“I’m proud to be an AmeriCorps alum, doing the work to help create a more just and joyful world.”
Doria Josma is a two-time AmeriCorps Alum who embraces a lifelong commitment to serving her community. Doria’s service through AmeriCorps with Public Allies New York began in 2014. As a Life Skills Instructor and Academic Advisor to students in Northwest Queens in New York City, it didn’t take long for her to recognize herself in many of the students she supported.
“I entered my AmeriCorps service year at Public Allies New York with a full heart and a deep commitment to uplift youth in my community. What I didn’t expect was just how much that year would shape me.”
In this role, Doria developed and led creative and culturally responsive workshops, provided personal and academic guidance, organized college tours and student-parent events, and co-coordinated a summer internship program. Despite her initial service year coming to end, Doria was eager to find more ways to give back and gain new career experiences.
Through AmeriCorps VISTA, Doria continued her service with Reading Partners New York as Donor & Communications Coordinator. The organization places community volunteers in public schools to help kids master basic reading skills through one-to-one tutoring. Doria provided essential capacity-building support, including writing grant proposals, co-producing fundraising events and representing the organization as part of the New York Road Runners Official Charity Program. Doria’s work behind the scenes unlocked a new talent and passion for resource mobilization and set her on the path she continues today.
“These two service years were not just stepping stones in my career—they were a mirror, showing me my strengths, values, and calling. They taught me how to lead with empathy and build with purpose.”
Doria carries this same commitment in her dual roles as the Founder and CEO of Your Why LLC, and as the Development & Fundraising Specialist at Cool Culture. At Your Why LLC, Doria offers social impact consulting to mission-driven nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and individuals—providing support in grants management, cause marketing, and community-centered events. At Cool Culture, she brings her service mindset to developing growth strategies for individual and institutional giving, ensuring donors feel connected to the cause, and the organization can continue to fulfill its mission in the community.
Beyond the workplace, Doria is an active volunteer throughout the city and was recently honored as a finalist for the 2024 Mayoral Service Recognition Program’s AmeriCorps Alumni Award.
“To me, service isn’t just something you do. It’s how you lead. How you show up. It’s how I choose to live, and how I encourage others in my field to engage—by lifting what needs lifting, and doing the work with humility, urgency, and care.”
About the Service Year Alums Awards
The Service Year Alums Awards recognize outstanding alums across the national service community for their contributions during their service years and beyond. This diverse network is composed of AmeriCorps Alums, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and alums from various service year programs across the country.
In 2025, the Service Year Alums Awards are all about celebrating this life-changing experience, recognizing alums who embraced the lessons, skills, and connections gained during their service year to pursue meaningful careers and positively impact their communities.
