City Year Milwaukee welcomes back four City Year alumni

City Year Milwaukee is proud to welcome back four City Year alums to staff: Sierra Anderson, Paola Gonzales, Mina Raj and Rita Zebian. Read on to learn more about what inspired them to return to City Year and what they look forward to in the year ahead.

Sierra Anderson (Milwaukee ’19, ’20)

Impact Manager, Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education

“I returned to City Year Milwaukee as an impact manager because I truly believe that the work I was doing with City Year was not done and that I would be able to have an even bigger impact on the service we give to students as a manager. The amazing changes I saw my students have over the course of my corps year and the dedication to changes in student experience and advocacy I saw by my team my Team Leader year inspired me to continue this work. I am super excited to literally expand my impact and be a resource to all of the students and school partners at Obama.”

Favorite City Year Value: Belief in the power of young people 

Mina Raj (Milwaukee ’19, ’20)

Impact Manager, Dr. George Washington Carver Academy of Mathematics & Science

“City Year Milwaukee is so much more than a workplace to me. It is a community that provides support, accountability, joy and learning for its staff and AmeriCorps members. I was inspired to return after my two years of service because I know that I have so much work left to do, and I love working in an environment that pushes me to grow as a leader. I am looking forward to creating a vision with my school team and setting goals together to deliver the best service possible to our young people.”

Favorite City Year Founding Story: Never doubt

Paola Gonzalez (Boston ’19, New York ’20)

Impact Manager at Bay View High School

“City Year is organization that I have fallen in love with. It wasn’t immediate however, for when I began my journey it took me some time to get used to the culture and our daily habits. But, through the leadership of those around me who exemplified the kind of thoughtful and empathetic leader that I aspire to be, did I begin to truly value our culture and make it my own. I looked to continue with City Year as an Impact Manager because I want to be a part of advancing our culture of growth and community, and to hopefully provide our AmeriCorps members with the kindness and guidance that I received when I was in their shoes.”

Favorite City Year Value: Ubuntu

Rita Zebian (Milwaukee ’16)

Development Manager

“I originally chose to do a year of service with City Year after I graduated because I felt lost after school ended but knew that I had a talent for working with youth and wanted to continue to build that skill. I returned to City Year to be on staff because after several years away from the organization, I realized the incredibly positive impact it had on my work ethic and world outlook. I wanted to return to help others benefit from City Year as I did.”

Favorite City Year Value: Ubuntu