2026 Life After AmeriCorps Conference

February 16, 2026
TCEA Conference Center
Austin, Texas

Attention Central Texas AmeriCorps Members!
Join us for the 9th annual Life After AmeriCorps Conference! This unique, in-person event is designed exclusively for Central Texas’ AmeriCorps members to explore next steps after their year of service. The event is FREE for members to attend and offers a full day of top-notch learning and networking.

REGISTER TODAY "CLiCk HERE”! 

Please note that registration is by invitation only and exclusively for members currently serving with one of the AmeriCorps Central Texas Collaborative organizations.

Thank you to our Sponsors! 

2026 Life After AmeriCorps Conference Schedule

9:00am - 10:00am

Check in, breakfast, get a free professional head shot and visit with Exhibitors

10:00am - 10:40am

Welcome and Keynote Address: PJ Diamond, Director of Programs, Leadership Austin

PJ Diamond is a globally experienced educator and action-oriented leader with 15 years of experience designing transformative, people-centered learning across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate spaces. Grounded in the Rotary principle of Service Above Self, she is known for leading powerful conversations that build trust, bridge differences, and translate shared values into meaningful action. PJ’s work is shaped by deep cross-cultural and multilingual experience, having collaborated with leaders and communities across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh, is certified to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language, and is a co-founder of the nonprofit Queer Bozeman. PJ also serves in leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Austin and the Association of Leadership Programs as well as supports The Black Fund of Central Texas.

10:40am - 11:00am

Networking Break

11:00am - 12:00pm

Breakout Session Block One

  • How to Apply For and Succeed In Graduate School with Rachel Villafane, Clinton School for Public Service
  • Intro to Inclusive Leadership with Mando Rayo, The New Philanthropists
  • Utilizing Your AmeriCorps Education Award with Jennifer Cowart, On3Learn
  • Think Global: Build Your Career, Lead with Purpose with Courtney Bauman, SIT Graduate Institute and Anne Saldívar, Peace Corps
  • Networking for Impact with Natalie Gray, AmeriCorps Central Texas

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch and Guided Discussions to Explore Next Steps

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Breakout Session Block Two

  • Living Big On A Service Stipend with Tisha Vonique, AmeriCorps Alumni Network
  • Exploring Pathways: Careers in Public Service, Policy, and Civic Leadership with Corrina Archer Kinsman, TX House of Representatives, and Cristina Flores and Laura Pérez, New Politics Academy
  • Communicating Your Value with Amanda Miller, Connected Data
  • Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging: Sustainable Service Beyond AmeriCorps with Francesca Budesheim, Low-Key Spiritual
  • Careers in Conservation with Trevor Rice, Wild Basin Research Center and Will Henning, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

2:00pm - 2:20pm

Networking Break

2:20pm - 3:20pm

Breakout Session Block Three

  • Turning Your Service Year into a Career Blueprint with Darriana Donegan, Donegan-Alford Consulting
  • Job Search Tips and Tools with Corrina Archer Kinsman, TX House of Representatives, and Cristina Flores and Laura Pérez, New Politics Academy
  • Careers in the Nonprofit Sector with Sharyn Malatok, BCRC, Daniell Rider, Foundation Communities and Rosalind Gutierrez, Nonprofit Austin
  • Triple A Leadership: Authenticity, Advocacy, and Adaptability with Xtina Hillard, Breakthrough Central Texas
  • Tackling Bias: Small Actions, Big Impact with Kenisha Coburn, Keen Compass

3:30pm - 4:00pm

Closing Remarks and Plenary Address

Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart is the ninth Chancellor of the Austin Community College District, leading with a focus on love, equity, and systemic transformation to advance student success. Since joining ACC, he has launched innovative, student-centered initiatives—including a free-tuition pilot, expanded basic needs supports, and a Theory of Change guiding the College’s goal for 70% of students to complete, transfer, or enter the workforce. A nationally recognized thought leader, Russell has positioned ACC as a leader in workforce development while deepening partnerships that strengthen opportunity and economic mobility across Central Texas.

  • Raffle Prize Winners Announced!