Interview with Marita Schlesser, August 11, 2023

Interview Summary

Marita Schlesser studied social work in college and received her Masters in Public Health, then spent several years working in international development in Washington, DC before joining Peace Corps. She knew people in her social circle who had served. On Sept. 10, 2001, she was in Miami with her group for staging; they were supposed to leave for the Dominican Republic on the 11th. When the Twin Towers were attacked, Marita and her group were at the Miami Airport, watching events unfold on the news. They spent 10 days in Miami, waiting for permission to travel. Once in her site in Santiago, Marita initially worked with the Ministry in Health, but later worked with a women's NGO on programs for the prevention of interpersonal violence. This work dovetailed well with her background in social work. She extended her service for 6 months, then continued to live in the Dominican Republic for a few months before moving to Germany after her service.

Interview Keyword

9/11 staging international development social work public health Santiago women gender

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Interview Usage

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