In an age of growing crises and complex global challenges, one name stands tall as a symbol of unshakable resolve and heartfelt service: Sonali Korde, USAID. With over two decades of experience in international development, health policy, and humanitarian response, Korde’s journey is not just a story of personal success—it’s a powerful testament to the impact of purpose-driven leadership on the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Appointed as Assistant to the Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) in 2024, Sonali Korde now leads the U.S. government’s frontline efforts in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and global resilience. Her life and career reflect the fusion of empathy, intellect, and action—qualities desperately needed in today’s volatile global landscape.
Sonali Korde: A Global Vision Born in Two Worlds
Raised in Cranford, New Jersey, to Indian immigrant parents, Sonali grew up between two realities—America’s suburban comfort and India’s stark inequalities. Her frequent visits to India exposed her to a world of contrasts: immense cultural richness alongside extreme poverty. This dual exposure cultivated in her a strong sense of justice and compassion, which would become the bedrock of her life’s work.
As USAID Administrator Samantha Power beautifully articulated during her swearing-in ceremony, “Sonali is really a gift to us all… Seeing people with and people without only deepened her desire to address inequity and unfairness.”
Trailblazing Through USAID
Sonali Korde’s professional trajectory within USAID reads like a roadmap of service to humanity. Before becoming Assistant to the Administrator, she served as Deputy Assistant to the Administrator (DAA) of BHA. In this role, she was also appointed Deputy to the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, where she played a critical part in leading U.S. diplomacy efforts amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Her ability to navigate high-pressure diplomatic negotiations while keeping humanitarian priorities at the forefront made her a formidable advocate for those caught in conflict and crisis.
Earlier, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy in the Office of the USAID Administrator and Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, Sonali was instrumental in strengthening the bridge between USAID and the U.S. Congress. Her adept negotiation skills ensured consistent funding and legislative support for life-saving global programs.
Fighting Epidemics, Defending Humanity
Sonali Korde, USAID’s leadership, was equally visible during the world’s most severe health emergencies. As Senior Policy Advisor on the Ebola response in Eastern Congo and Deputy Director for Coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped synchronize inter-agency responses and ensured the delivery of critical support to affected populations.
At the National Security Council, Sonali served as Director for Global Health and Development, guiding U.S. strategies for addressing health threats such as MERS, Zika, and Ebola. She also contributed to the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda, an initiative that underscores the importance of strong health systems in preventing pandemics.
Sonali Korde: Championing Public Health Across Continents
From 2005 to 2013, Sonali Korde was a Senior Technical Advisor with the President’s Malaria Initiative. Here, she helped manage public health programs across Africa and Asia. Coordinating with WHO, UN agencies, NGOs, and national governments, she championed the fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases. She helped build stronger, more resilient health systems in the process.
Her academic foundation—a Master’s in International Relations from Yale University and a Bachelor’s in Economics from NYU—provided the analytical and strategic skills she continues to apply in each mission.
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