Although considered for a Peace Corps appointed position in the Carter Administration following her service, Julia Chang Bloch was told she wasn't quite "Democratic enough" for a political appointment



Although considered for a Peace Corps appointed position in the Carter Administration following her service, Julia Chang Bloch was told she wasn't quite "Democratic enough" for a political appointment

Careers for Women in Public Service with Amb. Julia Chang Bloch
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
12 – 1:30 PM
Van Munching Hall, Room 2101F
University of Maryland College Park

Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch met with GWIPP on Wednesday, February 12 to share some of her extensive experiences in international affairs and public service and to offer her insights on personal choices attached to such high profile positions. Amb. Bloch began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia during the mid-1960's. She says that the most important thing she learned from this experience was to understand who she was and what being an American means. Although considered for a Peace Corps appointed position in the Carter Administration following her service, Amb. Bloch was told she wasn't quite "Democratic enough" for a political appointment. She became a Republican, and her party affiliation has served her well; leading to positions with the Agency for International Development and an appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal. She currently serves as the Ambassador-in-Residence for the Institute for Global Chinese Affairs at the University of Maryland.