Online Polls Open!

President

• Brendan Moroso

  My fellow RPCVs of Washington DC. It has been 555 days since I closed my service in Morocco and began the next phase of life. Back then I knew nothing about RPCVW and certainly I never imagined I would gain so much from all that it has to offer, or put my name forward to be its president. I have been so impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication of the board and want to take this chance to say "Thank You" for putting together something great and passing the torch to the next generation.
  
  I currently work for the State Department where, amongst other things, I sit on the executive committee for RPCVs at State. In this capacity I've gained experience at the head of the over five hundred RPCVs all around the world. I have worked closely with Peace Corps, RPCVW and other RPCV groups to organize events for for my fellow RPCVs to keep our community strong, active and having fun! And I hope to keep this up as President of RPCV/W. Thank you for your vote!
• Mariko Schmitz
  I am a DC local with strong ties to the DC-based international policy scene. Since returning in 2004 from Vanuatu, where I was an Environment and TEFL volunteer, I've worked at the nexus of development, energy, and business. Currently, I work in clean energy policy at a law firm downtown.
  
  In 2012, I served on the RPCV/W Board as Director of Social Activities, in which I coordinated Happy Hours, Wine Tours, special events such as Storytelling at Cause, the Federal RPCV happy hour, professional development, and discounts to world music events. In this position, I have built partnerships with Artisphere, Atlas Theater, Cause, Devex, Federal RPCV groups, Speakeasy DC, and others. I am running for President, to serve on the 2013-2014 Board of Directors.
  
  We can bring Peace Corps experience home by engaging closely with host country groups. I propose that RPCV/W pilot a year-long embassy outreach program involving embassies of host countries that showcases cultural and political topics. Embassy events could be anything from fireside chats with embassy ministers to art exhibits and social events. This program, I believe, will not only bring us closer to our in-country experiences, but also build bridges to our host countries, engage “friends of” groups and a diverse mix of RPCV/W members.
  
  As President, I will also continue to strengthen RPCV/W's relationship with the NPCA and coordinate with Peace Corps HQ's Office of the Third Goal. Together we can define our roles to complement each other and serve our members' needs.
  
  Over the years, RPCV/W has organized some great events and activities including the 50th anniversary, Town Halls and others. If elected, these programs will, of course, continue. The past board has been strong and will be a tough act to follow. I will build upon its leadership by using a listen-first approach and continue to grow our organization by welcoming the deep and diverse talents of the RPCV/W membership. In conclusion, I humbly ask for your vote as President of RPCV/W.

Vice President

• Manuela McDonough

  Some of you may know me. I served as the Special Events Director responsible for planning and successfully hosting RPCV/W’s three major eventsundefinedthe Holiday Party, the Wreath-laying, and the Summer BBQ. I found the job challenging and rewarding and am back for more! As a dedicated member to this organization, I hope to continue my commitment next year as RPCV/W Vice President.
  
  While I was an environmental health Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama, I learned about the importance of access to quality healthcare. Upon returning to the States, and while getting a Master’s in Public Health, I decided I wanted to fight for the rights of Latinos and their health, who in our own country are suffering at great lengths. For the last five years I have worked for the National Council of La Raza, the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. In my role overseeing the health program component, I am responsible for managing the strategic direction of our public health work to ensure the most impact and best outcomes possible.
  
  As Veep, I will transfer these valuable skills I’ve acquired at my job to ensure that RPCV/W is strategically and effectively implementing its goals and objectives to achieve its mission. I vow to effectively run board meetings and fill in as Board leader in the absence of the President. I will guarantee RPCV/W’s annual paperwork is filed in a timely manner with the IRS and NPCA. Additionally, I will select the best local organization as RPCV/W’s Partnership for Peace by ensuring that their mission aligns with ours, that we can provide them with as many resourcesundefinedboth human and financiallyundefinedas possible, and that we strengthen our devotion to the third goal of the Peace Corps. Please vote for me!!

