Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Mahala Greer

By: Rebecca Bigler

Mahala Greer, from Paonia, Colo., is the Team Leader for Cedar 4 in NCCC’s Class 19. She arrived in Vinton on January 8, 2013, to start her 11-month service term leading a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Cedar 4 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

“I have always wanted to be part of a program dedicated to domestic community development,” Mahala said. “AmeriCorps NCCC is the program I found that had everything I was looking for. It will allow me to travel to parts of the U.S I have never been while engaging in direct service. I am very excited to participate in projects that cover a wide range of needs and require different types of work and skills.”

Mahala has several skills that she brings with her to the Team Leader position. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. She loves using power tools and is good at problem solving. Those two skills will especially come in handy as she manages a team through the various projects they will take on throughout the year.

Prior to joining NCCC, Mahala had worked in a commercial gardening company and a women’s health clinic. She graduated University of Colorado Denver in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature. She also graduated from Paonia High School in 2008. After finishing NCCC, Mahala hopes to pursue a master’s degree in education with a focus in bilingual elementary education.

Mahala has had a few interesting experiences in her past. She studied abroad in Mexico for her junior year of high school. She was also a guest of the First Lady to the 2012 State of the Union Address.

Cedar 4’s first project is working with Mary McLeod Bethune Intervention and Engagement Center in Mansfield, Ohio. The team is providing interior demolition, painting, and landscaping at the new Carter Neighborhood Plaza Center. The center is an urban development project that provides a multi-purpose facility and commercial kitchen for small emerging incubator businesses. Members are also assisting in the rehabilitation of three homes that will provide three families with affordable, safe and sanitary living conditions.

Some fun facts about Mahala:

Q: What was your first job? At a local one screen movie theater.

Q: What is your favorite movie? Ghost World

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “It’s going to be overwhelming. Just take in as much as you can and breathe.”

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

Q: What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with almonds.

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? Raccoon, because I love them.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Sew, sleep, watch TV, eat

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC? It is a totally unique experience.