Kate Raftery Emerging Leader Award

The KRELA honors emerging women leaders 40 years of age or under
that have shown a demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of women and girls.
Awardees are affiliated with the Peace Corps and have been awarded annually since 2020.

2026 Award Winner Coming Soon!

2025 Award Winner: Anna Perks

Anna Perks founded and operates Perks Deconstruction, where she serves as an industry pioneer and subject matter expert in the construction and demolition material reuse sector. With an extensive 15- year background in waste management, business sustainability, and environmental education. Anna has led projects that prioritize waste diversion and circular economy principles. In the first six years of business, Perks Deconstruction has diverted over 10 million lbs. of material from the landfill. Perks’ team takes pride in giving material another life and often donates the material to local non-profits for reuse.

Anna’s expertise extends beyond the operational aspects of her successful deconstruction business. She has dedicated substantial effort to research and analyze deconstruction and reuse policies across the United States. This deep understanding of policy terrain empowers her to offer invaluable insights and thought leadership to the industry.

Prior to founding Perks Deconstruction, Anna graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. degree in Political Science and a focus on Environmental Issues. Upon graduating, Anna worked with ecotourism business groups and school groups in Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer. She worked on zero waste policies, education, and events for Eco-Cycle. She also worked as a business sustainability adviser for Boulder County’s PACE program where she assisted over 200 businesses with waste, water, energy, and sustainable transportation. Most recently, Anna worked as a business development manager of a manufacturing company to help launch a reusable bag made from ocean plastic.

Award Recipients

Learn more about previous award recipients.

Who is Kate Raftery?

Kate Raftery has dedicated most of her career to the elevation of young professionals, especially young women professionals. As Peace Corps Country Director in four countries, deputy director and training staff in three others, and a member of headquarters senior leadership, she strove to support and challenge young professionals both personally and professionally during their service and fledging careers. She has counseled, cheered on and written references for hundreds, if not more, Volunteers as they launched their careers. As National Director of the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps she directed a program which offered a unique service opportunity for thousands of 18-24 year old youth which allowed them to maximize the skills which they brought to the program as well as understand the power of service to address burning community issues. As Vice President for Education for the International Youth Foundation she focused on providing life skills and youth empowerment training through formal and non formal education programs with the hope to empower and give voice to young people around the world. Kate has been an active member of Women of Peace Corps Legacy since its inception and was a leader in the establishment of the mentoring program which has grown into a foundational institutional program.