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Alum Spotlight – April 2025: Erin Wenk, FoodCorps
From 2018-2021, Erin Wenk served as an AmeriCorps member with FoodCorps Michigan in Flint through the Crim Fitness Foundation. There she helped students connect with healthy food through hands-on gardening, cooking, and tasting opportunities with a goal to create a schoolwide culture of health.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy, Wenk wanted to put her passion for gardening and food access to action. Wenk decided to serve with FoodCorps for three years, acting as a LeaderCorps representative for her program. When her service term with FoodCorps ended, Wenk accepted the role as a Michigan Program Coordiantor for FoodCorps Michigan.
When reflecting on her time in service Wenk remarks that “my AmeriCorps experience has been a huge part of both my career and personal journeys. FoodCorps challenged me to be adaptable, creative and collaborative,” Wenk continues “I also met some amazing people, lifelong friends that I travel abroad with.”
One particular outcome of service stands out for Wenk, “Something that surprised me about my service was how much I was going to connect with students,” Wenk reminisces, “my students have definitely taught me more than I have taught them.” She continued to serve for additional terms of service because of the joy she experienced watching students learn and become excited about healthy food habits and food growth. She wanted to continue in the field to “seek that same joy, curiosity and sense of wonderment that my student showed me,” Wenk comments.
In her current role, Wenk supervises the FoodCorps members serving in Micigan. FoodCorps member, Daniela Ifju, admires Wenk’s dedication and says that “Erin approaches everyday with compassion and positivity.” As a supervisor, Wenk strives to create a service environment for her members that mirrors the impact her service had on her stating, “so much happens during a service term and its important for members to recognize the impact service makes on them physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
Learn more about the FoodCorps program and other Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.
Alum of the Month – April 2025: Ruie Zerbel, AmeriCorps Climate READY
Ruie Zerbel served with the AmeriCorps READY program in 2024 and is a current AmeriCorps member with the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps Program. AmeriCorps members in the AmeriCorps READY (ACR) program, administered through Wayne State University, educate citizens and engage them in efforts to improve climate change resiliency through identification and intervention of indoor and outdoor environmental hazards, improvement of residential energy efficiency, implementation of green infrastructure, and clean water and air stewardship opportunities. Activities include community outreach and engagement, green infrastructure installation and demonstration, healthy home assessments, and resident education. The Michigan Healthy Climate Corps (MIHCC) AmeriCorps program managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is a program designed to empower individuals and communities to take action on climate change, building capacity and supporting Michigan's climate goals through various projects.
Zerbel is a passionate environmental supporter and a proud alumna of the University of Michigan. Zerbel’s journey in service began with her first AmeriCorps term with ACR, where she gained invaluable insights into the impact of climate inequities in her community, stating “my AmeriCorps service term afforded me new knowledge about green infrastructure and managing residential runoff, and helped me build connections with community members and other young people who are passionate about environmental service work.” This experience ignited her passion for community service and solidified her desire to continue making a difference.
During her time at ACR she actively engaged in educating citizens about environmental resiliency, addressing both indoor and outdoor environmental hazards, and improving residential energy efficiency. Her service included community outreach, green infrastructure installation, healthy home assessments, and resident education, all aimed at promoting clean water and air stewardship.
After completing her first term of service, Zerbel wanted to continue serving with a focus on the environment. Zerbel states that her “first AmeriCorps service term showed me how invaluable giving back to our underserved Michigan communities can be and how much I want to continue this kind of service and work in the future.” Currently serving with the MIHCC in the City of Eastpointe, Zerbel focuses on promoting green infrastructure, enhancing circular economy practices, and fostering a more equitable community. Her commitment to protecting and conserving the natural world is evident in her diverse experiences in ecological restoration, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental service.
She believes in the power of individual actions and strives to inspire others to recognize their potential to effect change. Zerbel embodies the spirit of service, emphasizing that every small action contributes to a larger impact, “in my service, I know the power of the individual is integral to the spirit of service and I strive to inspire others to create even a small change because all of those small actions can add up to a huge outcome.” She remains dedicated to serving her community and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a healthier planet through her AmeriCorps service.
Learn more about the AmeriCorps READY program, Michigan Healthy Climate Corps (MIHCC) AmeriCorps program, and other Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.