Sambhali U.S. is pleased to welcome Adelia Gray to its Board of Directors. Readers may remember Adelia from the Spring 2022 newsletter, where she was featured in our Volunteer Spotlight. Adelia has been a core member of Sambhali U.S.’s Development Committee, with her many contributions including grant research and writing, corporate outreach, and developing the community-based SUStenace program. Her development expertise and global perspective make her a natural fit for the board, where she’ll help guide how Sambhali U.S. sustains its support for women and girls in Rajasthan.

Adelia shared a bit about herself so the wider Sambhali community can get to know her.

Q: Please tell us about the professional, educational, and personal background you bring to your work at Sambhali U.S.

Adelia: My background spans program operations, grant compliance, and stakeholder engagement across multiple countries, including Iraq, Uganda, and Malawi. In my roles at World Learning and Pact, I’ve managed complex programs, donor relationships, and compliance systems. I also bring extensive international development experience, beginning with my service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco and continuing through roles that have deepened my commitment to community‑led development. Personally, I’m committed to women’s empowerment and dignity centered programming, which makes Sambhali’s mission a natural fit for my values and experience.

Q: Every board member has a unique journey to this role. Please describe yours.

My journey to the board began with a longstanding interest in community driven development and women’s empowerment. I first connected with Sambhali as a volunteer, and through that experience I saw firsthand how deeply the organization centers dignity and opportunity. When I was invited to join the board, it felt like a natural extension of both my professional background and my personal values.

Q: What is important to you about serving on the Sambhali U.S. board?

It’s important to me that Sambhali U.S. supports programs that create real opportunities for women and girls. Serving on the board allows me to help strengthen that work, expand access, and ensure we’re supporting Sambhali Trust in ways that are thoughtful and sustainable.