In the world of humanitarian work, there are leaders—and then there are those who lead with such deep compassion, humility, and vision that their presence continues to inspire long after their role evolves. Virginia Pycroft, who has served as Country Director of ADRA Timor-Leste for the past four and a half years, is one of those rare leaders. While she steps away from this chapter in Timor-Leste, she remains a deeply valued part of the ADRA family, and her impact continues to ripple across communities, teams, and hearts throughout the region.
Virginia’s journey with ADRA is not confined to a single country or role. It’s a story shaped by movement, faith, and a lifelong commitment to service. From her roots in New Zealand to leadership roles in the Pacific, Samoa, and now Timor-Leste, she has walked closely with communities, learned from the ground up, and carried with her a constant drive to build systems that empower—not just assist.
- What makes Virginia’s leadership stand out is her ability to genuinely connect—with people, with purpose, and with place. When she arrived in Timor-Leste, she didn’t just bring international development experience; she brought curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to adapt.
- She embraced the local culture, learned the language, and immersed herself in the community—earning the respect of her team and the trust of partners on every level.
- Under her leadership, ADRA Timor-Leste strengthened its reach and deepened its impact. Her focus was not just on outcomes but on ownership—ensuring that communities were not passive recipients of aid but active drivers of change.
- Whether through livelihood initiatives, education support, or emergency response, Virginia always asked the deeper questions: “Are we truly empowering people? Are we helping them lead their own journey?”
This heart for people and purpose came through beautifully in her appearance on ADRA Asia’s video podcast series, While on Earth. In the episode titled “Building People, not just projects” Virginia opened up about what drives her work, the importance of listening before acting, and why creating space for others to grow is central to effective leadership.
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- During the interview, she reflected on moments that changed her—not just as a leader, but as a human being. From walking through remote villages to sitting in policy meetings, her commitment has remained the same: to stand with the most vulnerable and to nurture environments where potential can flourish.
- One of the most powerful takeaways from her conversation was her belief that “leadership is about removing barriers.” She spoke of the courage it takes to let others lead, the joy in seeing someone rise, and the quiet strength it requires to serve without needing recognition. For Virginia, it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—but about creating space for the right voices to be heard.
- Throughout her years in Timor-Leste, Virginia cultivated a team that reflected these values. She mentored her staff, encouraged local leadership, and fostered a culture where collaboration and compassion walked hand in hand. Her legacy isn’t only seen in reports or statistics—it lives on in the people she believed in and empowered.
- While Virginia now moves into a new season, her work continues to echo within ADRA’s mission. She remains part of the ADRA family, and her journey is far from over. Her voice, wisdom, and example will continue to influence how ADRA leads—with heart, with purpose, and with a fierce commitment to justice, compassion, and love.
As we celebrate her contributions, we are reminded that change-makers like Virginia don’t simply leave footprints—they plant seeds. Seeds of hope, of strength, and of transformation.
To our dear colleague and friend—thank you, Virginia, for showing us what it means to serve with your whole heart. Wherever your journey leads next, you carry with you the gratitude, admiration, and blessings of all of us across the ADRA Asia network.
You’ll always have a home here.
Written by: Christo Samuel Sanakian
ADRA ASIA RECORDS
