Volunteer Spotlight: Adelia Gray 

The experience Adelia Gray gained in Morocco as a Peace Corps volunteer makes her supremely equipped to volunteer with Sambhali U.S. She served as a Youth Development Specialist for gender and youth empowerment in a remote community in the north African country. 

“I definitely think my Peace Corps service lends itself to my work at Sambhali U.S.,” she says. “Because I implemented programs with such a strong gender focus, I learned how to apply a gender lens to the projects I manage, the grants I write, and the materials I create. While volunteering at Sambhali U.S., I have found this skill to be essential for thriving in my role.” 

Today the New York native, who now calls Washington, DC, home and has a Masters in International Development Studies, works as a Program Officer for the Youth Exchange program at World Learning, a non-profit organization. For Sambhali U.S. she supports the SUStenance project, has done extensive grant research and helped with the submission of multiple grant requests to fund projects, and has developed plans to engage and sustain donors. These tasks require tenacity, attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s work and impact. “These are qualities that Adelia has in abundance,” says Shereen Arent, President of Sambhali U.S. “She is also passionate about the work we do, dedicated to the highest standards in everything she takes on—and a lot of fun to work with no matter what the project.”  

Adelia started volunteering with Sambhali U.S. because of its investment in women and girls. “Having lived and worked in several countries where women and girls face enormous barriers simply because of their gender, I wanted to be part of an organization that empowers these individuals through sustainable, local, and female-led approaches. Sambhali resonated with me not only because of the what but also the how.” 

“Building the road to economic independence and instilling self-confidence and dignity in the women and girls of Rajasthan is personally meaningful to me,” she continues. “While working in other countries, and even within this country, I have seen so many women and young girls who are tossed aside, dismissed, or abused simply because of their gender. The Sambhali U.S. mission strives to enable these individuals to raise themselves up and find their own voices.” 

In her limited downtime, Adelia loves a good puzzle (crossword or jigsaw), hiking, and whipping up a delicious Moroccan meal. And while Sambhali U.S. is grateful for her service, she credits it with helping her grow. “I have strengthened my skills in grant writing, grant research, and stewardship strategies. A big thank you to those who have been part of my journey so far at Sambhali U.S.—I have learned a lot from you.”