Interview with Elizabeth Pou, August 9, 2021

Interview Summary

Elizabeth Pou is a lawyer by training. She headed human resources for a media corporation in New York City. She then set up a consulting practice focused on small business development. At the age of 59 she decided to apply to Peace Corps. She wanted a sabbatical with a spiritual experience as well as something challenging. She was invited to work in Armenia with the Community Economic Development project. Elizabeth was assigned to Armenia Caritas, a humanitarian NGO. Her role was to provide advice on entrepreneurial initiatives. While language was difficult, her colleagues were able to assist with translations for training events and follow-up consultations. Elizabeth was instrumental in helping Caritas receive a 300K euro grant to implement their services. She also wrote the TOT manual on how to implement the program. Elizabeth participated in an English Club, taught business English, and provided strategic planning for start-ups. Armenia, June 2007 to August 2009, Community Economic Development sector

Interview Keyword

Small business consulting Senior Volunteers Shahumyan Armenia Caritas NGOs Flat breads Marshutmi English clubs Entrepreneurship training Training of Trainers manual Participatory Research Action SCORE CDFI Community economic development Grant writing South Caucasus Transcaucasia

Interview LC Subject

Armenia Armenian language Volunteers Peace Corps (U.S.) English language--Business English. Corruption Lavash Strategic planning Lawyers Corporate law Vanadzor (Armenia) Yerevan (Armenia) Gyumri (Armenia)

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