Treasurer

• Bianca Flokstra

  Bianca Flokstra, after completing her BA in Business Management and Marketing, headed to Burkina Faso for her Peace Corps service as a Small Enterprise Development volunteer from 2006-2008. During that time she partnered with a local NGO working with women's savings and credit associations, small businesses and income generating activities. After her service, Bianca received her MA in International Economic Development, worked for two years in DC where she became familiar with RPCV/W and then headed back to West Africa in Niger where, most recently, she managed a $2.5 million USAID food security program. Now she's back in DC with a new position as Program Management Officer for Food Security and Livelihood programs in West Africa with World Vision. She is running for the RPCV/W board position of Treasurer and has extensive experience creating and managing large budgets and has held treasurer positions for other organizations before. Bianca is extremely organized, detail-oriented and trust-worthy. She is excited about the possibility of joining the RPCV/W leadership team and contributing her experience along with her passion for RPCVs, the RPCV community in DC, and the positive work RPCV/W does with community service and local non-profits as the treasurer of RPCV/W.
• Jason Smith
  Jason Smith has been involved with RPCV/W since moving to DC in 2010, and has served for two years as a board member. Jason was the co-chair of the committee which planned the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary event at Arlington Cemetery which hosted 5000 RPCVs and featured several guest speakers and performers. As a board member, Jason planned many community service events in partnership with local NGOs.Jason Also headed efforts to collect items for the annual silent auction which raised over $4000 for Language ETC, our current Partner for Peace.
  
  As a native Seattlite, Jason usually spends his vacations on the shores of the pacific harvesting geoducks or in the foothills of the cascades wrestling the occasional sasquatch. While in DC Jason has been attending American University full-time as a dual MBA/MA International Development student, where he will be graduating in December. During the course of his studies, Jason has become very interested in social value creation as a mechanism for development and will pursue a career in social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and will probably do a bit of management consulting as well. Currently Jason works in strategy management for a federal agency.
  
  As one of many RPCV/W members who live in East Capitol Hill, Jason can be found in Eastern Market on the weekends looking for finds at the flea market or having lunch at the Tortilla Cafe. During the week Jason is involved in a local softball league. Jason has the passion and the experience for the position of RPCV/W treasurer and he asks for your vote!

Secretary

• Kelsi Ward

  Kelsi Ward served in Poroto, Peru from 2010-2012 as a Youth Development Volunteer, where she worked in health promotion and educational advancement. Kelsi spent her time working with the local health post, schools, and municipality to implement community based projects including maternal health classes, youth entrepreneurship classes, hydroponic gardening and environmental education programs, youth health promoter trainings, parent education workshops, and more. During her two years in the “land of eternal spring,” Kelsi also ate exorbitant amounts of freshly grown pineapple as she built lasting relationships with her host family and local community. While in Peace Corps, Kelsi took active leadership as the president of the Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) as well as serving on other committees to promote volunteer productivity and satisfaction.
  
  Kelsi received her BA from College of Charleston in South Carolina, and now enjoys being an active member of the Washington, D.C. community. Kelsi currently works at the Department of State in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, where she supports Cultural Exchange and Public Diplomacy programs. Kelsi is involved with the RPCVs at State group, which includes a broad network of professionals in the D.C. area. Kelsi has also worked in the non-profit and education sector, and has extensive experience leveraging resources and connecting diverse community stakeholders. In addition to her work, Kelsi enjoys maintaining an active presence in her community and would love to help connect fellow RPCVs with opportunities for expanding their own professional network through volunteering, professional development, and outreach. As secretary, Kelsi would ensure consistent and quality communication between members of RPCV/W as well as newly returned volunteers. Maintaining an open line of communication is vital for the success of an organization, and Kelsi will remain committed to ensuring members' are represented in the organization and relevant news is effectively dispersed.
• Rhiannon Elms
  Rhiannon was born and raised in West Virginia and obtained a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from West Virginia University. She has worked in international education, promoting study abroad programs to university students in the U.S., as well as forming and enhancing relationships with university faculty and staff.
  
  She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda where she worked to promote community health at the city and village level. During her service she developed and delivered various disease prevention training's, as well as pre and post natal advice groups to educate mothers on various health issues including nutrition and proper sanitation. She mentored a group of young refugees and vulnerable children through the Right to Play organization, which uses sports and play to provide child development, HIV and AIDS prevention, gender equality and child protection rights in post conflict environments. In addition, Rhiannon worked to develop various clinical protocols and implemented a village “Post Test Club” and home based care program to support HIV positive members of the community.
  
