Folsom resident Amelia Samaniego is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020.

Folsom resident Amelia Samaniego is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the pandemic.

“When my parents were first married, they joined the Peace Corps in Paraguay and since then have both led service-oriented careers. They have always been my role models, and, since I was young, I have wanted to serve in the Peace Corps,” said Samaniego. “I am looking forward to experiencing and learning about Peruvian culture, and I hope to create positive change.”

Samaniego is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles, with a bachelor’s degree in English. She will serve as a volunteer in Peru in the youth in development sector.

“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway while other widespread health, social, political, and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” said Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn. “Peace Corps volunteers returning to Peru will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.”

Source: Folsom woman among 1st Peace Corps volunteers to return to service overseas