Interview with Donna Figueroa, September 2, 2021

Interview Summary

Donna Figueroa served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala, from 1986 to 1989, in the Nutrition Program. The idea of joining the Peace Corps was planted from listening to stories from her dorm parents who served in the Peace Corps. After graduating with a degree in International Relations from American University, Donna decided to apply. She was originally assigned to serve in the Philippines but due to a government coup she was reassigned to Guatemala. Donna trained in Antigua, near Pastores, where she lived with a host family. Spanish language was not a challenge for her because she had studied it since middle school. She was assigned to Chichicastenango. She traveled to many outlying villages where she taught about a healthy diet, new crop varieties and aerobics classes. After serving, Donna worked for about 20 years at the University of Rhode Island. She currently is a healthcare independent contractor and some of her roles include working in telehealth and as a certified nurse midwife. Donna remains involved with RPCV groups and stays in touch with the friends she made during her service.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Guatemala (Country of Service) Dates of Service (1986-1989) Peace Corps Volunteer Job Nutrition Language Spanish

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.