  After returning from Uganda Rhiannon attended Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, focusing on human rights and conflict resolution. She then went on to work at a scientific association to enhance and promote their international activities, including the creation of training courses to promote cultural awareness and globalize communications.
  
  Rhiannon is currently a program assistant at the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, where she works to provide research and educational opportunities in the food and agriculture sciences to 32 land-grant Tribal colleges and universities.
  
  I am interested in being on the RPCV/W board for many reasons. Firstly, I believe it is a wonderful opportunity to represent the many returned volunteers who now call D.C. home, and I would work to increase both visibility and membership as well as ensuring the group remains a wonderful resource to volunteers, and the community at large. Secondly, and for more personal reasons, I am interested in joining the board in order to increase my participation in the group while gaining many valuable skills. I have extensive writing and editing skills and believe I would be a good fit for the position.

Outreach Director

• Louis An

  My name's Louis and I would like to run for the Outreach Director position with RPCV/W. I served in Benin from 2009-2011 as a community health volunteer. I assisted with infant and childhood vaccinations, pre and post natal consultations, delivering and weighing newborns,and educating students and villagers about malaria, HIV/AIDS, and malnutrition. My secondary projects included painting world maps, health murals, and participating in Camp GLOW (including organizing and running the camp my second year). After Benin, I spent another six months in South Africa with Peace Corps Response collaborating with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) on their Strengthening Pharmaceutical Systems (SPS) project. In addition to helping with the daily activities of the pharmacy, I helped implement and roll out a new inventory management and dispensing software, RxSolution, at the hospital where I worked.
  
  I am currently living in Arlington and am employed with MSH providing technical support on their follow up project to SPS called SIAPS (Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceutical Services). Before coming to MSH (and after my six month tour in South Africa), I completed my Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While there, I also formed the Johns Hopkins University Peace Corps Group (JHUPCG). Hopkins attracts a large number of RPCVs, and my goal was to unite all of them (or as many as possible) across all the Hopkins schools (education, nursing, public health, medicine, international studies, etc). Since it was the first year that this group was formed, there were a few rough patches, but I'm confident that membership will continue to grow as word spreads. Thus, I am interested in the Outreach Director position as I definitely have some experience in the area of recruiting and connecting members. If you'd like more details about the JHUPCG and some of the events we held, I can certainly give you more information.
• Courtney Dunham
  Courtney Dunham served as a Protected Areas Management Volunteer in La Campa, Lempira, Honduras from 2007-2009. Her projects included constructing ecological stoves with a women’s group, teaching health and environmental education, and facilitating income generation and eco-tourism opportunities with traditional Lencan pottery makers. After Peace Corps, Courtney worked at USAID/Honduras in Tegucigalpa from 2009-2010. Courtney is currently the Outreach Coordinator for the non-profit, Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices, where she promotes the work of the Alliance by engaging stakeholders and building relationships with U.S. and international partners. She also leads initiatives to meet the divergent demands of the Alliance’s multi-stakeholder Board. Courtney is pursuing an MPH at the George Washington University.
  
  The first RPCV/W event I participated in was the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary parade in September 2011. I had only been in DC a couple of weeks but I remember immediately feeling like a part of the community. Being a part of RPCV/W has been one of the highlights of living in DC and I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the further growth of the organization. One of my main goals as Outreach Director is to broaden member engagement. RPCV/W has a very diverse membership and I am committed to connecting with our members and identifying opportunities to expand and diversify RPCV/W’s programs to best meet the needs of our wide-ranging community. I hope to take advantage of our location in the nation’s capital to collaborate with other Board members, Peace Corps Headquarters, the NPCA, and other local organizations to foster RPCV/W’s national presence. I also will use my previous outreach and communication skills to help build the RPCV/W membership. Thank you for considering me as the Outreach Director. It would be an honor to serve and I look forward to fulfilling this role and continuing to achieve the third goal of Peace Corps.

