Washington, District of Columbia, United States
🌍 Strategic Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience Leader | Systems Thinker | Humanitarian and Development Innovator With over 25 years of global experience, I lead transformational strategies at the intersection of climate justice, disaster risk reduction, environmental resilience, and community wellbeing. From multilateral climate resilience funding to grassroots adaptation, my work bridges local realities with global policy to drive nature-based, equity-centered solutions. I’m currently seeking executive- or senior-level opportunities—whether full-time, part-time, consultancy, or philanthropic partnerships—where I can help shape strategy and amplify impact at the intersection of climate justice, resilience, and systems change. I’m open to expanding my network and exploring meaningful collaboration—and invite you to connect with me. Email: [email protected]
Disaster Resilience LLC is the consulting practice and learning lab founded and led by Sarah Henly-Shepard, MPH, PhD, specializing in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable, just, nature-based community-led solutions. Sarah partners with civil society, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, multilaterals, government and private sector entities, to design and deliver integrated resilience solutions that are technically rigorous, equity-driven, and grounded in local realities. Her work focuses on bridging the humanitarian–development–climate nexus—supporting clients to move beyond short-term response toward long-term, systems transformation. Disaster Resilience LLC services include: - Climate adaptation & resilience strategy design rooted in systems thinking - Nature-based solutions (NbS) and ecological approaches to risk reduction and climate resilience - Community-centered and locally-led program design & facilitation - Policy translation, partnership development & resource mobilization - Advisory services and thought leadership across climate resilience, displacement, and urban risk - Co-creating and leading innovative learning lab environments and working group cohorts Sarah's approach integrates over 25 years of experience across international development and humanitarian contexts, with a focus on social justice, locally-led action, and regenerative, place-based solutions. At its core, Disaster Resilience LLC reflects Sarah's commitment to supporting communities, institutions, and landscapes prepare, cope, adapt and transform in the face of intersecting climate, environment and humanitarian crises.
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of this mission-driven, women-led consultancy dedicated to reimagining humanitarian and development systems through principled, locally led, and adaptive approaches. We support organizations and networks navigating this critical inflection point in the aid sector—offering strategic advisory services in strategy development, program design, policy, operations, and partnerships. Our work is grounded in deep field experience and a commitment to more effective, inclusive, and accountable aid.
Led the design and implementation of climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and nature-based solutions strategies across humanitarian and development sectors, aligning with global best practices and local priorities. Represented USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) in multilateral forums and global climate networks, providing thought leadership to influence international climate policy and promote just, community-centered climate action. Served as a thought partner and strategic donor, engaging with INGOs, national governments, and civil society organizations to co-create and steward funding strategies, policies, industry standards, design RFPs and review proposals, and guide climate resilience programming grounded in equity and environmental sustainability across portfolios.
Provided technical support and thought leadership to Mercy Corps Headquarter and field teams, USAID missions, NGO and other implementing partners, on the applied research and adaptive management of projects on resilience measurement, livelihoods and development, climate information services, and climate change adaptation, particularly within complex humanitarian emergencies and fragile states. Provided technical leadership and support on workshop design and facilitation, program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, proposals, presentations and strategic thought leadership on resilience, climate change adaptation, natural resource and environmental management, and disaster risk reduction application within complex crisis and post-disaster contexts. Spearheaded the formation of a cross-cutting humanitarian & resilience advisory committee and toolkit to foster integration of resilience across the global humanitarian portfolio. Led an institutional needs assessment and case study for a global resilience community of practice. Conducted research and write action briefs, technical guidance, book chapters and case studies for donors, partners, policymakers, technical units and field staff Managed climate, environment and DRR consultants and teams Provided technical support for a Strategic Resilience Assessments for resilience integration into humanitarian and early recovery programming in complex crises. Directed and managed a global COVID-19 Response team including WASH, Public Health, Social and Behavior Change and Communications.
Sarah served as the GNDR Global Board regional representative for North America. The Regional Representatives of GNDR's Global Board are 12 members appointed from among the GNDR membership through a democratic process based on geographical constituencies. The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) is the largest international network of organisations committed to working together to improve the lives of people affected by disasters world-wide.