Press Release: Wisconsin AmeriCorps Member Kathryn Yang Recognized with National Excellence in AmeriCorps Award

[Madison, WI] – Wisconsin AmeriCorps member Kathryn Yang received the Impactful Service Award at the Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards in Washington, DC on September 5, 2024, which honor outstanding service from across the country.  Kathryn was recognized for the impact she made during her three terms of AmeriCorps service with the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services (WAHRS) at Pathfinders in Milwaukee. Kathryn was one of six honorees from across the country, three individuals and three organizations, that were recognized at the ceremony. Kathryn was previously honored with the 2024 AmeriCorps Member of the Year award at the Governor’s Service Awards in Madison on May 15, 2024.

When presenting the award to Kathryn, Director of AmeriCorps State and National Sonali Nijhawan stated that “we're proud to honor Kathryn Yang with this distinguished award. Kathryn’s service during her three terms as an AmeriCorps member with the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services at Pathfinders in Milwaukee reflects her commitment to helping others.”

“This particular honoree came highly recommended by several of her peers, who wrote several letters applauding her for her remarkable dedication to advocating for vulnerable youth and addressing systemic issues surrounding homelessness and sexual exploitation,” Nijhawan described. “One person said, I am often in awe of Kathryn’s approach when serving youth and her ability to connect with just about anyone who walks into a room. I felt a little bit of that today when I met Kathryn.”

When concluding her presentation of the award, Nijhawan stated that “Kathryn has gone above and beyond during her AmeriCorps service to aid youth facing housing insecurity and survivors of sexual exploitation feel safe and supported as they work to navigate the challenges that stand in the way of their potential. For her unwavering advocacy, we are so pleased to present Kathryn Yang with the impactful Service Award.”

Video of Kathryn Yang receiving the award and photographs from the awards
ceremony are linked. Additional information on the 2024 Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards can be found on the press release issued by AmeriCorps following the ceremony.

Information on Kathryn Yang receiving the Governor’s Service Award earlier this year for her service, as well as videos and service descriptions for her and all of the other honorees, is available at https://www.servewisconsin.wi.gov/governors-service-awards.

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Serve Wisconsin works with AmeriCorps programs throughout the state of Wisconsin to address human, educational, environmental, public safety and homeland security needs. AmeriCorps members are given the opportunity to enrich the lives of the people and communities they serve and their own lives through professional and personal development. Serve Wisconsin is governed by 21-member citizen body appointed by Governor Evers. For more information visit https://servewisconsin.wi.gov.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at https://americorps.gov/.