Development Director

• Brandon Bragato

  I’m not sure whether it was National Geographic or Indiana Jones, but ever since I was little I wanted to join the Peace Corps. After getting my undergraduate degree in San Francisco and my graduate degree in Belgium - both in International Relations – I went to Niger from 2005-2007 to serve as a Natural Resource Management volunteer. While in Niger, I worked closely with local teachers to develop an environmental education curriculum, leading the development of a school garden project and two environmental camps in coordination with other volunteers from the region. I also had the good fortune to spend part of my second of year of service at Parc W, the country’s only national park, where I assisted with environmental monitoring, tutoring guides in English, and developing a visitation program sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
  
  I’ve been in DC for the last four years and working on the Hill for the past three, where I work primarily on public lands conservation and stewardship. This is a passion the Peace Corps helped to nurture. Between Peace Corps and working in Congress, I’ve assisted non-profits develop mission statements, build up membership, and fundraise. The opportunity to help RPCVW raise money and grow is exciting, and I can’t wait to get started as Development Director.

Professional Development Director

• Joshua Johnson

  I served as an Agroforestry volunteer in rural Gambia from 2009-2011 where I worked with farmers and youth groups on tree-planting initiatives and agricultural innovations. My main project involved the promotion of the moringa plant as a nutritional supplement for undernourished children. During my second year of service I was selected as the PCVL for the environment sector and helped to organize and implement the Pre- and Inter-Service Trainings.
  
  I’m an Oregon native and have two Master’s degrees: the first in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Central Michigan University and the second through the Master’s International program in Anthropology from Washington State University. I moved to DC in January 2013 and live in the Bloomingdale neighborhood.
  
  I currently work as a Training Officer for Consular Affairs at the State Department. I coordinate team-building events, educational seminars, brown-bag presentations, and leadership development programs. Mentoring, networking, and career development are personal and professional passions of mine and I have a lot to contribute to the RPCV/W group as a board member. I plan on continuing the work of the Professional Development Initiative, forging new ties across government agencies and the private sector, and tapping into the rich wealth of knowledge and experience held by RPCV’s in the Washington area to create meaningful mentorship connections.
• Philippa Wood
  Philippa Wood served as a Healthy Homes Volunteer in San Vicente Buenabaj, Totonicapán, Guatemala, from 2009-2011, which entailed promoting reproductive health, nutrition, health and safety in her community. After her time in PC/Guatemala, she embarked for England where she studied for and received her Masters in Governance and Development from the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex. She returned to the DC area at the end of 2012 and, after several months interning at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), was offered and accepted a position as a Senior Program Assistant on the Political Parties team at NDI.
  
  As a graduate from George Washington University (B.A. 2008), Phil has a close connection and familiarity with the area, as well as an extensive social and professional network. These relationships, as well as her positive, outgoing, and can do attitude make her an excellent candidate for the Professional Development Director on the RPCV board.
  
  Having returned to this U.S. within the past year, Phil is very much familiar with the challenges of reintegrating back into U.S. culture and the stress and strains of job seeking and translating Peace Corps and graduate school experience into "real world" job skills. Having balanced interning and several part time jobs during her first several months in DC, she will provide not only a compassionate, understanding and listening ear, but be an active advocate for RPCVs facing the enormous challenge of professional networking and seeking employment. She is full of creative ideas and will continue the great work being done by the board, as well as further the opportunities for RPCVs in the D.C. region.
• Chad Ryerson
  Chad Ryerson is a Disaster Relief professional who works for DHS/FEMA and served as a Municipal Development volunteer for 31 months in the capitol city of Juticalpa, Olancho in the country of Honduras from 2008-2011. Chad’s service, like most of yours, was one filled with many high’s and many low’s. Notable low’s: 2009 Honduran coup d'état, robbed at gun-point twice, dengue fever, e-coli, stolen cat. Notable high’s: Helped organize largest bean & corn cooperative in country, transitioned 200 person high school into a bi-lingual school, helped establish first recycling plant in the capitol city of the largest department in country, organized two special Olympic tournaments, served as Honduran National Special Olympics Delegation Trainer (tennis) to Latin American games in Puerto Rico, co-directed an Integrated Waste Management Educational Documentary for Honduran youth.
  
