My name is Lynda Mae and I am a kick ass kentuckian. I typically go by ‘Lynda Mae’ just because I’m a southern gal. I enjoy volunteering, traveling, fishing, hiking, camping, laughing, reading and DIY projects. I am a Christian, an optimist and a realist. Myers Briggs tells me I am an ISTJ and it’s pretty accurate. I have a bucket list a mile long and I’m always marking things off it – if you don’t have a bucket list, why not?
So a little about me and how I came to be a Peace Corps Volunteer:
At the age of 9, I began my official community development experience as a 4-Her in my local club. I learned the value of helping people at a young age and believed (and still believe) I have the ability “to make the best better”.
I worked for the Walt Disney World College Program for almost a year and then graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management & Tourism and a minor in business.
I entered my career as the executive director of a tourism commission, where I had an incredible opportunity to work directly with businesses and nonprofits to significantly increase tax dollars through the hotel and restaurant tax. More than 3 years later, I began working as the membership and events coordinator with a state association of nonprofits. I managed and listened to over 200 invaluable educational programs identifying best practices in nonprofit management from local and international experts.
Mid-career, I earned my master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development and submitted my Peace Corps application. I wanted nothing more than to live in another country, make a few friends, grow as a person and make a difference. In June 2013, I was finally invited to serve on the Pacific islands of Vanuatu (between Australia and Fiji) – where I lived without running water, electricity and Internet.
Please enjoy a few stories about my experience as a Community Health Volunteer beginning in January 2014 and ending February 2016. I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn.
Going Specific 