Welcome, Sherry DeLeon

Good news! The American Friends of Asian Rural Institute welcomes Sherry DeLeon to our staff in the role of Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator on January 19, 2021.

Sherry brings over two decades of professional experience in the nonprofit community, with strong roots in faith-based and global organizations. An early position with the American Red Cross engaged her in emergency services in the United States and refugee services in Macedonia and in Afghanistan. She was called to work in fundraising after these early experiences showed her the steady need for more resources to carry out direct service work. After making that transition, she joined Lutheran Family Services in North Carolina. She has also worked for community colleges and universities, as an instructor and fundraiser, and for several organizations committed to health, education and justice globally. She serves on the board for the Nanubhai Education Foundation, which supports girls’ education in India.

Board President Margret Hofmeister comments, “Sherry impresses me as enthusiastic, professional and genuinely commited to improving the lives of others. As AFARI begins this next chapter, we welcome Sherry with joy and confidence.”

Sherry looks forward to reaching out to the AFARI community of supporters right away. She is eager to talk about our shared commitments to rural leadership and sustainable communities globally, having had the chance to pursue these goals while at the Carey Institute for Global Good. She also hopes to connect around her friendships and experiences in Japan, where she lived for three years.

I am truly honored to join such a worthwhile cause,” Sherry notes. “AFARI helps to support a transformative experience that leads to sustainable change in rural communities across the globe. I am excited to help grow this initiative and, in partnership with our supporters, increase this impact globally.”