Superhero Spotlight
So many diligent and hardworking AmeriCorps Members have passed through our doors and made a lasting impact on Global Game Changers. As much as we would love to keep these phenomenal team members for the long haul, their service term is unfortunately limited. To commemorate these Superhero workers, we plan to spotlight each of them as they depart from Global Game Changers.
So here’s to honoring a year filled with many corny jokes, caffeine-filled days, and consuming a copious amount of ice cream (thanks to Ehrler’s for being generous supporters and right next door!).
Moriah Thomas: Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Role at GGC: Taught 4th and 5th grade students from Cane Run Elementary and Young Elementary at the Speed Art Museum.
End of Service: July 30th
Next Adventure: Mentoring high school students at Southern High School through AmeriCorps, while working part-time with Global Game Changers.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Strawberry Cheesecake
As a State AmeriCorps Member and Lead Educator, Moriah graced the office daily with her poise, was always eager to lend a helping hand or offer a witty joke, and consistently brought new ideas to the table. Although her full-time service ended, she’s decided to return part-time to assist with our after-school program.
Q: What is your Superpower Equation? Has it changed since the beginning of your service? A: Public Speaking + Youth Development =Teaches/motivates youth through in-school Mentorship and OST programs! It hasn’t really changed, but it’s been cool meeting and building relationships with our youth here in Louisville.
Q: Who inspires you to serve? A: Others who served before me. My parents.
Q: What was your best memory from Global Game Changers? A: Seeing my students graduate at the end of the program.
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? A: Yara Shahidi
Q: What would you most like to be remembered for in life? A: My humor, I’ve been known to being comedic relief to some not funny situations. Laughter is truly healing.
Q: If you had to watch two movies on repeat for 24 hours, what would they be? A: Pride and Prejudice & Transformers
Q: If GGC were a person, how would you describe its personality? A: Hyper, but passionate!
Daniel Gerken:
Hometown: Napoleon, OH
Role at GGC: Wrote, filmed, and edited numerous videos for Global Game Changers that helped our organization continue developing an innovative brand.
End of Service: August 19th
Next Adventure: Plans to stay in the Louisville area and pursue a new job in the area of film.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
As an AmeriCorps VISTA and Videographer, Daniel was always quick to brainstorm new ideas, write exciting content, and film and edit videos to perfection. We will miss him as he translates these amazing skills to a new organization.
Q: What is your Superpower Equation? Has it changed since the beginning of your service? A: Video Production + Education = Creating videos that tell unique stories and teach viewers about the world and the people in it. My service has been a reaffirmation of my interest and passion for telling stories, but has ignited a new interest in using that skill to teach people about new things.
Q: Who inspires you to serve? A: My motivation to serve is not driven by a single person, but more of a reaction to fight all of the awful and depressing things I hear about and see day after day. I hope that by doing this work I can negate some of that.
Q: What was your best memory from Global Game Changers? A: Working on the kids’ superpower project videos.
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? A: Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s incredible.
Q: What would you most like to be remembered for in life? A: Empowering people to develop and follow their passions.
Q: If you had to watch two movies on repeat for 24 hours, what would they be? A: This sounds absolutely awful. I don’t think it matters, because I’d go insane no matter what movies I picked.
Q: If GGC were a person, how would you describe its personality? A: I’d say that GGC is welcoming and enthusiastic like a Golden Retriever.
The GGC team will miss both of you. We wish you all the best and know that great things lie ahead. Thank you for everything you have contributed to our team!