Meet our Shriver Superhero, Julie Jimenez

Our AmeriCorps VISTA Shriver Program Fellow, Julie Jimenez, was recently featured on CNCS’ blog. Read the article here.

Julie is currently in her second year as an AmeriCorps member with LIFT. Julie is an inspiration to us all. She consistently brings new ideas, humor, and effective strategies to our office. She also played a crucial role in the launch of Constituent Voice here in LA. Here are some more fun facts about Julie:

What do you plan to do after your AmeriCorps service has ended?

I plan to work for another year, then apply to grad school. I am interested in starting a program in either Public Policy or Public Administration. I’m hoping to head out to the East Coast for work/school. (I’m not sure how long it’ll take me to get used to the weather, but I’m up for the challenge!)

What do you like to do to rest/relax/chill?

To relax/dis-stress I listen to music! The best way to enjoy music is by going to live shows! I like all genres (except country). I also enjoy reading. I am currently reading Another Country by James Baldwin. I am currently into reading and learning about the beatnik era specifically in the east coast. The music of the 50’s and 60’s also entices me very much.

What’s your favorite food?

My favorite food is Mac and Cheese. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles has the best!

What’s your favorite thing about LA?

I’m not going to say the weather, because after living in the east coast for four months, I experienced “real” seasons and LA has no seasons. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but I’m a bit tired of the sunny weather! What I really love about LA is that you will meet people from very diverse backgrounds. Throughout the years, new towns have been created like: Little Tokyo, Little Bangladesh, Olvera St., Mariachi Plaza, Koreatown, etc. Within each of these neighborhoods, there are museums, restaurants and structures that resemble the real towns. I love exploring new places in LA and revisiting whenever I feel like having a “taste” of that town.

Julie has undoubtedly helped lift many Los Angelenos out of poverty and back onto stable ground, and her impact has not gone unnoticed. Go Julie!


The Shriver Corps is a once-in-a-generation cohort of AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers committed to helping people across the United States lift themselves out of poverty for good. The program is a collaboration between LIFT, Maria Shriver’s A Woman’s Nation, and AmeriCorps, and was created to honor the legacy of Sargent Shriver, the founder of the landmark VISTA program.