Volunteer Spotlight:

Introducing our newest board members
Meet Hayley Corey and Khusbu Patel

Interviewed by Dina Baker

Hayley Corey

Khusbu Patel

On Sunday, October 29, the Sambhali U.S. Board of Directors unanimously voted to add two new members to its ranks: Hayley Corey and Khusbu Patel. Hayley and Khusbu both previously volunteered on the Communications Committee for Sambhali U.S. In addition to their continued work in communications, Hayley now serves on the Development Committee and takes the lead in our corporate giving strategy while Khusbu now chairs the Volunteer Engagement Committee. I interviewed both new board members to learn more about them and their commitment to the work of Sambhali U.S.

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

Khusbu: I have a master’s degree in public health and have worked in the nonprofit public health sector. This work has taught me cultural competency, ethical approaches, and communication with a diverse group of individuals. I was born and raised for my first 13 years in India, and I have a deep connection to the culture, people, traditions, and my family there. I have a strong desire and need to give back to that community in a sustainable manner, which has been very pertinent to my interest and engagement with Sambhali U.S. I would like all the girls and women across the world to have an opportunity to obtain the education they desire.

Hayley: I have a BA in Marketing Communications from Simmons University and close to 10 years of experience in that field for health, human services, transportation, and financial services organizations. I’m passionate about supporting women and girls in my local community and internationally. Locally, this started when I volunteered for Strong Women, Strong Girls in Boston before leading its Simmons University chapter. Internationally, I pour my skills and heart into Sambhali U.S.

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

Khusbu: I first learned about Sambhali U.S. through posts on LinkedIn. I reached out to learn more and became a communications volunteer. In that work, I got to hear a lot of empowering women talk about their journeys and desires. I loved interviewing the girls and hearing about their stories and their big dreams. It really inspired me to do better in my life and feel gratitude for the opportunities that were afforded to me.

Hayley: I heard about Sambhali U.S. in 2019 from a member of its board of directors. Just before my wedding, I read Saroj’s story and learned about the typical lives of child brides in India. As I was getting ready to marry my best friend, I couldn’t help but think about the women in India and the autonomy I have in life. As a Sambhali U.S. volunteer, my first role was helping to draft the women’s and girls’ stories into blog posts for the organization’s website. I would listen to their courageous stories and have the privilege of helping to bring them to others. As I’ve become a more seasoned volunteer, I started supporting the storytelling features in our annual report and newsletters. As a board member, I will continue in this capacity and take responsibility for some new development opportunities.

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

Khusbu: It’s an honor to serve on the board and work alongside some of the most passionate individuals I have met. It’s important to me to be a board member because I can see the vision for the organization being set in real time. As chair of the Volunteer Engagement Committee, I hope to create an engaging, equitable, and innovative culture with the volunteers who join Sambhali U.S.

Hayley: When I first became involved, I was astonished to learn how women and girls are treated in Rajasthan, India. The women and girls who are part of the programs created by Sambhali Trust are working to change their destinies. I want to help tell and share their stories so the rest of the world can understand their strength. One of my goals in life is to help women and girls live the lives they dream of. Women and girls in Rajasthan have so many barriers in their way from the start; it’s important to me to use every skill I have to support the futures they want for themselves.

Q: Finally, what’s something that our readers might be surprised or interested to learn about you?

Khusbu: I speak three languages, and English is the last one I learned. I love photography, seeing new places, and experiencing cultures.

Hayley: I love DIY home renovation projects. Over the last five years or so, my husband and I have taught ourselves how to tile, wallpaper, design room layouts, and much more. I really enjoy starting a project and seeing it through to the end—and being able to use power tools is a bonus!