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From Volunteer to Leader: Armel's Full-Circle Journey with RockCorps

Armel’s journey is one of determination and resilience. Growing up in a challenging environment, she defied expectations to earn a master’s degree and now serves as the regional director for a charity that supports young talent from underprivileged backgrounds. 


Her first encounter with RockCorps at 17 left a lasting impact, sparking her passion for community work. Today, she continues to give back, leveraging her experiences to inspire and uplift others, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action and volunteering.


Tell us a bit about your background 


I was like the young people I work with now. My parents are from the Congo – they did what they could and what they had to do for me and my siblings, but it wasn’t easy. It was hard work.


I didn’t have anyone to help me – I was told by my careers advisor that all I could aspire to was to be a secretary. Don’t get me wrong, being a secretary is a good job – but I had big ambitions – I was going to prove them wrong.


I went on to get a master’s in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Social and Solidarity Economy, and am now Regional Director for a Charity Organisation. My sister went into a similar line of work and is now a director in the world of CSR in the Congo.

 

How did you first connect with RockCorps back in 2009? How would you describe the impact of your first experience with RockCorps? 


I was 17 and I saw a commercial on the TV channel M6. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the concept of exchanging voluntary work for a concert intrigued me. It seemed like such a unique way of encouraging people to give back. I went with my younger sister and it turned out to be really, really good!


I didn’t care too much about the social aspect at the time – I was 17! But I definitely wanted to go to the concert. The headline artist was Pharrell and N*E*R*D, but I was obsessed with the supporting act Sexion d’Assaut. They were one of the most successful groups in France at the time. I’m still a big fan of Black M and Gims who have both gone on to have massive solo careers.


The volunteer project work was at a local community centre. We did some painting and gardening, helping to revamp both the indoor and outdoor space. After the project, we received the ticket. It was my first ever concert! It took place at the Zenith, Paris and the whole experience left an incredible impression on me - it was both fulfilling and fun at the same time.

 



Tell us a bit about what you do now with the charity you work for, NQT


NQT or  "Nos Quartiers ont du Talent" translates to "Our Neighborhoods Have Talent". We

focus on supporting young talent with career advice and mentorship – particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. We guide them on their career path working towards equality in employment.


I’ve been with NQT for 7 years – I’ve moved from administrator to event coordinator, project manager and my current role is as regional director with a team of 18. I know why I get up every day. I’m tired, but I do what I do because I care and want to make a difference. I love what I do.


Ultimately, my own background of coming from a challenging social situation has fuelled my passion for the work I do at NQT. I am driven to create opportunities for young people who may not have the advantages I also lacked when growing up. I see RockCorps as an inspiring model that aligns with my values of collective action and community service.

 

How did you and NQT get involved with RockCorps this time and why did you want to get involved?


My sister and I reached out to Stephen Greene CBE, CEO and Co-Founder of RockCorps a few years back on LinkedIn. After our experience with RockCorps as teenagers we always wanted to re-connect and came up with some ideas of what we could do together. There wasn’t anything at the time, but Stephen connected with us again when he knew the partnership with hotel chain ibis was going ahead in France.


When Stephen reached out this time round, it was perfect timing, we had always wanted to collaborate. I saw such natural alignment between the missions of NQT and RockCorps, I have always believed in the power of collective action, particularly when young people come together in support for their community. For me, this was originally sparked by my first experience with RockCorps, so I was thrilled to get involved again, this time as a charity. 

With ibis RockCorps this year, we had a group of volunteers that came in and renovated our premises. They gave our space a new lease of life.


Our young people got involved alongside the other volunteers, staff from ibis even came along which made it particularly impactful for our young people who used it as an opportunity to network and connect with them on the day.


We were also fortunate enough to have French music artist, Ronisia, join the project on the day. She joined in alongside the other volunteers with the painting and renovation work – my staff team were overwhelmed with excitement and still don’t stop talking about it! As well as the benefits of renovating the space for our young people, it was also a great team building experience. It was uplifting for everyone involved!




When young people come together to give back, it doesn’t only help their communities but also themselves. It is an opportunity to network, connect with others, develop skills and grow in confidence.

 

What were some of your highlights this time?


There were so many highlights! The concert was incredible, there was so much excitement for the whole thing across volunteers, my team and myself! I knew of Ronisia because of my younger brothers, but the headliner, american rapper Macklemore, blew my mind!

I think something that makes the energy at every RockCorps so special is the fact that everyone has volunteered to be there. We know why we’re here; we know why we did what we did, and we know we want to do more.




What are your reflections after being involved with RockCorps both as a volunteer and the leader of a charity?


My passion for community work was always there, but RockCorps gave me my first real glimpse into the inner workings of the non-profit world. Before, I was focused on doing my part, unaware of the powerful structures in place that mobilize people and drive real change. It was eye-opening. That’s when my commitment to making a difference through the non-profit sector truly began.


Looking back on my journey with RockCorps, I’m amazed at how things have come full circle. As a volunteer, I learned the value of giving back. Now, as a leader, I see the far-reaching impact RockCorps has—not just on individuals, but on entire communities, both locally and globally. It’s more than just the immediate effects of volunteering; it’s about fostering a culture of giving that inspires lasting change.


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