Today’s post comes from Christine Williams,  an AmeriCorps Program and Training Officer with the Alabama State Service Commission in Montgomery, AL.

I have been a trainer/facilitator for 13 years, and now provide training and technical assistance to National Service Programs in Alabama.  In addition, I provide trainings for Alabama State AmeriCorps and VISTA members twice a year.

Due to the nature of what I do, I need skills that allow me to communicate and connect with all audiences; I must listen and be able to assess the numerous needs of those that I serve.  It is essential that I have the right heart, to ensure that I am providing the necessary information for program staff and members to become successful.

The opportunities provided by the American Express Leadership Academy are invaluable.  I was selected to participate in a special Academy that was hosted immediately following the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans on June 9 – 10.  As a participant, I gained knowledge and feedback about myself that I have never received. The opportunity to learn, experience, and share what I think about myself as a leader, as well as learn what those who work closely with me think, is immeasurable.  I also appreciate the opportunity to network and work alongside my peers from across the nation. It was great to see that we are all experiencing similar situations professionally and personally.

Participating in the Academy has given me the proper guidance, accountability, tools and resources to catapult me to the next level in my life and achieve the great goals that I have set.

Prior to joining the State Service Commission, Christine served as an AmeriCorps member in Nashville, Tennessee at Vanderbilt University, where she helped seniors to become healthier, safer and happier people by designing activities to keep them active.  Immediately following her term of service as a member, she was selected to become a part of a national leadership development initiative as an AmeriCorps Leader for the state of Tennessee.  Shortly before completing her Leader’s term, she became an assistant AmeriCorps program director for TenneSenior Service Corps at Vanderbilt University. She has worked with the State of Georgia – Department of Community Affairs and the State of Alabama Department of Finance Executive Planning Office.