Ephraim Palmero began his service journey as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the City of Indianapolis, Division of Community Nutrition & Food Policy (2019–2020), while completing his Master of Science in Community & International Development with help from his AmeriCorps education award. His service year brought experience in grant writing, public policy, and coalition building; that shaped his lifelong commitment to board service and civic appointments in Indianapolis.

At the City of Indianapolis, he worked on initiatives that increased food access, developed partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and supported strategies that strengthen the Indianapolis food system through collective impact. His service also elevated his thought leadership nationally, including an invitation to speak at the 2021 Hunger Free Communities Virtual Summit on a workshop for Food Councils: Creating Food Equity and Accessibility.

Today, Ephraim works as a Program Officer at Rural LISC, where he serves as the main point of contact and advisor on small business and entrepreneurship for partners across the United States. In this role, he supports a network of Business Development Organizations that provide entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural America with the resources, capital, and partnerships they need to thrive.