In Mexico, Gladfelter assists refugees

Published: January 19, 2006

School of Journalism alumni have found jobs all over the world, careers that build on their journalism studies. This series by Suzannah Evans asked some of those alumni to reflect on their careers.

Kristy Gladfelter, B.A. '90 (Courtesy photo)

Kristy Gladfelter, B.A. '90

Hometown: Bloomington, Ind.

Current residence: Queretaro, Mexico

Job:
Special Projects Manager for the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) since 1997. IRC is a non-profit agency that assists refugees resettled to the United States and refugees in areas of conflicts around the world.

Describe your typical workday:
I work from home. I have an office set up just outside my house. About 10 years after graduating from IU, I went back to school to get a master's degree in educational technology. I use what I've learned through both degrees in my current job. All my work is done through the computer.

I use Skype instant messenger and email to keep in contact with my bosses and colleagues in San Diego (my home base) and New York (headquarters). Examples of the projects I'm currently working on include the creation of a Web site for refugees, the design of a training manual for grants management, design of a newsletter for Anti-Human Trafficking practitioners, creation of the visuals for an exhibit on refugees resettled to San Diego and training materials for resource developers.

Is this where you imagined you'd end up?
I didn't know much about Mexico before I first traveled here in 2001. I had lived in Spain for several years after college so I'm not surprised to be in a Spanish speaking country but I never imagined Mexico. I only had seen border towns before coming down here so I didn't have a clear picture of the real beauty of the country.

What's your proudest professional moment so far?
Working for IRC, I'm lucky to have a fulfilling job where you can see the difference in the lives of people helped by the agency. I can't think of one particular moment but I'm proud to be a part of an organization whose mission is to help rebuild lives.

What's your favorite memory of Bloomington or IU?
I was born and grew up in Bloomington and for as long as I can remember I wanted to go to IU. I think my favorite memory was the first day of school my freshman year. Everything was so new and the possibilities seemed endless.

Tell us something about where you live that we don't know.
I live in a colonial city with lots of Spanish influence, cobblestone streets, corner fountains and beautiful cathedrals. If you haven't traveled into Mexico, your image may be (as mine was) of border towns with tacky souvenirs (like Tijuana). If you have a chance to travel further south into the country, you will finds lots of beautiful surprises.

Are you a graduate living and working overseas? The School of Journalism would like to hear from you as well. Contact Suzannah Evans (sudevans@indiana.edu) to fill out a short survey and let your classmates know about your exotic home and work.

Return to main story, Alumni find careers in far-flung places.