Learn about the nominees for the 2026 Corpsmember of the Year Award! We are inspired by all our remarkable nominees and their outstanding achievements and service to local communities.
The Corpsmember of the Year Award recognizes young adults who have demonstrated leadership abilities, gone above and beyond, and leveraged their service experience. Learn more about Awards here. The winners will be recognized at The Corps Network’s 2026 virtual National Conference, March 24 – 25 and at the May 2026 Action Summit. Stories are arranged in alphabetical order by Corps name.
American Conservation Experience
Emilio Nilges
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“Emilio is an extremely kind and thoughtful individual. Always has a positive attitude and a kind word for those he interacts with.”
Before joining American Conservation Experience (ACE), Emilio Nilges worked at a bike shop in San Antonio. After being laid off, he decided to follow his passion for the outdoors and began as a Corpsmember at ACE. Emilio quickly displayed natural leadership abilities and advanced to the position of Assistant Team Leader. During his term of service Emilio served as a role model to peers and led through his strong work ethic and ability to effectively mentor new members. Emilio received glowing remarks from one of ACE’s partners when he stepped up to offer Wilderness First Aid to an injured volunteer. His cool demeanor kept everyone calm and allowed for the patient to be successfully extracted from the situation by emergency personnel.
Going forward, Emilio wants to continue working in conservation and trail work in a leadership capacity. He has already achieved many certifications including Brush Cutter, Bucker Crosscut Training, Chainsaw/Sawyer Training, and many more. In the future, Emilio plans to use his AmeriCorps Education Award to learn mountaineering and horse packing. Emilio cares deeply for the outdoors and conserving the existing public lands for generations to come.
American Conservation Experience
Tandria Burke
“Tandria is actively a positive force.”
Tandria is known to her supervisors as being exceptionally adaptable, profoundly positive, and committed to the mission. After working as a bear trapping technician out of college, Tandria decided to join American Conservation Experience (ACE) in an outreach position while determining her next steps. At ACE Tandria found a place to grow professionally and personally. From her position in administration and educational outreach, Tandria expanded her duties to doing hands-on biological field work which resulted in an extended term conducting research on sea turtles. Tandria also revitalized an annual Save the Florida Panther Day at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge bringing attendance numbers up from 20 participants to more than 150. Tandria became a Certified Interpreting Guide during her term and was a continuously positive force to her peers.
Tandria’s experience with ACE has led to her being hired as an Environmental Educator with Student Conservation Association (SCA) at US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Tandria believes that her Corps experience gave her clarity for her future and allowed her to challenge her comfort zone and experience new things. Her term with ACE gave her a sense of purpose. Tandria’s plans for the future are to continue working in conservation education and outreach. She loved to teach others about her passions: conservation and wildlife.
Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps
Tiana Cachini
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“Tiana Cachini’s term as the Indigenous Mapping and Research Intern resulted in a profound and positive impact.”
Before joining Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, Tiana Cachini worked with children in education. Though she enjoyed her work, she always wanted to pursue a career that included her Indigenous heritage. The position she found as an Indigenous Mapping and Research Intern with Ancestral Lands ended up being the perfect fit. Tiana’s 52-week position tasked her with the creation of a Geographical Information System (GIS) resource that would incorporate and highlight associated tribal nations along with the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Tiana was able to achieve this and more. Her crowning achievement was the successful initiation of a respectful partnership with the Pueblo of Zuni. She was able to collaborate closely with two members of the Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team to document and share community stories.
Tiana feels that this position opened doors to many new pathways for herself. She learned to use ArcGIS online, a platform that she had no prior experience with before joining the Corps. She was also able to form closer relationships with cultural organizations, including the Zuni Royalty Organization (ZRO). Tiana worked with them to apply for 501(c)(3) Non-profit of Culture status and was successful in gaining the licensure. Tiana now serves on ZRO’s board of directors as their Secretary and Treasurer and is preparing to welcome her first child in December 2025.
Appalachian Conservation Corps
Makayla Donigan
AmeriCorps Member
“Makayla was a pleasure to work with on the ACC Team, and received high remarks from her supervisors, coworkers and park staff.”
Before joining Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC), Makayla Donigan was working as a project manager and looking for a position that could fulfill her wishes to become a public servant. Joining ACC as a Community Partnership Fellow gave Makayla the opportunity to serve on a year-long term at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia. During her role, Makayla supported outreach and partnerships in the historically Black neighborhood where the site is located. Makayla went above and beyond to connect with partner organizations. In addition, Makayla organized an MLK Day of Service Event, represented the site at several local college career fairs, and helped facilitate several ongoing projects at the site.
