From USAID to the Ballot Box

Three former USAID officers. Three Maryland races. One mission: keep serving.

In this episode of Global Development Interrupted, host Leah Petit sits down with Alicia Contreras-Donello, running for Maryland House of Delegates District 14; Allison Eriksen, running for Montgomery County Council District 3; and Tracy Starr, running for US House of Representatives District 5.

Together they share their stories of humble beginnings, careers defined by public service, and the moment they decided that the best way to keep serving was to change the system from the inside.

From economic development and renewable energy to food security and human rights, these women are bringing the skills that USAID built — and the communities that shaped them — directly to the ballot box. If you believe that government should be representative of the people it serves, this episode is for you.

Maryland early voting runs June 11th through 18th. Primary Election Day is June 23rd.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Interested in learning more about these candidates? Check them out below!

Alicia Contreras-Donello - Maryland House of Delegates District 14

📸 Instagram/TikTok: @aliciaformaryland 👍 Facebook/LinkedIn: Alicia for Maryland 🌐 Website: aliciacontrerasdonello.com

Allison Eriksen - Montgomery County Council District 3

📸 Instagram: @allisonformoco 🌐 Website: allisonformoco.com

Tracy Starr - Maryland’s 5th District

📸 Instagram: @tracyforcongress26 🌐 Website: friendsoftracy.com

Stay connected with Global Development Interrupted

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube

Instagram: @globaldevinterrupted | Facebook: Global Development Interrupted

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globaldevinterrupted.substack.com/subscribe