We are so happy to have Romy working with us for the next 8 months. Check out this interview with our newest team member:
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I was born and raised in New York City but have family roots in Romania, Poland and South Africa. It is an eclectic mix and I love my unique background!
My interest in international development began when I was 16 years old and spent a summer volunteering in a rural community in Thailand. The experience was transformative and helped me realize my passion for traveling, learning from different cultures, studying new languages and helping others.
I attended the University of Maryland where I studied International Development and Conflict Management. During my second year at University, a student club organized a screening of a documentary about child trafficking in Asia. In the film young girls and boys, as young as 5 and 6 years old, were being sold in brothels to sex tourists. I left the documentary in absolute tears, called my parents right then and told them “I know what I want to do with my life. I want to help stop slavery.”
My chance to do just that presented itself when I was invited to serve in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Moldova. I’ll forever be grateful for the experience I had there.
Now I have been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to work in Romania for the next 9 months and research innovative new methods of human trafficking prevention. I’m very excited about this opportunity to work with eliberare!
What did you do while in the Peace Corps in Moldova?
While in the Peace Corps in Moldova, I worked on a variety of community development and youth leadership programs. I lived in a rural area and worked at a community center for socially vulnerable (or at-risk) teenagers. I was in charge of creating and implementing programs for the beneficiaries to help them develop personally and professionally. I served as the director of ATIP Moldova, the Peace Corps Volunteer organization to prevent human trafficking. My responsibilities included designing and facilitating trainings for Moldovan youth to increase awareness about trafficking and empower them to take action. I organized diverse national events and campaigns to spread knowledge and awareness around the country.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
If there is anything I’ve learned through my travels and time living in Thailand, Spain, Moldova, and now Romania; it’s that I’m very flexible and adaptable. I welcome new adventures and experiences everyday so do not have a clear picture of what one perfect day might look like. I am a very social person so a great day for me would include spending time with friends and family and meeting interesting new people.
What are you interested in learning during this next year?
I am sure I will learn a lot this year! I am interested in learning more about what innovative new methods of human trafficking prevention are being implemented in Romania. Additionally, there are so many different angles and approaches that are often overlooked because they sometimes prevent human trafficking indirectly. I am interested in understanding how to bring these aspects into the holistic approach to trafficking prevention.
What excites you about living in Romania?
I am excited to learn more about Romanian culture and traditions. I could not be happier that I am living in the country where my grandfather was born. Although I never got the chance to meet him, I’m sure he would be very proud that I am taking steps to learn his native language and learn about his heritage.