Alum of the Month – November 2026: Karlene Kuhn, Botanic Gardens Planning Grant AmeriCorps Program
From 2025-2026 Karlene Kuhn served as the planning grant Program Director for the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. In this role, she explored the feasibility of establishing an AmeriCorps program. Through research and partnership-building, she laid the groundwork for a future collaborative, statewide program. She also organized and managed a large volunteer event for Michigan’s Russ Mawby Day of Service.
Prior to her time at the Botanic Gardens, Kuhn earned a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University–Shreveport and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University.
Kuhn’s commitment to service began early in her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Eswatini. She later served as an AmeriCorps VISTA program manager with the AmeriCorps VISTA Hub at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Health Leadership & Impact, supporting the Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority. In that role, she oversaw operations for one of the nation’s largest AmeriCorps VISTA intermediary programs, recruiting members from across the country to serve their communities.
Kuhn has also volunteered for many years with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, serving on the Traverse City Out of the Darkness Walk Committee and supporting its prevention awareness and fundraising efforts. As a member of the Benzie Area Pride Network advisory committee, she has helped advance LGBTQ+ visibility and create more welcoming environments.
Throughout her career, Kuhn has developed expertise in civic engagement, service-year programming, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen organizations and expand opportunities for communities to thrive. Kuhn was recently named to the Traverse City Business News’, 40 under 40 list.
Kuhn hopes to continue her work in the nonprofit and service sectors by helping organizations build capacity, expand volunteer opportunities, and deepen community engagement.
Learn more about Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.