AmeriCorps Week 2026: Meet Harol and Evelyn

Over CIANA’s 20 year history, we are proud to have hosted AmeriCorps Members who have helped build capacity in nearly all of CIANA’s programs and services, as well as our behind-the-scenes operations.

Our NYIC VISTAs and NYC Civic Corps participants have served as volunteer coordinators, social media managers, fundraisers, grantwriters, and community outreach workers, all of which strengthen CIANA’s ability to provide holistic services to diverse immigrant communities across New York City.

This year, we are proud to host two NYC Civic Corps Members: Harol Aguirre, who assists with Community Outreach, and Evelyn Martinez, our Volunteer Coordinator. Hear what they have to say in their own words about their respective AmeriCorps experiences, especially as it relates to their immigrant and first-generation backgrounds.

Harol Aguirre

Community Outreach

“Today, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve with AmeriCorps at CIANA. For me, it has been an honor to be part of this program. It has allowed me to grow professionally, improve my quality of life, and strengthen my commitment to the community.

“As a migrant, arriving in a new city brings many challenges. Sometimes opportunities are limited, especially when we are still learning English. That is why finding a place like CIANA, where I feel supported, safe, and valued, has meant so much to me.

“During this time, I also took on the challenge of starting from zero on TikTok to inform and educate our community about the services offered by CIANA and NYC Care. It has been a learning experience, but most importantly, a way to serve and connect with our community.

“Thank you to AmeriCorps and CIANA for believing in me and for being part of my process of adaptation, growth, and service to the community.”

In addition to outreach, Harol has also grown our TikTok presence significantly in just the last few months. Follow us on TikTok for more great content!

Evelyn Martinez

Volunteer Management

“As a Mexican-American portrait photographer and visual artist from The Bronx, my work celebrates joy, cultural richness, and intergenerational connection. I’ve bridged my community-centered artistic background with service as the Volunteer Coordinator at CIANA, an organization focused on empowering and assisting immigrant New Yorkers.

“By recruiting, managing, and engaging our dedicated volunteer tutors, teachers, and translators, I help amplify CIANA and AmeriCorps' impact. This role has solidified my belief that love for community can be transformed into a meaningful career of service.”

As a professional photographer, many photos from CIANA's programs and events were taken by Evelyn. Follow us on social media (Instagram, X, and Facebook) to see her work!

Thank you Harol and Evelyn for your hard work and dedication to CIANA and our immigrant communities! We look forward to the next few months as they complete their periods of service at CIANA.

Read about our past AmeriCorps Members here.