Lakeville Resident to Serve in Peace Corps, Departing for Botswana in May
Provided by the Peace Corps. Pictured: Jaclyn Baudhuin of Lakeville, Minnesota.
Published: April 2, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - A Lakeville resident is preparing to take part in an international service opportunity aimed at strengthening communities abroad.
Peace Corps officials announced that Jaclyn Baudhuin of Lakeville has been accepted into the program and is scheduled to depart for Botswana on May 3, where she will begin training as a business development specialist. Baudhuin brings a strong academic and professional background to the role. She is a 2011 graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management and tourism management. She later completed an executive master’s degree in global management from the same university in 2021.
In a statement, Baudhuin said her motivation to join the Peace Corps stems from a desire to connect with people from different cultures and contribute to long-term, sustainable development.
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of connecting with people and cultures beyond my own,” Baudhuin said. “The global aspect of the Peace Corps is what makes it so meaningful—the opportunity to live within a community, learn from others, and grow through shared experiences. One goal of mine is to help create sustainable resources that organizations can reference and build on over time.”
During her service, Baudhuin will work closely with eco-tourism partners in Botswana, focusing on business development initiatives. Her efforts will include providing training and support to organizations, with a particular emphasis on women’s economic empowerment groups and youth-led programs.
Baudhuin, the daughter of Jean Baudhuin of Lakeville, joins a cohort of Minnesotans currently serving overseas. According to the Peace Corps, 65 Minnesota residents are actively serving, while more than 6,900 have participated in the program since its founding in 1961.
Peace Corps volunteers typically serve for two years following approximately three months of in-country training. Volunteers receive housing, a living stipend, language and technical instruction, and may qualify for financial benefits such as graduate school assistance after completing their service. The Peace Corps, established in 1961, remains one of the federal government’s primary international service programs. The agency has sent nearly 250,000 Americans to serve in 144 countries, working on projects that support education, health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more or apply through the Peace Corps website.
Written by: Will Wight
