Meet Circles USA's Communications Contractors
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For 25+ years, Circles USA’s mission has been building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge. Circles participants at every level—from Board to full-time staff, volunteers, and partners—bring critical lived experiences of poverty and championing the people seeking to leave it behind for good.
Circles USA’s national team is a unique hybrid of full-time staff and contractors who produce mighty work—often within limited means, and wearing a variety of hats as needed. We are grateful to collaborate with, learn from, and celebrate the many independent specialists who stick around long term and become part of our Circles family. In this Q&A, meet four contractors who supercharge our communications behind-the-scenes!
Please share who you are, where you’re based, and what you do with Circles USA!
Jenny: Jenny Lipfert; Cornish, New Hampshire, and New York City. I assist with the design of communications materials, reports, and presentations.
Alexis: My name is Alexis Eagle, and I’m based in Rogers, Arkansas. I work as Courtney’s assistant, supporting her role as Circles USA’s Information Systems and Design Manager. My work includes helping with website-related projects; creating logos and brochures; updating manuals, guides, and curriculum materials; reviewing Ally, staff, and volunteer feedback from progress reports; and assisting with a variety of other projects as needed.
Natalie: Hi, I’m Natalie! I currently live on unceded Massachussett and Pawtucket land, also known as Boston, MA. I’m an independent filmmaker and the Marketing & Communications Consultant with Circles USA. I work with our lovely Comms team to tell the stories of Circles via our social media content, blogs, videos, podcast, email newsletters, and more!
Amy: My name is Amy Brooks. I live on the unceded Dakota and Anishinaabe tribal lands called Minneapolis, MN, and I do all kinds of writing, editing, and advising work for Circles USA. Lately I’ve begun to think of myself as a Language and Leadership Consultant: I love to use my background in literary management, nonprofit communications, and creativity coaching to help staff find words that reflect their distinct leadership styles and values.
When did you begin working with Circles and what brought you here?
Jenny: I was introduced to Scott Miller through a friend/client in 2019.
Alexis: I began working with Circles USA in the summer of 2023. I was excited about the opportunity to support an organization with such an important mission while also gaining experience and expanding my skills in information technology and design. It felt like a great way to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful work.
Natalie: My first introduction to Circles was through our wonderful board member, Jennifer Pelling, who is a dear friend and collaborator of mine. In 2022, Jennifer invited me to work on a suite of videos for Circles USA! Our team visited four Circles chapters, as well Albuquerque, NM (where I met some of the Circles USA team, including CUSA Founder Scott Miller and Executive Director Kamatara!) to capture these stories. It was such a special introduction to Circles, as I got to witness the powerful work happening at the national and local levels and experience first-hand the unmatched hospitality and warmth that is so emblematic of this organization.
The following year, I offered to help out with CUSA’s social media and have continued to grow my role serving the national office over the years!
Amy: Former ED Jamie Haft invited me to join the Circles contractor team in 2021—this summer marks my 5-year anniversary! Jamie and I had collaborated on several nonprofit projects in the past, so we knew we had a good work rapport. When Kamatara stepped from her CLO role into the big chair a few years ago, it was a joy to reflect and plan alongside her as she established her own voice and vision for Circles USA’s future.
Our team is unique in that we have several contractors who have stayed with us long term and become part of the family. What do you appreciate most about working with the CUSA team and contributing to our mission of Building Community to End Poverty?
Jenny: Over the years I have witnessed many organizational changes at Circles, but this team's commitment to the Circles mission and to each other is unwavering. Their combined talents, courage, and perseverance truly transforms lives, and it is an honor and a joy to help spread the word.
Alexis: What I appreciate most about working with the CUSA team is how supportive, compassionate, and patient everyone is. The feedback I receive is always constructive and has helped me continue building my skills and confidence. I also appreciate how valued and appreciated I feel as part of the team. It truly feels like being part of the CUSA family. Contributing to Circles’ mission of Building Community to End Poverty is especially meaningful because I know that the work I do, even behind the scenes, helps support efforts that make a positive difference in communities. It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that is helping people build stronger futures.
Natalie: I think the way Circles embodies its values at every level is really special. Every team member is truly committed to one another and shows up with an abundance of generosity, authenticity, curiosity and understanding. It’s a really special thing to be part of! I treasure the relationships I’ve formed and the experiences I’ve had through Circles, and they’ve been a big part of my own journey of moving from surviving to thriving.
Amy: I was born and raised in West Virginia, per capita one of the poorest, sickest states in the U.S. Like everyone who comes from places with extractive economies, I’ve always known that central Appalachia’s wealth is far greater than our financial bottom line. Vibrant social and cultural capital, knowledge of our unique contributions to U.S. history, pride in our work and our heritage—these are treasures that every West Virginian carries as our birthright. And if this is true of the place I come from, it must be true of poor and working class Americans everywhere.
Circles USA understands this truth about community. Every staffer, every volunteer, every family member and champion knows that deeply rooted relationships to beloved places and people are our biggest asset. That’s why, for more than 25 years, chapters nationwide have flourished under the leadership and cultural expertise of ordinary people like us: folks lifting ourselves and our families out of poverty using the Circles model.
I’ve learned a lot about CUSA in the past five years. And the more local leaders I’ve met through interviewing, documenting, and learning from Circle Leaders, Allies, and participants everywhere, the prouder I feel to work alongside them. It’s an incredible network of servant-leaders collaborating to end poverty in our lifetime. If what we call the “American Dream” is possible in 2026, I know in my heart that Circles people are the ones who will achieve it…more, that they’re the ones tearing down the hurdles for everyone striving for that dream.
Building Community to End Poverty for 25+ Years
