Interview with Mary Fasano, November 4, 2021

Interview Summary

Mary Fasano, Ukraine, 2017-2019, Community Development. Before joining the Peace Corps, Fasano had a career in finance and economic development, and was a seasoned traveler. She chose to serve in Ukraine because it had an existing Community Development program in place. There, she served in a non-profit organization in Ternopil, a vibrant urban setting, where she wrote grant proposals, manuals for policies and procedures and for boards of directors, and demonstrated best business practices including monitoring and evaluating programs. Additionally, Fasano designed and implemented a program for professional development for university students preparing them for the world of work. Fasano was “a woman about town,” who developed a wide professional and personal network. Among her accomplishments was encouraging people to see options, choices that were available to them, as well as demonstrating deliberate decision-making skills. Her legacy was the seeds that she planted in the minds of those with whom she interacted. Fasano treasures the friendships that she made among fellow Volunteers and among Ukrainians.

Interview Keyword

Finance Economic development Ukraine Community development Ternopil, Ukraine Grant proposals Board of directors Best practices Professional development program Options Choices Friendships

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