Learn About Us

Closing the experience gap. Expanding the scope of possibility.

We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn about and access stable and rewarding employment, and we're working to make that a reality.

Mission

Atlantic Impact is a leader in workforce development and globally immersive travel for students. We design experiences that span neighborhood boundaries, deepen students’ networks, and spark educational curiosity. We believe that experiential learning is a transformative means of igniting a student’s academic, economic, and professional mobility.

Team

Anise Hayes
Executive Director
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Anise Hayes
Executive Director

Anise Hayes is the co-founder and Executive Director of Atlantic Impact. She launched Atlantic Impact in 2012 after several years of working in global affairs and youth development. Her experiences range from working with the World Affairs Council of Washington D.C. to serving as Research Analyst with the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health. Anise later moved to Yerevan, Armenia and worked with Counterpart International. Upon returning to the U.S., Anise moved back home to Metro Detroit, and started the organization. Anise graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in Japanese and Political Science.

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Matthew Clayton
Program Director
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Matthew Clayton
Program Director

Matt has been a part of the Atlantic Impact staff since 2015. As Program Director, he is responsible for ensuing that the organization's experiential programs have the resources and tools available to provide students with exemplary experiences and career opportunities. Matt is interested in how organizations create college and career pipelines, and how those pipelines eliminate barriers that students face in applying for college and jobs. Matt graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Sociology and Afro-American Studies. Matt also studied Urban Planning at Wayne State University.

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Erica Hicks
Community Engagement Associate
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Erica Hicks
Community Engagement Associate

Erica joined the Atlantic Impact organization in August of 2022. As Community Engagement Associate, her role is to help create the conditions necessary to truly make a difference. She will also assist Atlantic Impact in its mission of using workforce development and college access to boost academic, economic, and professional mobility for students. Erica will also be responsible for connecting the workforce development and training attendees to current job opportunities. She will also assist with day-to-day operations at the training center. Erica graduated from Siena Heights University with a Bachelor's of Arts with an emphasis in Human Resources Management. 

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