Welcome, Peter Arvanitakis! He joins KC Digital Drive as an American Connection Corps (ACC) AmeriCorps member, serving in the 2025-2026 service year, thanks, in part, to the generous support from Health Forward Foundation.
Peter will serve as a Digital Navigator, working on the Digital Life Exchange efforts with partners to provide digital navigation services to their clients to develop digital skills, providing on-site support at the LAMP Campus, and amplifying the digital inclusion and tech innovation ecosystems in Kansas City. With his previous experience obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at the University of Missouri Kansas City, we know he will be a valuable addition to our team.
Q: What are some of your values and how do you plan on using them in the next year?
My values are in getting to know and understand people and to uplift others. I plan on tying this value toward my service year by understanding the needs of the community I serve, understanding that each need from different parts of the community may differ, and that’s ok. By understanding from a nonjudgemental space and with curiosity to learn, I’m confident that I can leverage shared collective experiences to help all people with different views, upbringings, & perspectives flourish with the digital inclusion program with KC Digital Drive.
Q: Why is now the time for you to go into public service?
I’m a recent college graduate and experience working for the public service would be a great time to earn money to make a living, understand and learn about the nonprofit space and get more connected with my community.
Q: What are some of your personal goals in the next year and what drives you to accomplish them?
My personal goals for the next year center around deepening my understanding of the community I grew up in and now serve. As an American Connection Corps (ACC) member during this service term, I’m focused on learning how to effectively track my impact. For instance, training digital ambassadors who will be placed at nonprofits, helping them expand their outreach and positively impact more people in need.
What drives me to accomplish these goals is the incredible network of support, educators and volunteers that make Kansas City so special. From my elementary school days through my senior year at UMKC, I’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely care about this community. Their dedication inspires me to maintain and build upon the connections I’m making, and to challenge myself to think critically about how I can contribute in a meaningful way. It’s about honoring the support I’ve received by paying it forward and ensuring others have access to the resources and opportunities that helped shape my journey.