Peace Corps recruiter Dani Arnwine and Teach For America coordinator Emily Fuller co-hosted “Beyond Borders: Education, Peace Corps Opportunities, and Global Impact” on April 2 at the University of Florida Career Connections Center. The event sparked an engaging conversation about the intersection of education and service and how both can be powerful tools for transforming communities locally and globally. It also reflected the spirit of the Peace Corps’ new Circle of Service initiative, which aims to build lifelong pathways for those committed to public service.
The “Beyond Borders” panel featured alumni from both Peace Corps and Teach For America who shared stories of how education shaped their service and personal growth. Panelists included:
- Dr. Randall Cantrell, a former Peace Corps Math teacher in Niger and now a professor and researcher in UF’s Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences
- Professor Peggy Roach, former Education Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea, long-time Peace Corps trainer, and current Math Department Chair at P.K. Yonge
- Zandra Bryant – Managing Director, Leadership Development at TFA and Jacksonville, FL Corps Alumna of Teach For America
- Cayla Young – Managing Director, Leadership Development at TFA and Jacksonville, FL Corps Alumna of Teach For America
- James Forte – Director of Local Recruitment at TFA: Greater Delta, Greater Delta Alumni of Teach For America, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Together, the panelists explored what motivated them to serve, how their respective organizations prepared them with classroom and leadership skills, and the lessons they learned through community engagement. They discussed systemic barriers to education—both in the U.S. and abroad—and shared insights on what international and domestic education systems can learn from one another. The panel also highlighted how service reshaped their perspectives on education, identity, and career direction.
The conversation concluded with a focus on community-driven solutions, such as integrating into schools with intention, collaborating with local leaders, and fostering family engagement to support student success. A recurring theme emerged throughout: education is a reciprocal process, and its ripple effects begin with the communities we serve.
The Circle of Service initiative connects alumni from service-driven organizations—including City Year, Public Allies, Teach For America, and Tilting Futures—with global Peace Corps opportunities. Through this initiative, eligible alumni benefit from expedited application reviews, while both returned Peace Corps Volunteers and partner organization alumni gain access to a robust network of career and service opportunities.
To learn more about Peace Corps opportunities, contact Dani Arnwine at peacecorps@ufic.ufl.edu. For information about Teach For America, reach out to Emily Fuller at Emily.Fuller@teachforamerica.org.
