Former NPCA Advocate Making Her Mark in Uganda

 

We first met Nicole Fiol about three years ago.

Nicole connected with us as we were preparing for an NPCA Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.  While most of the participants were returned Peace Corps volunteers or former Peace Corps staff, Nicole's interest in participating was driven by her passion as a Peace Corps applicant.

Nicole impressed us in many ways.  Her positive energy, her vibrant personality and her ability to get result!  In the picture above, Nicole met with staff of then Congressman Luis Fortuno of Puerto Rico, who subsequently signed onto a Peace Corps funding Dear Colleague letter.

We also took note of Nicole's story of the time and financial challenges she faced as a Peace Corps applicant from Puerto Rico.  Because of this, we asked her to share her story with Congress by testifying at a Senate hearing on Peace Corps legislation.

The qualities of patience and perseverance that are essential to a good advocate are also important traits for Peace Corps applicants such as Nicole. It eventually worked out as Nicole was assigned to a post in eastern Uganda.

Earlier this month, as mudslides devastated Uganda's Bududa region, Nicole was the first volunteer to arrive and begin providing disaster assistance.  Your can follow this link to read more about the work of Nicole and her Peace Corps colleagues - inspiring global engagement that continues to make us proud.