Baltimore, MD—September 27, 2016—Last week, AmeriCorps Alums announced former Playworks Coach Tanika Lynch as one of two recipients of the prestigious 2016 AmeriCorps Alums Eli Segal Leadership Award. The highly competitive fellowship for AmeriCorps alumni provides emerging leaders with the opportunity to join a community of other like-minded changemakers. These leaders collaborate across sectors and topic areas to break down silos and create solutions in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Tanika served as a Playworks Coach at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Baltimore during the 2015-16 school year and now serves as an Urban Teachers Resident. She was selected from applicants across the country for her exceptional leadership abilities, dedication to service, entrepreneurial spirit, and communication and analytical skills. As an Eli Segal Fellow, Tanika will advance the strategic goals of the Corporation for National and Community Service, including contributing to executive-level policy initiatives and special projects.
“We are thrilled to see Tanika awarded with the Eli Segal Leadership Award and even more excited to see her continue to apply her talents in the social sector,” said Playworks Maryland Executive Director Danielle Marshall. “As a Playworks coach, Tanika approached her work with such passion and professionalism. She tackled challenges with grace and determination and always went the extra mile to ensure that her students had access to safe and healthy play.”
Tanika explains how the lessons she learned during her time as a Playworks coach have carried on long after her service year: “During my first term of service with Playworks, I learned what it takes to get things done. I needed to be adaptable, persevere through challenges, and be accountable to the community I was serving when no one was micromanaging to see if I was getting the job done. I now carry that adaptability, perseverance, and accountability with me in each challenge I take on.”
