Interview with Brenda Almodovar, August 18, 2023

Interview Summary

Brenda Almodovar, from Puerto Rico (PR), served in Panama 1998-2000, in community economic/small business development. Initially, Brenda wanted to be placed farther from home and to learn a new language. However, once in Panama, she soon became well-integrated. Brenda’s permanent site was Portobelillo in Herrera, one of the main Panamanian folkloric areas. There she rented space in a dwelling shared with a family, and a cat who maddingly brought mice indoors to feed her kittens. Her work was developing a small credit union, but her most rewarding experience was with a women’s group that made and sold clothing. They learned both pricing basics and that “boys can wear pink.” Brenda befriended Coco, an older PR PCV that was ending her service, who was called the "legend" of Panama. Brenda’s fellow PCVs have stayed in touch. She operates a Fair-trade store in San Juan, and considers Panama her second home.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Panama (Country of service) 1998-2000 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development Panama Peace Corps (U.S.)--1990-2000 English Spanish Latinx

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Interview Usage

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