International post enriches life for history graduate and family

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a history degree, Richmond native Jake Hershman (B.A. ’95/H&S) traveled the globe to live and work in history-rich countries in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Hershman always knew he wanted to live overseas and says his VCU professors motivated him to do so.

“The quality academic instruction I received not only gave me a framework of theory and information for working in other cultures and international systems,” Hershman says, “it also encouraged and inspired me to stretch myself, take some risks and really assess where my professional contributions might be best offered.”

Career takes him around the world

First, he made a stop at George Washington University to earn a master’s degree in international affairs. Then, Hershman traveled to Europe to teach English in the Czech Republic. He returned to the U.S. for a couple of years before joining Catholic Relief Services in 2001. Hershman’s first assignment took him to Macedonia where he distributed hygiene kits to displaced people.

“While the goods we distributed were rather rudimentary, the people were so appreciative,” he says. “It was quite a boost to be able to provide such immediate relief to people, and I was quickly hooked.”

Hershman’s next venture placed him in East Timor in Southeast Asia. From there, he moved to the Republic of Georgia and then Egypt. In October 2008, Hershman became Catholic Relief Services’ country representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. From his base in Sarajevo, he manages the staff, offices and programs for the two countries. Programs include initiatives to combat human trafficking, reconstruction of homes for people displaced by the Bosnian war, legal assistance and property restitution assistance to those left homeless by the conflicts in Kosovo, and promotion of more inclusive education and employment opportunities for the disabled in Serbia.

Inspired by his family

Hershman’s desire to help others stems from his family background. His grandparents — originally from Poland and Germany and driven from their homes during World War II — immigrated to the U.S. in 1950 with nothing and built a new life.

“I find particular gratification in spending a significant portion of my life doing what I can to help others in need,” Hershman says.

Hershman, along with his wife, Esther, 4-year-old Henri and 2-year-old Julian, plan to stay in Sarajevo for the next several years.

“We are still exhilarated by the unique experiences we have and the people we meet,” Hershman says. “Plus, there are amazing opportunities available to our kids — language, different cultures, education — because of our international posting.”

While Hershman’s current position has its challenges — fundraising, politics, personnel issues, public relations — the positive impact of the work inspires him.

“It is very gratifying to see the light return to the eyes of individuals who have been living in temporary accommodations for 15 years when they come back to their original communities with new homes and new hope,” he says. 

Hershman’s globe-trotting career path might not appeal to everyone, but the vocation suits him.

“I like to think that I am living differently in this world by choosing this profession,” Hershman says. “And by doing so I am not getting rich but am being enriched.”