Category: Alumni Stories

Melissa Dunmore (she/her) (Public Allies Arizona ‘12) has always been a writer. As a Brooklyn-born Boricua living in the Valley of the Sun, she has developed her keen artistic style to illustrate the lived experiences of marginalized communities and to shed light on social issues that are often overlooked. Her term of service with Public Read More

Listen here for Renee’s interview with Yexandra Diaz, New Haven Program Manager at Public Allies CT, an AmeriCorps program with Serve Connecticut! Public Allies is a national movement committed to advancing social justice and equity by engaging and activating the leadership capacities of all people. Public Allies Connecticut is a social justice organization committed to Read More

By Helese Smauldon My name is Helese and I’m multi-passionate writer, performer and student currently in Brooklyn, NY. I vulnerably share about love, life, work and living with ADHD in various formats. Tap in to my work at https://about.me/helese.   ﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋ (Yeah, I know, there’s no “Y” in Happiness.) But there is a “Why.” Like, “Why Read More

Ms. Terrell becomes the first alumni and first Black woman to hold the CEO title, bringing a bold vision to the 30-year-old social justice non profit   Milwaukee, Wis – The Board of Directors of Public Allies, a nonprofit dedicated to social justice and racial equity, is honored to announce the appointment of Jenise Terrell Read More

By Laylah Muhammad El   In this assortment of works Laylah explores the Black Identity through soft visuals with a lot of soul. She is an artist from the East Coast who specializes in digital arts and media. As a Black Muslim, she finds it imperative to depict diverse people within her art. You can Read More

By Colton Jonna Manley   I am without my body, but a soul.  How could they ever know,  The fate that lays beneath my skin. It leaves me ill, trapped with its intent.  For I know the plans they make for me,  But I have created my own reality.  A soul grown to a sun, Read More

You know that saying, “Opposites Attract?” Well for Michaela Lacy (she/her) (Public Allies Wisconsin ‘20 & 21) and Prince Grayson (he/him) (Public Allies Wisconsin ‘20 & ‘21), that couldn’t be more true. As self-proclaimed extroverts and introverts, respectively, the duo never imagined themselves falling in love with one another and having Public Allies to thank Read More

It’s May 2009. Anthony Espinoza (he/him) (Public Allies Wisconsin ‘18) and Marleisa Quiles-Espinoza (she/her) (Public Allies Wisconsin ‘16 & ‘17) meet by serendipity, on a gloomy day in a backyard through mutual friends. Although they didn’t yet know it, teenage Tony and Lisa would soon learn, grow, and thrive together with Public Allies playing a Read More

By Monea Bailey   At a young age, I would express my artistic freedom through varying outlets. Maturing my craft allows me to see how my gifts can be used to make room for the freedom of others. Through the stroke of a brush and the power of my lens, I aim to help my Read More

The application for the National Alumni Council is now open! We are excited to bring together a small group of alumni to help steer future alumni engagements. Our network is nearly 10,000 strong and we want your voice represented. This inaugural group, along with the guidance of the Alumni team and Alumni board members will Read More