Michigan's AmeriCorps Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month Spotlight – May 2026: Liza Gutierrez, Michigan Education Corps

 

Liza Gutierrez is a second term AmeriCorps volunteer with the Michigan Education Corps. The Michigan Education Corps (MEC) is administered by Hope Network and is a replication of the transformational Minnesota Reading Corps. AmeriCorps volunteers advance more than 3,000 students toward becoming proficient in reading and mathematics. Gutierrez earned a B.A. in English Literature, Language, and Writing from Central Michigan University in 2020.

 

After graduating, Gutierrez knew she wanted to give back to the community while also refining her professional skills. This led her to the MEC where she is serving in her second term as a Reading Corps Interventionist at Meadowlawn Elementary in Kentwood. In her role, Gutierrez manages a consistent caseload of students where she implements a range of teaching interventions to help students improve their literacy skills. In her second year, Gutierrez is focused on “building relationships created last year with both students and staff at my service site, as well as relationships with new students, to foster a safe and encouraging tutoring environment.” According to Madison Archer, AmeriCorps Success Coordinator with Michigan Education Corps, “by showing up every day ready to serve, Liza has supported 100% of her students on her caseload to show improvement in their literacy skills! She is a caring and motivated Reading Corps Interventionist who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her students.” Beyond her interventionist role, Gutierrez serves as LeaderCorps representative for her program, acting as a liaison between the Michigan Community Service Commission and her cohort. She helps lead group projects and participates in professional development opportunities, enriching the service of her peers and elevating the program’s impact. Looking ahead, Gutierrez hopes to leverage her experience to enhance skills in communication, event coordination, and community outreach after her service. Her ongoing dedication positions her as a rising leader in her community and a steadfast advocate for literacy.

 

Learn more about the Michigan Education Corps and other Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.