When Lulu began her AmeriCorps VISTA service at PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro, she brought with her a deep passion for community health and a strong academic foundation in Healthcare Management from Towson University. Living in Baltimore, she saw firsthand how food insecurity shaped health outcomes in underserved neighborhoods, sparking a drive to address systemic inequities in access to nutrition and healthcare. Her desire to be part of meaningful, community-centered change led her to AmeriCorps VISTA.
At PORCH, an organization committed to fighting hunger by mobilizing neighbors and distributing fresh, healthy food to those in need, Lulu found a mission that resonated with her values. As the Engagement Coordinator, she stepped into a pivotal role during a transformative time for the organization: the launch of the PORCH Community Hub in November 2024. From coordinating outreach efforts to strengthening local partnerships, Lulu played an integral part in expanding PORCH’s capacity to serve over 690 families with dignity and consistency.
One of Lulu’s most significant contributions has been her work in stakeholder engagement. By nurturing collaborations with groups like the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and the Carolina Hunger Initiative, and involving UNC-Chapel Hill nutrition professors, she helped bring hands-on workshops and food demonstrations to the Hub. These events not only enhanced community access to evidence-based nutrition education but also empowered participants to make healthier choices for their families. Lulu also made lasting improvements to PORCH’s internal operations. She streamlined procedures, helped draft an operations manual, and enhanced data management systems to support better reporting and decision-making. Her commitment to inclusivity shone through in her outreach efforts as well, crafting multilingual newsletters that connected families with vital resources and program updates.
Balancing behind-the-scenes administrative responsibilities with on-the-ground community work was not without its challenges. Yet, through these experiences, Lulu honed her communication skills and grew into a confident leader capable of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
As she concludes her VISTA service, Lulu is setting her sights on a Master’s in Public Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, focusing on Health Policy and Management. With her enriched perspective and practical experience, she aims to continue advocating for policies and programs that promote equity in healthcare access. Lulu leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and compassionate service. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven work and a glimpse into the kind of thoughtful, equity-minded public health leader she is becoming.
This blog was written by Alice Chesley-Akhtar with information and support from Lulu Muhammad.