Alisha Cathirell-Tanzer
2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader
Director of AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA at L.A. Works
Altadena, California
Alisha Cathirell-Tanzer is the director of AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA at L.A. Works, where she leads programs focused on volunteerism, supporting volunteer pipelines, and opportunities for citizens of Los Angeles to get involved in their communities and issues impacting their neighborhoods. Since 2022, Alisha’s programs have served over 100,000 of the city’s residents, partnering with AmeriCorps, state agencies, and local nonprofit organizations to place and train service members in high-impact roles throughout the Los Angeles community to address homelessness, education equity, food insecurity, public health, economic opportunity, and climate action.
Meet the 2025-2026 United States Leaders
More about the Leaders Program
Leaders
For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.
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- The Center
- Building the Center
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Defending Democracy
- Leaders
- Watch
- Barack Obama
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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