VOC likes to regularly highlight our many amazing volunteer leaders so that we can share with their backstory and all the inspiring work they do to care for Colorado's outdoors. Here, we'd like to put Ccrew Leader, Karen Phillips, in the spotlight!

Karen first heard about VOC during her two years as a member of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program, where she served on multiple projects doing environmental stewardship and trail work. After completing AmeriCorps NCCC and moving to Colorado, she volunteered on her first VOC trail project in the summer of 2013. 

"AmeriCorps NCCC introduced me to the importance of environmental stewardship, and volunteering with VOC each summer since has helped me continue to build my passion for protecting Colorado's wonderful natural resources," said Karen. 

In 2015, after volunteering with VOC for two years, Karen decided that she wanted to challenge herself and take on more of a leadership role. She signed up for the Crew Leader training and became a Crew Leader at the end of last summer!

Karen is a full time staff member with AmeriCorps NCCC. She loves biking around Denver, hiking, camping, and exploring all of the beauty and adventure that Colorado has to offer.