Makayla felt that her Corps experience was transformative. She felt that it allowed her to have a greater appreciation for public service, deepened her passion for Cultural Resource Management, and helped strengthen her project management skills for public administration. She also developed new skills in community engagement and built relationships in the area. As a result of her Corps experience, Makayla found a new role working as a program associate for an organization called Black in Historic Preservation, an organization that works to gather and support African American professionals who work in the historic preservation field. Makayla also works for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as a project manager. Going forward, she hopes to use her AmeriCorps Education Award to pursue a master’s degree in Urban Planning from VCU.
California Conservation Corps
Sandra Paola Hernandez Jacinto
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“Sandra’s achievements are diverse. While she has remained focused on her long-term goals, she is not afraid to explore additional educational or hands-on experiences that make her a better-rounded individual.”
Sandra Paola Hernandez Jacinto came to the California Conservation Corps (CCC) with the goal of becoming an emergency dispatcher. At the time, Sandra was a full-time student at Fresno City College and working full-time as a manager at a fast-food restaurant. After hearing about the CCC from a coworker, she decided to take a leap and see if the Corps could help her reach her goal. When her first attempt to join the CCC wildland firefighter program was unsuccessful, however, Sandra didn’t give up. Instead, she performed natural resource conservation projects and took advantage of every training available, earning numerous certifications.
Sandra earned two promotions, progressing from Blue Hat (Corpsmember) to Green Hat (Specialist) to Red Hat (Crew Leader). On her second try, she successfully completed fire crew training and even rose to the position of lead sawyer. As Sandra’s second year in the program draws to a close, she is among the most accomplished Corpsmembers in the CCC. At a recent statewide training for Crew Leaders, staff said Sandra stood out for her focus, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. She is also an advocate for herself and her peers: She was previously elected to serve as Vice President of the Corpsmember Advisory Board (CAB) and now serves as Recreation Coordinator for the CCC Fresno Center. Sandra plans to complete her associate’s degree and further work towards her dream of becoming a CAL FIRE dispatcher so she can continue to serve her community.
Conservation Corps North Bay
Marx Aguirre
“Marx was reliable, adaptable, and supportive of his peers.”
Before joining Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB), Marx Aguirre was a high school student, looking for new opportunities. He was hopeful the Corps could help him forge a path to his future. It turned out the Corps was an excellent fit for Marx – he completed all three levels of the program, gaining hands-on experience on both the Natural Resources and Zero Waste Crews. Through his service, he earned multiple certifications, including a forklift operation certification and his Sawyer 3. Marx always showed up with a strong work ethic and supported those around him. Most importantly, Marx also earned his high school diploma while at CCNB.
For now, Marx is continuing to serve at CCNB and is focused on completing even more certifications to help gain experience and build his résumé. His goal after leaving the Corps is to find a career in a related field, where he can apply all the skills he has developed during his time at CCNB. Marx says that his service in the Corps has helped him learn to be tenacious with his goals, work hard, and prioritize.
Environment for the Americas
Vanessa Castro
“Her peers and partners described her enthusiasm as contagious.”
Vanessa Castro joined Environment for the Americas (EFTA) in 2025 as a Monarch Research and Education Intern at Fort Hood. Before joining, she had earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. After a college marine biology research project, she decided that she wanted to contribute to conservation efforts to protect biodiversity. Vanessa’s internship with EFTA was created in partnership with the Department of Defense and the U.S. Forest Service to engage veterans, military spouses, and dependents in conservation. Over her term, Vanessa surveyed monarchs and their habitat over more than 218,000 acres. By tagging monarchs, she was able to contribute to new insights into their migratory patterns. In addition to this project, she also contributed to Fort Hood’s community. She revitalized a garden and organized Fort Hood’s first World Migratory Bird Day. She also contributed to many other events and gained valuable skills in community engagement.
Vanessa plans to continue working in conservation and will continue to volunteer in Fort Hood while she remains there. Vanessa would also like to begin graduate studies in environmental science and conservation biology. She also plans to stay connected to the Corps community, as she enjoys its collaborative, mission-driven approach.
Great Basin Institute
Dominic Bioni
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“Dominic has consistently modeled professionalism, kindness, and a positive attitude…He has been supportive and dependable with peers, respectful and welcoming to visitors, and communicative and collaborative with all supervisors.”
