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Eliza Raymond 's Profile

Grants Coordinator

After 2 years in the GVN Peru office, Eliza decided she had eaten enough guinea pigs for a while and was ready to move back to New Zealand. She started with GVN Foundation in April 2009 as Grants Coordinator. Eliza is British/French by nationality but calls Motueka (New Zealand) home. After celebrating her 3rd birthday in Tibet, Eliza has never been very good at staying in one place. Her travels have taken her to Siberia to teach English, Germany to pack Frankfurters, the island of Chiloe to au-pair and of course to her favourite place of all, Peru. Eliza has a BA in geography and Spanish, and a Masters focused on international volunteering. When not in the GVN office, Eliza is riding her bike, playing tennis, lost, or planning her next trip.

An Interview with Eliza Raymond

When people ask you 'where are you from' what is your reply:

I put on my best kiwi accent and say New Zealand. You might also catch me saying that in my soul I'm from Peru!

When people ask 'where do you work' what's your response:

A non-profit called GVN Foundation. I then go off on one about how great we are and usually end up talking about Eat So They Can :)

When people then ask 'and what do you do at GVN', what it your reply:

Well most people don't usually ask that question because I've talked their heads off in the previous question!

Why did you end up working at GVN?:

I researched GVN for my Masters, then worked with their partner Maximo Nivel in Peru, and then I wandered into the office and Erin offered me a cup of tea...

What's the best thing about working for GVN?

It feels like I'm travelling even though I'm sitting in an office in Lower Hutt!

When you're not at work, what's your favourite activity?

Travelling :)

What's your favourite food?

Pisco Sour - a Peruvian cocktail made out of pisco, lemon, sugar, egg whites and lots of ice.

If you could be animal, what would it be?

A giraffe - if you've met me you'll know why!

If you could go anywhere just now, where would it be?

The moon - maybe I could look into volunteer opportunities there Michelle?!

Who are your favourite bands/musicians?

Shakira, Gian Marco and all other cheesy latinos!