Interview with Katrina Mathis, March 19, 2021

Interview Summary

After reading an article in a 10th-grade Civics class, Katrina Mathis knew that she would join the Peace Corps. Katrina graduated from the University of Georgia in political science and history. She applied through a program promoting and fast-tracking diversity. Invited to a health project in Guinea, she first trained in Senegal. The father of Katrina’s local family was also the head doctor at the health center where she worked. She gave health talks, particularly related to child/maternal health. In addition, Katrina helped build a primary school in response to a community request. Katrina felt a natural kinship as an African-American with the people of Guinea. The Islamic religion and its polygamous tradition contrasted to her Southern Baptist upbringing, which stimulated introspection of her religious values. Katrina’s mantra was when a window opens on local reality, a lot of mirrors also appear to reflect back on me. This is the second of two interviews with Katrina Mathis.

Interview Keyword

University of Georgia, Atlanta political science history RAPI– Peace Corps minority recruitment initiative medical West Africa Thies Senegal Thiès - Training Center Guinea Fouta Djallon French Health training Health center health presentations HIV/AIDS school construction women diversity Peul (Fulani) Pular African-American Black Islamic religion Muslim polygamy relationships Pita – prefecture Bantignel – sous-prefecture and volunteer site French, Paul (Fulani), and Pular – language Guinea, June 1994 to July 1996, health sector Recruiter and Recruitment Coordinator, 1997 to 2002 in Atlanta Regional Office

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Interview Usage

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