in Rochester, a drummer for 3 local bands and on the board of youth arts organization, GR!PR (fka Girls Rock! Rochester). As Community Partnerships Coordinator in the same office that shaped so much of their undergraduate experience, they hope to bring their passion for the city to current/future students and adults alike. Ambitious and idealistic, Sab is a dreamer at heart and believes in the power of direct (and indirect!) action, authentic relationships, and a drive to make the world a better place for all.

Paige is a second-year VISTA serving at EquiCenter in her hometown of Honeoye Falls. EquiCenter is a nonprofit organization that fosters growth, wellness, and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through the power of equestrian, horticultural, and outdoor experiences. In her second service year, Paige will continue her work involving capacity building, resource development, and community outreach using marketing materials and social media. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Media & Communications from St. John Fisher University and an associate's degree in human services from Monroe Community College. In her free time, Paige enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Johari Iraán Hemphill graduated from the University of Rochester in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a minor in Latin American Studies, and a Certificate of Achievement in Community-Engaged Learning. He previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate through George Washington University’s Civic Changemakers program in 2023. Growing up as a military child, Johari moved often and developed a strong passion for education development and community engagement. He now serves as a Community Engagement Specialist at Willow, where he looks forward to his time as an AmeriCorps VISTA and the opportunity to help amplify Willow’s crucial work and services in the community.

Abigail S. Dweh is a 2025 graduate of the University of Rochester, where she earned her Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Liberia. Originally from Liberia, West Africa, Abigail has embraced Rochester as her second home and is eager to serve the local community through her VISTA assignment with Agape Havens of Abundance. Beyond her service, Abigail enjoys spending time at home and cherishes her role as a mom.