Donor Spotlight: Christina Kerndal
She Makes a Ritual of Giving

Long-time Sambhali supporter Christina Kerndal has global connections. She calls California home, lived in Guatemala for many years, was born and raised in Denmark, and has strong business ties to India. “I have always felt like a citizen of the world rather than one country. I have travelled to over 50 countries so far.”

Christina is the owner of Ritual, a purveyor of handcrafted sterling silver, brass, and copper jewelry – often made from recycled materials. She creates the designs and artisan silversmiths in Rajasthan, India turn them into rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Her first retail store opened in 2001 in Antigua, Guatemala. She sold jewelry, clothes, and textiles. Later, she began selling antique Indian furniture. “I started out importing jewelry and slowly got more involved with making the designs,” she says. Ritual jewelry became a reality in 2014.

Christina visited Sambhali Trust for the first time in 2009 and her most recent visit was in 2019. “I hope to visit again soon,” she says. “I follow all the posts, newsletters, and read the annual reports. I am delighted to see the progress and thoroughness in which things are planned and how quickly emergency actions are implemented when necessary.” 

Though she has been a financial supporter of Sambhali for well over 10 years, in 2018, Chistina began donating 3% of Ritual’s profits to Sambhali Trust. Additionally, Christina uses her extensive network to raise awareness of Sambhali U.S. and the need to support its work.

“Christina was one of the first people I spoke with when we were establishing Sambahli U.S. and her longstanding dedication to the women and girls of Sambhali is a model for all of us,” said Shereen Arent, President of Sambhali U.S. “She has not only made an ongoing commitment herself but reaches out to others across the country who she thinks will share her passion for all that Sambhali is accomplishing.” Christina adds, “I don’t like to pressure others to give, but I do share my own enthusiasm with anyone wanting to know about it. Everyone can do something on whatever level they feel comfortable with.”

“Seeing the dedication and passion to make [things] happen for so many girls and women who otherwise would have little hope of changing their situations made me want to get involved with raising funds and awareness via my business. I’m excited to see what is next for Sambhali. I’m sure it will be nothing short of amazing.”