One of our very own BARPCV members, Anna Omura, was recently presented with the Franklin H. Williams Award. This award honors ethnically diverse returned volunteers who exemplify a commitment to community service and Peace Corps' Third Goal of promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Anna served in Peace Corps/Togo, West Africa, as a natural resource management (NRM) extension volunteer. Her work included reforestation, energy conservation, eco-tourism and agro-forestry. Additionally, Omura built, stocked and staffed a rural health clinic and worked with Togolese women's groups to start small enterprises. 

Presently, Anna is the Operations Manager at the MIT Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, which promotes for-profit enterprise in developing countries. The Center administers programs and promotes events which help budding entrepreneurs to developing and commercialize their business plans through education, conferences, lectures and networking opportunities.

Anna has also served on the BARPCV board of directors since 2009, chairing the Speakers Bureau, a group that connects returned Peace Corps volunteers with speaking opportunities at schools and events in the Boston area. In addition, Anna led the BARPCV through a complete redesign of its website and continues to help maintain the site, which will allow for more returned volunteers in the Boston area and beyond to connect and continue their service.

An entry from Anna's diary during her Peace Corps service helps to summarize her experience and thoughts, 

"27 Septembre 2004 - Gazing up at the moon it seems so odd that man has been there.  And here I am, over 30 years after that giant leap, in a village without electricity or running water."

BARPCV is looking for nominations for the Member Spotlight section of our website!  Do you know a BARPCV who has an amazing story to tell, should be recognized for his/ her achievement or has continued the call to service?  Please email us and let us know who it is and why you think we should spotlight him/her. In the email, include your name and phone number. 

We look forward to your nomination!