We are so pleased to announce that Angie Harris (Papua New Guinea, ’91-’93) has accepted our invitation to join the MPCE Board of Directors. Angie brings great expertise in fundraising and capacity building; and has deep ties in the RPCV community. She began volunteering with the Museum in January of this year, and has provided invaluable support in the creation of development and communication strategies.
Angie and her wife Leah live in East Tennessee with their Australian Shepherd, Jessie. Their home is nestled on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Angie embraces the outdoors through amateur photography, daily hikes, and foraging for edible mushrooms and native plants.
Making an impact at home and abroad
Angie is an alumna of Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, holding an M.Ed in community development. With a passion for global engagement, she embarked on an enriching journey that spans eight years abroad, beginning as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Papua New Guinea in 1991. Her international work continued independently in Seoul, South Korea, and Kathmandu Nepal, where she played pivotal roles in establishing adult education programs and a language school.
Rooted in her native Tennessee, Angie’s impact has been felt through her diverse roles in various non-profit organizations. Her tenure with the Tennessee Language Center, spanning 16 years, showcased her expertise in designing, implementing, and managing pivotal programs that ranged from comprehensive teacher training to an innovative mobile classroom designed to serve Nashville’s refugees and immigrants. Then Angie joined the Dollywood Foundation, where she fortified partnerships with governments and charitable organizations on a global scale, particularly in Belize, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Recently, Angie’s contributions have been a catalyst for change in immigration and higher education. From her work in development with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) to her contributions as director of alumni affairs at Maryville College, her expertise in advancement, engagement, and outreach has supported the mission of educational institutions and community initiatives alike.
Service to the Peace Corps community and beyond
As a founding member of the TNRPVCs in 2008 and co-director of Peace Corps Connect in Nashville in 2014, she has been a guiding force in fostering connections and community among like-minded individuals. Her service on the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) board of directors from 2012 to 2016 is a testament to her dedication to Peace Corps ideals.
An advocate for the environment and cultural preservation, Angie’s commitment resonates beyond her professional endeavors. She is an active board member of Keep Blount Beautiful and now the Museum of the Peace Corps Experience, channeling her energy towards environmental stewardship and sharing the transformative stories of Peace Corps volunteers.
Please join us in welcoming Angie to the MPCE Board of Directors!
If you or someone you know would like to join Angie in supporting the work of the Museum, please reach out to us at info@peacecorpsmuseum.org or donate below.