  I would be honored to serve as RPCV/W’s Professional Development Director. Knowing a plethora of people in Washington D.C. and having held various jobs throughout my life, nothing would bring more joy to me than the opportunity to better connect RPCV’s with each other along career lines. I’m personally interested in trying to get more RPCV’s into Federal government positions, and would like to create an online network spider web of sorts that would allow us as an organization to see at any given time where our respected RPCV/W colleagues work in order to better connect them with new and incoming RPCV’s in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the creation of an RPCV/W best practices and lessons learned portal (knowledge management) as it relates to career placement and advancement is another idea I had. I consider myself to be a very extroverted and open person, and believe these qualities would allow me to thrive as RPCV/W’s next Professional Development Director..

Special Events Director

• Jesse Bailey

  Hello, my name is Jesse Bailey (Morocco ’07-’09) and I am running for Special Events Director. I have been an active member of the group since 2010, and I first got seriously involved with RPCVW by being a member of the 50th Anniversary Social Committee during 2010 and 2011. After the 50th Anniversary wrapped up, I was on the Special Events Sub- Committee and helped select the venue for the holiday party in 2011. This last year I was appointed to the board as the Historian, and participated in all Board Meetings. Being a board member has exposed me to the duties and responsibilities for this position. These experiences make me an excellent candidate for this position, and I look forward serving on the board in this position.
• Sarah Weber
  What better way than to spend the day than with fellow RPCVs, hamburgers, beer, and Zoo Animals! Maybe taking some Zoo animals back to the Yacht Club next year??? Who can help me steal a monkey next year to take to the BBQ at the Yacht Club? And have the best of both worlds. No but seriously, Manuela and RPCV/W have done an excellent job finding a fun venue for this year and she will be a tough act to follow. However, the Yacht club renovations will be done next year so I’ll be looking to hold it there again. Also, I’d like to continue making the events bigger and better to draw in a large crowd of both recently returned volunteers and seasoned ones who haven’t been active lately. I’ll work diligently to make the Holiday Party better than before and I will coordinate with the Social Director to plan additional fun events such as bringing back the summer camping trip. As well as work with the development chair to bring hot items to the silent action to raise more money for RPCV/W’s Partnership For Peace program.
  
  I am a Washington State native who, like many RPCVs, has moved to DC to pursue a career in international development and meet other RPCVs! I served in Vanuatu (South Pacific) from 2010-2012 as a Community Health Volunteer. Prior to Peace Corps I lived in Seattle, and then moved to New Orleans to attended Tulane University for a Masters of Public Health. Living in DC is a welcomed change and the RPCV community has made me feel at home here.
  
  I have experience planning special events both professionally and for social groups. I worked at the University of Washington planning both local and international alumni events and I understand the organization required , time lines and budgeting that goes into working with vendors and caterers, how important it is promote these key events, as well as all the last minute challenges that can arise. I have experience in managing budgets and negotiating discounts….which is an asset when dealing with a tight budget in this DC climate! I’m also a very approachable person, always happy to hear your ideas, and the kind of person who goes the extra mile behind the scenes to pull off a successful and fun event! I know how great the RPCV community is and how much fun the special events can be. Please help me continue the great work of the last board and raise the notch for the next year!

The Community Service Director is responsible for integrating the community service component to RPCV/W. He/she identifies local opportunities to engage in service projects. The Community Service Director assists the VP with Partnership for Peace. Candidates should have a passion for service and be able to bring diverse groups of people together.

The Social Director is responsible for coordinating social events for RPCV/W members, including happy hours, family events, camping, cooking classes, wine tasting tours, etc. This person will also organize our Annual Cherry Blossom Picnic. He/she coordinates sign-up sheets and name tags at events, coordinates with local venues, and encourages members to meet each other and establish connections and friendships. Candidates should be outgoing, organized, and fun!

The Public Relations Director is responsible for posting and maintaining events and announcements on Face Book, Twitter and the RPCV/W website. This person is also responsible for maintaining and updating RPCV/W’s website, Google Groups, and other applications. He/she works closely with the Membership Director on integrating the member database. Candidates should have basic knowledge of website management and online applications and working knowledge of MS Publisher or similar newsletter formatting software and Adobe Acrobat Professional, be extremely organized with attention to detail, and keep to deadlines.