Et cetera : NCCC-FEMA Corps Class 20 Team Leader Spotlight: Donald Hawkins

By: Krista Eichhorst

Donald Hawkins, from Lorton, Va., is the team leader for Hickory 3 in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps’ Class 20. He arrived in Vinton on July 22, 2013, to start his 11-month service term leading a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Hickory 3 is made up of nine people from across the country and they will serve together on emergency management and long-term recovery projects with FEMA.

This is Donald’s second term of service with FEMA Corps. Last year he served as the team leader for Spruce 5 at the Vinton campus. When asked why he decided to serve another term with the program he says, “To grow as a leader and a person and to productively serve the nation, its people and their communities.”

Donald has several skills that he brings with him to the team leader position including prior leadership experience, knowledge of disaster preparedness, athletic ability and photography. These skills will especially come in handy as he manages a team through the various projects, physical training and fun activities they will experience throughout the year.

Donald graduated from South County Secondary School in 2007 and Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in African American studies. After completing his term of service he hopes to join the Peace Corps.

One of the most interesting experiences Donald has had was studying abroad in Barbados in 2010. But he adds, “Every day offers a unique experience, a lesson learned, something to be grateful or a moment to remember for the future.”

Some fun facts about Donald:

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor and athlete

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? Find and nurture your reason for serving

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? Seychelles Islands

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be and why? Flying because I could travel free of expense

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? Tiger because they are stealthy hunters and great swimmers

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Play sports and read

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps? To serve and to lead