Did you hear that Atlas Corps is also known as a “reverse Peace Corps”? That’s because while Atlas Corps brings social change leaders from around the world to the United States, Peace Corps sends motivated American changemakers to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. Peace Corps volunteers are motivated American changemakers who promote world peace and friendship in over 60 countries to create change that lasts long after their service.
This week of February 28 – March 6, we celebrate Peace Corps Week and why want to tell you about Atlas Corps team members who participated in Peace Corps Programs. Below we are sharing a short feature on Adam, the Training Program Manager and Reserve Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala), Sara McNaughton, Partnerships Manager and Reserve Peace Corps Volunteer (Indonesia), and Shea Adair, Recruitment Consultant at Atlas Corps and Reserve Peace Corps Volunteer (Uganda)
At Atlas Corps, we have a tradition of stating our “Five Facts” when introducing ourselves to new people. What are your five facts?
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Name: Adam Shreeve Hometown:Nashville, Tennessee Role at Atlas Corps: Training Program Manager Social Issue/Interest Area: Migration & Displacement, Economic Inequality Fun fact: I have climbed the closest place on Earth to the Sun….and it’s not Everst. |
How is your Peace Corps experience helping you to work with Fellows at Atlas Corps?
To say that my time in Guatemala with the Peace Corps was life changing would be an understatement. I learned a great deal about people, community, and myself. I was challenged by the differences but also encouraged by the immense similarities. The people that I was fortunate to live and work with have forever impacted me.
Why did you decide to join the Atlas Corps team after you finished your Peace Corps program?
In my current work with Atlas Corps I do my best to remember those first moments stepping off the plane in Guatemala, the long trainings at the office, or the new customs and perspectives to navigate in my community. In thinking about those experiences I am able to remind myself of the challenges and joys that I experienced as a volunteer and that helps me to better connect and support our Fellows.
The Atlas Corps model is what drew me to join the amazing team. During my time in the Peace Corps and in professional opportunities beyond, I witnessed the vast talent that surrounded me in the places that I was fortunate to live.. I also was made keenly aware of the global structures and obstacles which prevented those talented individuals around me from achieving their goals. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of a team that works to remove those structures and obstacles by providing opportunities and pathways for young, social change leaders.
At Atlas Corps, we have a tradition of stating our “Five Facts” when introducing ourselves to new people. What are your five facts?
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Name: Sara McNaughton Hometown: Seattle, Washington Role at Atlas Corps: Partnerships Manager Social Issue/Interest Area: Gender Equity, Social Justice, Electoral Justice Fun fact: I hiked the volcano that is the only place in the world where you can see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time. Twice! |
How is your Peace Corps experience helping you to work with Fellows at Atlas Corps?
Reflecting on my Peace Corps experience, I often thought about how there was an opportunity to essentially do the reverse of what I was doing: bring professional leaders who are passionate about social change and international exchange to the US to deepen their already existing skills to then put to use in their community back at home.
I knew that there was a desire for this at least in the community where I served in Indonesia, but what I didn’t know then was that I was describing Atlas Corps. That international exchange component combined with the emphasis on promoting social change around the world is what really drew me to join Atlas Corps. Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. With Atlas Corps, I am a part of a team that works together to close that opportunity gap.
Why did you decide to join the Atlas Corps team after you finished your Peace Corps program?
Having done an international exchange with Peace Corps, I know what it is like to be in the Fellows’ shoes. I know where I needed the most support and where my fellow RPCVs needed the most support. I take from that experience best practices and areas for growth in anticipation of challenges Fellows may have working and living in a new culture. In my position as Partnerships Manager, I work with Host Organizations to ensure that Fellows have a smooth transition to their year of service, a meaningful work experience, and gain an ally (or more!) along the way.
At Atlas Corps, we have a tradition of stating our “Five Facts” when introducing ourselves to new people. What are your five facts?
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Name: Shea Adair Hometown: Washington, DC Role at Atlas Corps: Recruitment Consultant Social Issue/Interest Area: Gender and Development Fun fact: I have moved six times in four years |
How is your Peace Corps experience helping you to work with Fellows at Atlas Corps?
Atlas Corps encompasses the ability for interpersonal relationships across borders, which I was missing after being evacuated from the Peace Corps.
Why did you decide to join the Atlas Corps team after you finished your Peace Corps program?
I know how difficult it can be learning to navigate and live in a new country, but also how wonderful it is to live a life very different from your own. My experiences help me approach the Fellows with empathy in their process and excitement for their journeys.
On November 20, Atlas Corps celebrates 15 years of engaging social change leaders. Join us to honor our legacy of service with more than 1,000 leaders from 104 countries at the Atlas Corps 15-Year Anniversary Gala. We will convene friends of Atlas Corps from all sectors and regions of the world to reflect on 15 years of engaging social changemakers and inspire towards our future. Join to connect with our community, meet Fellows, and celebrate Atlas Corps!