Before serving with Great Basin Institute (GBI), Dominic Bioni had experience working in national parks for concessionaire companies. He was deeply connected with the parks and enjoyed the work, but felt there was more he could do to give back. One day, a friend took him to a habitat restoration volunteer event; it was here that he learned about GBI and experienced the power of service. Dominic would become a GBI AmeriCorps member, serving with the Bureau of Land Management at the Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area in California.
Early in his term, Dominic’s fellow AmeriCorps member had to exit the program, leaving him with a workload intended for two. Dominic rose to the challenge, ensuring all site tasks were completed. In 2025, he engaged nearly 7,000 visitors, including 700 guests during a major hiking event. He also personally removed more than 40 barrels of invasive species while conducting ongoing trail maintenance. Project partners encouraged him to stay for a second term. Shortly after beginning that second term, the 2025 government shutdown forced site supervisors off duty. Dominic stepped up once again, demonstrating maturity and an unwavering work ethic by ensuring safety, upkeep, and continuity of visitor services at the site. Dominic continues to serve at Piedras Blancas and is considering pursuing a master’s degree in recreational therapy.
Great Basin Institute
Sadie Paschall
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“Because of her honest, forthright, friendly, and outspoken nature Sadie has built alliances both within the field office and beyond.”
Sadie Paschall had recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Anthropology and minors in Spanish and Mathematics before joining Great Basin Institute (GBI). Her early work as an archaeological technician in Guam exposed her to descendants of the native Chamorro community, who shared the systemic challenges they were striving to overcome. Those conversations reshaped her goals and inspired her to seek a role that contributed more directly to community benefit–especially for Indigenous populations. Sadie quickly proved herself at GBI as a skilled cultural resources leader. She excelled in coordinating logistics, directing field operations, writing professional reports for the State Historic Preservation Office, and leading geospatial cleanup projects. Her peers elected her as their “speaker,” recognizing her friendly, forthright leadership. She consistently created space for quieter members to use their voices and even organized potlucks and community events during a government shutdown to keep morale strong.
Sadie now works with the BLM Klamath Falls Field Office, where she manages and protects cultural resources across the Lakeview District and conducts outreach to educate the public about stewardship of public lands. Her Corps experience helped her discover a powerful advocacy voice–one she uses on behalf of both her peers and Indigenous communities. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in archaeology using her AmeriCorps Education Award and hopes to secure a permanent federal or state position where she can continue outreach and community-centered archaeological work.
Green City Force
Stefaun Somerville
AmeriCorps – The Corps Network Education Award Program
“By bridging gaps between urban farming and community education, Stefaun not only strengthened the Corps’ mission but also empowered residents to take an active role in food justice and environmental stewardship.”
Joining Green City Force (GCF) transformed Stefaun Somerville’s confidence and leadership. Before joining the Corps, Stefaun was working demanding shifts at a retail job with little career growth opportunities. Though naturally introverted, Stefaun pushed himself to grow after he joined GCF to serve his community with GCF alongside peers who shared his drive to improve themselves and their community. Over two service terms, Stefaun emerged as a standout leader and guided his team to a record-breaking 4,500-pound harvest on a 3/4-acre farm–the highest yield across all six EcoHub sites. Stefaun’s leadership also helped ensure GCF’s first-ever 100% graduation rate for a cohort of nine Corpsmembers. He also led tool-safety workshops, cultivated 38 different crops, and operated a weekly farm stand that distributed free produce to more than 120 families in a food desert. His impact earned him an invitation to the 2025 Environmental Advocates New York Advocate Awards.
Stefaun is now completing the final months of his service term while finishing college, using his AmeriCorps Education Award to support his studies. He plans to use his second award to explore trade school opportunities, such as electrical or plumbing training. Motivated by a deep commitment to food justice, he hopes to continue feeding and educating his community, either by returning to GCF as an EcoHub Coordinator or by working with nonprofit urban farms like East New York Farms. His long-term goal is to grow food, nourish people, and create stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
Orville Schroeder
“Orville leads by example through his consistent work ethic, commitment
to community service, and dedication to his family.”
