Volunteer Profiles

"I found that many of the values instilled in me as a Latina served me well in South Africa, where there is a similar unwavering respect for elders and people are also regarded as more important than material things. Without a doubt, the sensitivities I inherited as the daughter of immigrants made my Peace Corps experience that much more meaningful."

Nina Denise Hernandez Peace Corps Volunteer South Africa 1997-1999

You've heard from us, now hear about Peace Corps from the people who really know what it's like—our Volunteers.

Following are personal accounts from just a few of the many people of color who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

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  Lorna Babby

  American Indian

  Environment

  Romania, 2005 –

  "Be prepared for people back home to ask you why you are volunteering overseas when so much work remains to be done on reservations. The answer, at least for me, is that the experience, knowledge, confidence, and perspective I am gaining as a Peace Corps Volunteer will make me a stronger Indian advocate when I return home."

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  Lanette Woo

  Chinese American

  Community Forestry Volunteer

  Thailand, 1995 – 1997

  "Although I didn't choose that region to be among other Asians, I'm glad it turned out that way. It helped me to be much more confident."

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  Azikiwe Chandler

  African American

  Urban Youth Development Volunteer

  Nicaragua, 1998 – 2000

  "The high school director is thrilled to have me working here. She appreciates Peace Corps Volunteers of any kind who come and help, but she realizes how beneficial it is for black children to have black role models. I've made a difference in their lives, and I'm really proud of that."

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  Behzad Roohi

  Iranian American

  Water and Sanitation Volunteer

  Ghana, 1998 – 2000

  "I have been able to apply my life experiences as an immigrant to my work. My own family members had to go through challenges similar to people in rural areas here I use these stories—the issues we faced and overcame—about my family and me as an example."

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  Tina Singleton

  African American

  Rural Community Development Volunteer

  Central African Republic and Benin, 1992 – 1996

  "Living in CAR and Benin really changed how I felt about myself as a black woman, and American woman. Having grown up in predominantly white neighborhoods and attended predominantly white schools, living in Africa was the first time I lived anywhere where everyone looked like me. It was amazing."

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  Vivian Colon

  Puerto Rican American

  TEFL Volunteer

  Turkmenistan, 1999 – 2000

  "In my opinion, many Hispanics think: 'Why should we go across the world to help some other people we don't even know about when people need help within our own community?' I say go out and experience the world. Then come back and do what you want in your own community."

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  Mike Tubianosa

  Filipino American

  Education Volunteer

  Ghana, 1997 – 2000

  "If it had been left up to my family, I probably never would have come to Ghana. My parents are immigrants from the Philippines, so when I told my mom about the Peace Corps, she said: 'We worked hard to get to the US, and now you're trying to go to Africa?'"

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  Peter Arellanes

  Mexican American

  Agricultural Economics Volunteer

  Honduras, 1987 – 1989

  "A lot of people won't consider joining the Peace Corps because they don't want to sacrifice two years of income, but I never had to take an entry-level job when I got back. Professionally, it can do nothing but help you."

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Last updated Oct 06 2008