Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (la Republica!), Leyri Garcia has been working with cross-cultural programs and engaging in community service since he was a teenager. He has been involved with VISIONS since 2010, when he was a member of the Leos (the junior club for Lion’s Club) and has worked with a range of service-oriented organizations as a leader, project coordinator and community organizer.
Leyri is a passionate photographer who loves to capture the world around him. He is also outgoing, has a great sense of humor, and enjoys learning how to work with new people. He believes strongly in personal development and leadership, and is continually learning and adding to his own knowledge and experience, and feels that through honest and open communication, people from different cultures can learn from one another and deepen their friendships and understanding. He has been a terrific role model and cultural liaison for our participants.
In addition to working as the Assistant Director on our Dominican Republic teen volunteer programs, Leyri joined the VISIONS year-round team in 2022. He works as a Program Coordinator, helping to ensure the high quality of participant experiences, assisting with the leader hiring process, building our alumni network and coordinating the DR program as well as aspects of other VISIONS sites.
Leyri studied English at Dominico-Americano school in Santo Domingo and has visited the US many times. He is WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certified and loves going out for bicycle rides and runs early in the morning.
Recent Blog Posts
BugOut’s Buzzworthy VISIONS Volunteers: Fighting Mosquitoes in the BVI
Throughout VISIONS British Virgin Islands’ program, dedicated teens have the opportunity to engage in a variety of meaningful projects aimed at making a positive impact. One such project is BugOut, an internship-type experience that focuses on mosquito research and control.
Paws-itive Impact: VISIONS Teens Volunteer on Animal Initiatives
VISIONS partners with PAW BVI (Promoting Animal Welfare) and ARC Virgin Gorda (Animal Rescue Corps), two organizations dedicated to the wellbeing and care of animals. Teen volunteers have the opportunity to help with animal-centered service while on a summer program in the BVI.
Spotlight: Antonia Lloyd-Davies, VISIONS Alum
Antonia, a VISIONS alum and returned Peace Corps Volunteer is now a software engineer in Seattle, WA and plays the fiddle in a bluegrass band. Read more about how her time with VISIONS has influenced her life.
How Can I Help My Community as a Student?
It might seem hard to effect change on your community as a student. But you CAN have a major impact—and in many ways, as a young person and student you’re better positioned to help than many others. Here’s how!