Our Story

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Stats are from 2024

Our Purpose

To serve humanity so all may live as God intended.

Our Motto

Justice. Compassion. Love.

Who We Are

We are the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—part of the 21.9-million strong Adventist community, with hundreds of thousands of churches globally and the world’s largest integrated healthcare and education network.

We deliver relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 118 countries—regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, or religious association.

By partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments, we are able to deliver culturally relevant programs and build local capability for sustainable change.

Where We Work

Our work touches millions of lives in more than 118 countries around the world. Our on-the-ground approach allows immediate assistance in times of crisis and true partnership with the communities we serve.

Our Leadership

President

PAULO LOPES

Paulo Lopes was appointed President of ADRA International after three decades of service with the agency.

Lopes brings extensive humanitarian experience from a career spanning multiple countries at both field level and in global leadership, most recently serving as Regional Director of ADRA South America. He has been instrumental in expanding ADRA’s impact worldwide, particularly through his role in the development of a new strategic framework for the organization’s 118 network offices.

Lopes is dedicated to empowering communities, embracing innovation, and creating opportunities for all to reach their God-given potential. Under his leadership, ADRA moves into a new chapter focused on faith and continuing to serve with justice, compassion, and love.

Lopes has been married to his wife, Edra, for almost 40 years, and the couple have two adult sons, Lucas and Marcos.

VP For Humanitarian Affairs & Excellence

Imad Madanat

Imad Madanat was selected as Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs in October 2023, having served as the Vice President for Programs since 2013. The ADRA veteran has served the agency for more than a decade in various roles, including Senior Program Finance Manager and Country Finance Director in Yemen. Madanat’s wealth of experience includes program expansion into new countries and managing portfolios of innovative projects.

VP For Sustainable Development

Sonya Funna Evelyn

Sonya Funna Evelyn has served as ADRA’s Senior Director for Programs and Innovation since 2016, helping define the vision and direction for ADRA International, as well as managing and mentoring a diverse team of more than 30 technical, business development, and program learning experts. In addition, Ms. Funna Evelyn has helped develop partnerships with corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, and foundations, and is a key representative of ADRA to donors, partners, and other stakeholders. She is also the chair of ADRA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to ensure policies align with reality.

VP For Finance

Jair Parada

As the Vice President of Finance, Jair Parada is a visionary finance leader with more than 27 years of global experience transforming organizations and advancing mission impact across the international development and faith-based sectors. As Senior Director for Finance and Operations at ADRA International, he lead complex strategic initiatives—including the global rollout of SunPlus and a comprehensive accounting system transformation—strengthening financial systems, enhancing compliance, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

Renowned for his ability to navigate complexity, lead through change, and inspire teams by example, Mr Parada has held senior leadership roles across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, successfully managing multimillion-dollar portfolios funded by USAID, Australian Aid, European Commission and the private sector. His leadership is characterized by building collaborative, cross-cultural teams, driving operational excellence, and embedding financial strategy at the heart of mission delivery.

Mr. Parada holds a Master of Science in Administration from Andrews University and a BBA in Accounting from Central America Adventist University. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he brings a global perspective, a deep sectoral insight and a commitment to ethical stewardship in every aspect of his work.

Fueled by faith and guided by purpose, Mr. Parada’s leadership is marked by strategic vision, ethical stewardship, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Mr. Parada is married to Hanlie, and together they are proud parents of two teenagers. Family, faith, and service continue to be central to his journey both personally and professionally.

VP For Strategic Engagement & Growth

Teresa Ferreira

Teresa Ferreira was appointed as Vice President of Strategic Engagement & Growth in October of 2025. More recently she served in the Philanthropy & Marketing department at ADRA Canada. She comes from a diverse leadership background within the Adventist Church, including education and conference administration. Teresa sees the Adventist faith as a legacy of truth seekers, committed Christ-followers and Advent Hope messengers. The passion to keep the young and old, alike, in our church and spiritually on fire for an absolute God of love in a world that triumphs compromise is woven into every detail of who she is and what she represents. She considers her ministry for God to be the lifeblood of her very soul, and challenges people to hold fast to Psalm 16:8 and “not be moved”. Very simply, we all must be committed to the remnant cause of service that others may know our Jesus through the lens of being His hands and feet! Teresa says, “For a truly meaningful experience, coming along side ADRA in our humanitarian efforts will only strengthen the gospel-cause of Jesus’ example through partnering with each other in the name of justice, compassion and love so all may live as God intended.”

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