This week, we are excited to welcome Bea Dowdy, VHA’s new Communications & Outreach Specialist VISTA for the 2026-2027 service year!
Originally from the Greater Richmond Region, Bea earned an Associate’s of Behavioral Sciences from Richard Bland College and a Bachelor’s of Sociology from James Madison University. Bea brings a background in research and data analysis, community organizing experience, and a passion for outreach to the VHA team.
Bea recently shared her responses to a couple of “get to know you” questions – and we are looking forward to getting to know her and having her on the team this year!
Q: What drew you to the idea of pursuing a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA?
A: I have known since high school that I wanted to be involved in community outreach. Through my college experiences, I had a lot of knowledge (and some experience) regarding data analysis and community organizing, but I didn’t have any professional experience in working for/with non-profits. AmeriCorps VISTA seemed like a great opportunity for me to gain that professional experience, in a way that would benefit both myself and my community.
Q: What are you most excited about / looking forward to / hoping to accomplish through your VISTA service?
A: I am really looking forward to building connections in the Richmond community, both personally and professionally. Through my VISTA service, I hope to use outreach and engagement strategies to strengthen [VHA’s] expansion of housing services.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of media that you’d like to share? What makes it special to you?
A: I’ve always been really fond of the show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Even though it was originally intended for a young audience, I think the show does a great job of addressing real-life issues. I’m also a huge fan of the animation style and musical score.
I’m particularly fond of the art nouveau style of painting. I like the way it leans into nature and fluid movements.
Q: Do you have any random “fun facts” or “hidden talents” you’d like to share?
A: I am very much a research nerd! Pick just about any topic at random, and I could spend hours digging into its history and the impact it has had on society.
I enjoy crafting of all mediums. Right now, I’m really into cross stitching, and would love to use that to upcycle my wardrobe.