Orville Schroeder, a proud citizen of the Klamath Tribes, was searching for steady work before joining Lomakatsi Restoration Project‘s Inter-Tribal Indian Youth Service Corps. Once he joined the Corps, he discovered a deeper purpose and embraced the opportunity to gain skills rooted in stewardship and cultural responsibility. He earned multiple certifications, completed advanced forestry training with professional restoration staff, and gained skills in projects partnered with the U.S. Forest Service. He contributed to major ecological projects through technical forest inventory work, vegetation surveys, hand thinning and piling in the Chiloquin Wildland Urban Interface, and more. Orville and his crew’s work has contributed to the restoration of thousands of acres across Klamath ancestral homelands and the community of Chiloquin, Oregon. He also strengthened both community well-being and landscape resilience by playing a key role in ensuring that wood generated through ecological forestry was delivered to local tribal elders.
Orville has far exceeded the 640 hours required to earn his Public Lands Corps certificate, contributing 2,249 hours to date as a training program graduate, Inter-Tribal Ecological Forestry Crew member, and now a full-time Ecosystem Laborer with Lomakatsi. Orville continues to build skills through hands-on restoration and wildland fire response while serving with Lomakatsi. He plans to continue gaining work experience across Oregon and northern California, using his growing set of certifications to pursue long-term opportunities in ecological stewardship and fire management.
Student Conservation Association
Tierney Mountain
“She is the kind of leader others naturally gravitate toward because she leads with confidence, kindness, and clarity.”
Before joining the Student Conservation Association (SCA), Tierney Mountain was a freshman in high school searching for direction. After joining SCA’s Atlanta Summer Youth Crew, Tierney quickly became a standout leader known for her enthusiasm, professionalism, and steady work ethic. Younger members often looked to her for guidance when they needed help understanding expectations or reassurance during tough days. On trail projects, she consistently set the tone through teamwork and motivation, and she extended her leadership into the community through SCA’s Atlanta Urban Treehouse program, where she helped young children learn about the environment through hands-on exploration. Her ability to support, teach, and uplift peers made her a trusted and reliable figure on her crew.
Tierney is currently a member of Teen Court, where she defends juveniles who deserve a second chance–an experience that strengthened her commitment to justice and helped her discover the power of her voice. She plans to study Political Science at Morgan State University and return to SCA in 2026 as a Senior Crew Member. Her long-term goal is to become an environmental attorney, using her Education Award to help fund her degree and build a career advocating for both people and the planet.
Urban Corps of San Diego
Suleiman Abubakar
“Suleiman Abubakar has been a deeply positive force within Urban Corps, not only through his work ethic but through the compassion and encouragement he brings to those around him.”
Suleiman Abubakar arrived in the United States alone from Africa, facing uncertainty and trying to navigate life without a support system. A friend encouraged him to join the Urban Corps of San Diego (UCSD), and Suleiman saw it as a path toward stability, education, and purpose. During his year and a half in the program, Suleiman immersed himself in every opportunity–TreeJectory, Utility Line Clearance, Sustainable Gardens, S-212 Chainsaw, CPR, and leadership development–earning his Red Hat through dedication and reliability. He strengthened his English skills, gained experience in conservation and customer service, and achieved one of his proudest accomplishments of graduating with his high school diploma. Known among peers for his reassuring motto, “This is just an intro,” Suleiman is an uplifting presence for those around him.
Today, Suleiman is working as a Conservation Specialist at UCSD and using his training to give back to the same community that supported him. He continues mentoring new Corpsmembers, modeling resilience and encouragement. Looking ahead, he plans to join the Navy and expand his skills while continuing his education. Suleiman’s journey reflects determination, purpose, and a commitment to lifting others as he grows.
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Ethan Hull
AmeriCorps Member
“Ethan’s patience, compassion, and diligence made him a much-respected mentor.”
Ethan Hull joined the Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC) as a crew member after graduating from college. He wanted to combine his passion for the outdoors with his desire to make a positive impact on the environment. While working at WCCC, Ethan was promoted to Assistant Crew Leader, and his experience there led him to pursue a role at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC), where he became a Farm Crew Leader. As a Crew Leader, Ethan led with thoughtfulness and care. He quickly picked up farm systems despite having little prior experience and helped bring positivity to the farm. He was known for making sure his crew members felt heard and for finding ways to advocate for them. As a result, many of his crew members stayed for additional sessions. Ethan frequently stepped up wherever he was needed around the farm and volunteered in the community on numerous occasions.
Through his time at VYCC, Ethan discovered a love for teaching and mentorship, as well as a passion for agriculture. He is returning to school as a part-time student at the University of Vermont to study Environmental Science and Agroecology. He is also beginning a new position as a ski instructor, where he will continue to educate and support others.
