As program assistant for service strategy, Cody O’Neill works closely with our AmeriCorps members to ensure their journey is smooth from start to finish. Cody also handles administrative details of the AdviseMI and College Completion Corps programs, working to ensure records are accessible, up-to-date, and demonstrating progress toward MCAN’s mission.

Cody received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing their efforts on the skills needed to be a successful producer in animation. Their formal education, including three and a half years working for SCAD Office of Residence Life and Housing, showed them how to think creatively while solving administrative tasks. Higher education gave them the opportunity to explore a variety of careers that spoke to all of their strengths, and it taught them the importance of forming community and nurturing relationships.

Before coming to MCAN, Cody worked as an associate producer in Los Angeles, utilizing the skills learned in school to produce animated advertisements, keynote presentations, and marketing campaigns. After working with local and national volunteer organizations, they decided to shift their career to work with nonprofits that are dedicated to uplifting communities and providing a better future for all. They also did grassroots organizing work with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, starting and leading the California-wide lobbying team and leading the group’s San Fernando Valley Chapter.

Outside of work, Cody enjoys making art of all kinds, building furniture, spending time with their cats, and looking for opportunities to work with local organizations to increase access to clean energy, higher education, and affordable housing. They also love exploring nature, and if you ever find a cool rock or a really big pinecone, they would love to see it!