Indian-American Sonali Korde assumed her role on Monday as assistant to USAID Administrator Samantha Power for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. At the swearing-in ceremony, Power hailed Korde as a valuable addition, emphasizing her upbringing shaped by her parents’ migration from India and their commitment to justice and equity.
Korde’s childhood experiences, including frequent visits to India, exposed her to stark socioeconomic disparities, fueling her sense of justice and determination to address inequities. Before her current position, Korde served as deputy assistant to the administrator for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, where she played a key role in addressing humanitarian crises, including the situation in Gaza.
Prior to her role at USAID, Korde served on the National Security Council staff as director for Global Health and Development, overseeing the US government’s global health initiatives. With extensive experience in managing malaria and public health programs in Africa and Asia, Korde has been instrumental in coordinating efforts with various international organizations, NGOs, and government partners.
Korde’s academic background includes an MA in international relations from Yale University and a BS in economics from New York University, underscoring her multidisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges. Her appointment underscores the US government’s commitment to effective humanitarian assistance and global development efforts.
