RPCV Spotlight: John and Denise Capelli.
The Alliance is proud to present Spotlight, a new quarterly feature highlighting a Ukraine RPCV! For our initial Spotlight, I polled dozens in our community for their nomination of someone who has done something significant since completing service. We are excited to feature two of our compatriots in this first edition: John and Denise Capelli of Denver, Colorado.
John is a seasoned professional photographer and program manager, and Denise is an accredited AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) master floral designer and former President of the Floral Association of Colorado. They came to Ukraine in October 2015 after selling their 20-year old event planning business, and were assigned as Community Development volunteers in Yaremche, a small picturesque town in Ivano-Frankivsk oblast. Denise was partnered with the Carpathian National Nature Park and John with a local NGO called the “Center for Social Business Initiatives.” I can tell you from personal experience that their assignment made them the envy of Group 48!
After COSing in January 2018, they returned home to catch up with friends and family, and take care of some medical needs. Then this past summer, they returned to Ukraine to work on their own projects. Naturally, many of us were curious about what they were doing, so I conducted a brief interview with them to find out more.
1.) Before you entered service, what plans did you have in mind for after PC?
John: It had been a long sought-after goal of mine to volunteer for the Peace Corps. My ultimate goal was to expand my international volunteer knowledge for two years and use my skills to apply for a job with the Peace Corps or with one of its partners. Life is about transformation and at times, completely reinventing yourself. When I look back on my past journeys, there were times when I could not see all the future opportunities that unfolded. Peace Corps Ukraine was one of those experiences. It was very exciting to work with the people of Ukraine and look forward to the unforeseen experiences in the future.
Denise: Before I left for PC, I had started a book about my experience when I was in the hospital for 3 months with “Locked-in syndrome”, it was a very rare and complicated medical case. I knew I wanted to finish this book when I returned to the U.S.
2.) What made you decide to return to Ukraine?
John: Ukrainians are making historic changes by transforming their country into an independent European nation. As a former CD volunteer, I had the privilege to participate and witness these changes. After returning to the US. I found myself in a unique position in life. I could either focus on getting a job or take this rare opportunity as a freelance photographer to create my own through the twenty-seven months invested serving in Peace Corps Ukraine. The entrepreneurial risk taker in me chose to return to Ukraine with the confidence that opportunities will present themselves as I move forward with this project.
Denise: I thought John was only planning to return to Ukraine for 3 weeks. When he announced he actually wanted to return for 3 months, I decided that I didn’t want to be away from him for that long and to go with him. I thought it would be a peaceful environment to finish my book!
3.) What projects are you currently working on and what is the timeline?
John: This project is focused on humanism. The first stage of the project will be personally funded with the hope to secure future funding through other means to continue building a series of photographic essays that portray the daily lives of the people of Ukraine. My travel plans include returning to Yaremche in early August 2018 to rent an apartment for 3 months. From here I will begin to work on a list of photographic ideas within the Carpathian region. I would like to travel throughout Ukraine volunteering my photographic services at no cost to those in need of these services or are interested in helping me achieve my photographic goals. This could include an array of diverse situations from: supporting an NGO’s activities in human rights, community development, citizen participation, social change, portraits of individual families, workers, IDPs [editor: Internally-Displaced Persons], refugees, professionals, industry, special event coverage, etc. The important thing to remember about this project is that the images I create are for others to use to bring awareness to their humanitarian efforts.
Denise: My timeline for the book is to query a book agent when I return to the U.S. The agent’s job is to find a publisher for my book. I would like to have it published by next summer.
4.) What will you do after you have finished these personal projects in Ukraine?
John: My primary focus is on the current photography project and finding funding to continue it into 2019. I am always working on multiple options for the future, but sometimes I find it best not to focus too hard on one thing in order to allow new opportunities to be seen. I also have been self-employed for the past 20 years, so I am comfortable with working this way.
Denise: I take things only one day at a time now. My only focus at the moment is this book! When I accomplish this goal, I will move on to another! I want to make every day my best day!
5.) What advice would you give to Ukraine RPCVs who want to remain engaged?
John: That is a difficult question to answer. We all have different goals and objectives we want to achieve in life. My best advice would be not to throw away the 27 months you invested in your PC service. Incorporate your Peace Corps service into your future plans. Evaluate the areas you were not strong in and continue to educate yourself. Find other RPCVs within your city, state and travels.
Denise: Honestly, never stop being a PC volunteer. Stay in contact with your connections in Ukraine, help them where you can via internet and Skype. Do talks about Ukraine at your local library, a book club or social group. Don’t let your newfound knowledge leave you!
If you would like to learn more about the Capelli’s service, check out their blog:
https://thecapellisjourney.wordpress.com/ or you can contact them directly at [email protected] and [email protected].
If you would like to submit a nomination for our next Spotlight (due out in December 2018!) or have any other comments or suggestions, please email [email protected].
До наступного разу!
Elena Krajeski,
Khotyn, Chernivetska Oblast
Group 48, 2015-2017