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The Center for Community & Economic Development (CCED) at Michigan State University (MSU) is pleased to welcome new AmeriCorps*VISTA member, Geoffrey Gracia, who began his term of service at the end of July 2025. Geoff–originally from San Luis Obispo County in California–is a recent graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY, where he majored in New Media Interactive Development with a minor in Sustainable Product Development. He completed his course work in the Interactive Games and Media department at the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, with a focus on user experience and coding interactive experiences.
In addition to computing and product development, Geoff was heavily involved in his alma mater’s sustainability clubs, organizations, and efforts. He served four years as Vice President of the RIT Beekeeping Club; four years as a project leader for the RIT chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW); three years as a member of the Student Government Sustainability Committee; two years as the Secretary for the Soil and Plants club; and was an employee of the Office of Sustainability’s first Zero Waste Team. With a strong sense of humor, Geoff also performed in the RIT “Fowl Play” improv comedy troupe for four years.
Regarding his motivation to serve as an AmeriCorps*Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) member, Geoff shared a family story: In August 2023, what was supposed to be a short stint visiting his mother in Lahaina, Maui, (the day before the fires erupted and razed Lahaina Town) transitioned into one of the most pivotal moments and experiences of his life. As the embers smoldered and people looked to rebuild, he joined many community volunteers to support the surrounding island and neighbors at Honokowai Beach Park. This has motivated him personally, academically, and professionally.
His service as a Circular Economy AmeriCorps member will focus on helping plan and develop a Circular Economic Institute at MSU including helping to design circular programs and grow Michigan’s and MSU’s circular economy network. In service, Geoff will help identify funding opportunities available in greater Lansing and the state that support “cradle-to-cradle” (take-make-waste alternatives) circular economic business models, supply chains, and material or equipment sourcing for regeneration. He will gather contact details and reach out to institutions with circular economy research centers or certifications to help grow a national communication network, and understand differences state-to-state. Furthermore, he will reach out to small and medium business owners, survey their thoughts on circularity, and support dialogue to ascertain how support from the CCED and its network might help their transition. He will also foster positive and communicative relationships between Michigan communities, general circular practice, and the MSU CCED.
Geoff is enthralled by the possibility of being able to see positive and community collaboration in Michigan over the next year. He is also looking forward to using his position as a learning experience in terms of understanding industry environmental engineering, product innovation, sustainable business management, and the policy knowledge to be compliant with state and federal conditions and regulations. He’s excited to explore all avenues that might open up to him after his year of service with AmeriCorps – whether they include furthering his education, completing another year of service in AmeriCorps, entrepreneurship, or just continuing his professional career.
Welcome, Geoff!
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