Manny Chavez ’19 will soon depart to Africa to begin training as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps; he will help support education and awareness around HIV/AIDS and adolescent health in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho.
During his 27-month term in Lesotho, Chavez will work with partner organizations to develop sustainable community-based projects which aim to improve the lives of the people of Lesotho. Along the way, he will receive extensive training in leadership, technical, language and cross-cultural skills.
Chavez graduated from Whittier with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. As a student, he was involved with the College’s Center for Engagement with Communities and was a PIH Community Health Fellow. He also traveled to Honduras to provide medical services to underserved communities with the College’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades. His ultimate goal is to work as an epidemiologist with the CDC.
There are currently three Whittier College alumni serving with the Peace Corps, and more than 153 alumni have served since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961.
