Extra-Ordinary Woman: Kate Raftery

Women of Peace Corps Legacy interviews an “Extra-Ordinary Woman”, Kate Raftery. Women of Peace Corps Legacy's Emerging Leadership Award is named after Kate, to honor emerging women leaders under the age of 40 that have shown a dedication to improving the lives of women and girls. Featured Guest:Kate Raftery has dedicated her career to the elevation and empowerment of young professionals and development of direct ties between service and the addressing of critical social needs. As Peace Corps Country Director in four countries, deputy director and training staff in three others, and a member of headquarters senior leadership, she supported and challenged young professionals, both personally and professionally, during their service and launching of their careers.  As National Director of the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps she directed a program which offers a unique service opportunity for thousands of 18–24-year-old youth maximizing the use of the skills which they brought to the program, developing many more, as well as enhancing their understanding of the power of service to address critical community issues. As Vice President for Learning and Citizenship for the International Youth Foundation she focused on providing life skills and youth empowerment training through formal and non-formal education programs with the hope to give voice to young people around the world. Her service journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay resulting in a life transforming experience for her and those she has served since. Her daughter Elizabeth has been the BEST companion possible in this life adventure.Podcast Host:Lee Lacy is a senior leader, management consultant, facilitator and coach whose career in international and national programs spans four decades. She is a founding member of Women of Peace Corps Legacy. Lee has served in several senior positions for the Peace Corps. In these roles, she worked with Peace Corps Volunteers and staff making the transition to different cultural contexts. She serves as a job search counselor for the Foreign Service Institute’s Transition Center providing assistance to Foreign Service officers preparing for a second career or retirement. As a trainer and director of the Overseas Briefing Center, Lee conducted cross-cultural and re-entry training for foreign affairs employees and their families. She has lived and worked in Samoa, Nepal, Armenia, and Afghanistan.Women of Peace Corps Legacy (WPCL) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance women and girls empowerment to create a more just, equitable, inclusive, and safe world for future generations.  WPCL seeks to partner with and highlight the work of those existing organizations and programs that are effectively addressing the issues of women and girls.