How do we review 12,000 applications every year and select top social change leaders to become Fellows? We have a strong team of Selection Board Members! How do we then support each fellow when they arrive in the United States? We have a dedicated team of Local Ambassadors!

Meet Krista, our outstanding Selection Board Member who helps to interview Atlas Corps applicants while also being a Local Ambassador to current fellows in their adjustments to living in a new city.


Why did you decide to volunteer for Atlas Corps as a Selection Board Member and Local Ambassador?

I learned about Atlas Corps through my role with Global Language Network (GLN), a 501(c)3 nonprofit program supporting language education and professional development. First, I took a class with Arwa Guesmi, an Atlas Corps Fellow. I was incredibly impressed by her professional experience as a solar engineer so I wanted to know more. Throughout my experience with Atlas Corps Fellows whom I have known, I learned that they are gifted, enthusiastic and altruistic changemakers who can be relied on for their professionalism and skills. As a result, when I learned that Atlas Corps is growing and so relies on expanded volunteer efforts, I was interested in being a part of that. In the course of that experience, I am even more impressed by the talented fellows who are admitted into the highly selective program and by both the goals and the mission of Atlas Corps.

How has volunteering with Atlas Corps impacted you?

Having studied international relations and political economy, then having worked professionally in the nonprofit sector, I bring to the table as a volunteer my experience but I also grow in the context of volunteering. I learn more about how Atlas Fellows are changing the world for the better every day and about how the program provides opportunities for Atlas Corps Fellows to contribute to Host Organizations while developing in ways that will create practical solutions to circumstances that impact communities, regions and the entire world. I am a more knowledgeable and globally-aware professional as a result..

What message would you like to send to individuals who are thinking of volunteering with Atlas Corps?

Join a dedicated team of volunteers so that you can make a practical impact through helping to grow and support the Atlas Corps Fellowship Program. Being a Local Ambassador is a great way to make friends while learning about the world. The Atlas Corps Selections Board has a crucial role in fairly applying the rigorous standards to identify and engage the best candidates from around the world for Host Organizations. By joining, you can also make an impact and be a changemaker supporting the fellows. The entire message of Atlas Corps is very positive. Together, we can bring out the best in ourselves and in others to make a difference.


Thank you, Krista, and our hundreds of volunteers who help achieve the Atlas Corps mission every day. Learn more about becoming a volunteer at volunteer.atlascorps.org.