Meet Our 2026 AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates
Alex Ryan
Alexandra (Alex) has been involved in leadership, research, and community-building throughout her academic and professional career. Originally from Massachusetts, she moved to Washington, DC, to attend the George Washington University, where she studied International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution.
During her studies, Alexandra conducted field research in Nepal and India, examining media narratives and the Tibetan exile community. She also served as the President of Delta Phi Epsilon’s Foreign Service Society, helping expand opportunities for students interested in international affairs and public service. Through her academic, leadership, and nonprofit experiences, Alexandra developed a passion for advocacy, public engagement, and creating meaningful connections between communities and decision-makers. Her interests include public policy, community organizing, human rights, and expanding access to opportunity.
Maggie Reier
Maggie Reier is an Americorps VISTA Summer Associate volunteering with The Coalition on their Rural Investment Project. As a current Masters of Public Policy student at American University, focusing on poverty and housing, she aims to pursue a career as a policy analyst working to improve policies and systems for low-income families and individuals. In December 2024, she completed her Bachelor of Arts as a double major in Government and International Politics and in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights at George Mason University.
Daniel Steele
Daniel Steele is a graduate student in Political Science at American University and an aspiring public servant with a strong interest in community development, public policy, and economic
justice. Originally from Michigan, Daniel developed an interest in public service through his involvement in state and local politics, where he worked on voter outreach, constituent
engagement, and community advocacy efforts.
Before joining The Coalition, Daniel served as an intern with the Michigan State Senate, supporting legislative research, constituent services, and policy analysis. He has also worked on political campaigns and community outreach initiatives focused on expanding civic participation and connecting residents with government resources. These experiences strengthened his commitment to addressing barriers that prevent communities from accessing economic opportunity and public services.
Daniel earned his BA in Political Science from Wayne State University in Detroit and is currently pursuing his MA in Political Science at American University, where he focuses on American politics and public policy. Following completion of his master’s degree, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career at the intersection of law, public policy, and community advocacy.
Saria Furutan
I am Saria, a rising junior at Arizona State University, where I am majoring in Project Management with a minor in Urban Planning. I am thrilled to invest my academic background into meaningful public service with The Coalition, serving as an AmeriCorps Summer Associate VISTA Voulnteer. This role provides an amazing opportunity for me to finally apply my passion for urban planning in a professional setting collaborating with a dedicated team focused on uplifting our citizens and building a stronger, more equitable America.
Tamia Smith
As a Washington, DC native and Computer Science student at North Carolina A&T State University, Tamia Smith is passionate about community impact and equitable access to resources. Through her internships at Children’s National Hospital and Athletech, she has built a strong foundation in research, project coordination, and outreach strategy — always with a focus on connecting people to the information and tools they need.
Tamia brings a unique blend of technical skill and people-centered thinking to everything she does. Her experience spans system security, administrative support, content creation, and marketing strategy, giving her the versatility to contribute meaningfully across various projects and teams. Outside of her professional work, she has volunteered with Martha’s Table and remains an active community member through organizations including DMV Aggies and Aggies Outside. Driven by a belief that technology and research can be powerful tools for social good, Tamia is committed to using her skills to uplift the communities around her and create meaningful, lasting change in the DC area.
