Leading Positive Change with the Peace Corps: A&S Alum Giselle Sami

Alum Giselle Sami Dalili says they chose U of T for its unparalleled access to vocational resources and experiential learning.
Image credit: Justine Apple.

University of Toronto Arts & Science and New College alum Giselle Sami Dalili (NEW ’24) is enhancing the English language skills of Ethiopian educators through the Peace Corp’s Virtual Services Pilot program, thanks to their U of T degree.

Born in Los Angeles, Dalili spent their childhood in Türkiye, France, Iran and Canada. This cosmopolitan upbringing gave them a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong commitment to social justice, prompting Dalili to seek a university that aligned with their values.

“U of T offered me the strongest combination of vocational and financial resources, and I wanted to live somewhere with public transit, accessible urban planning and a lot of green space,” says Dalili. “I remember coming to Toronto for the first time and thinking: ‘This is beautiful. This is a haven.’”

Dalili earned their honours bachelor of arts degree as a member of New College, studying political science, sociology and environmental studies. They were drawn to A&S courses that encouraged experiential learning and critical thinking.

“U of T prepared me in ways I didn’t even realize during my undergraduate degree. It wasn’t just the coursework — it was the people, the challenges and the community that shaped who I am today.”

“I enjoyed the seminar and project-based courses the most,” says Dalili. “Now that I work in pedagogy, I appreciate even more how those classes enabled me to understand the needs of the educators I’m now collaborating with.”

Dalili also immersed themself in student life, taking on leadership roles as president of the U of T Environmental Resource Network and volunteering with the U of T Accessibility Awareness Club.

“I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14, which gave me a unique perspective — I knew what life was like before and after becoming disabled. That understanding pushed me to work toward better accessibility, not just at university but in all aspects of life.”

After graduating in 2024, Dalili joined the Peace Corps and worked with university professors in Ethiopia. Although English is the language of instruction for all higher learning institutions in the country, many educators struggle with proficiency due to various socio-economic factors.

From their home in California, Dalili provides virtual lessons — either in small groups or one-on-one — to help instructors build confidence in using English in their classrooms. Their work also supports student success across Ethiopia, where access to quality education and teacher training remain national priorities.

“My time at U of T was essential to my understanding of professional communication and curriculum development,” says Dalili. “Working with accomplished scholars requires me to demonstrate confidence in my abilities, and my experiences lobbying and working with university administration prepared me for that challenge.”

Dalili plans to continue working in foreign affairs with a focus on policy ethics and humanitarian aid.

“U of T prepared me in ways I didn’t even realize during my undergraduate degree,” says Dalili. “It wasn’t just the coursework — it was the people, the challenges and the community that shaped who I am today.”

Originally published on March 26, 2025 by David Goldberg of A&S News.