Shelbi Henkle

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SHELBI HENKLE

Nonprofit Leader | Rural Development Advocate | Focused on Appalachia & Southwest Virginia I’m a Grove City College graduate (’22) with a B.A. in Political Science and concentrations in Psychology and National Security. Currently, I’ve recently received my Master’s in International Development (\'25) at the University of Pittsburgh’s SPIA program, concentrating in Nonprofit Management with a focus on economic and community development in rural areas. My experience includes a year-long AmeriCorps service term at Red Bird Mission in southeastern Kentucky, where I led efforts to expand broadband access, connect underserved communities, develop digital skilling programs, and write grants. I also served as the Northeastern Regional Outreach Coordinator with Lead For America and the American Connection Corps in Pittsburgh, further deepening my work in civic engagement and digital equity. Today, I serve Eden’s Farm as the Director of Development, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit focused on human trafficking survivor-centered services, gender-based violence, education, and advocacy. I’m passionate about nonprofit strategy, community empowerment, and building local capacity, especially for needs that are often overlooked. I have currently raised over in grants through my role as a grant writer and fundraiser. I’m exploring ways to expand my grant writing and community development skills into rural Virginia, particularly in Appalachian and Southwestern communities, with a vision of strengthening local nonprofits, improving access to resources, and fostering sustainable community growth. Let’s connect if you’re working in rural development, nonprofit leadership, or community-based initiatives—especially in the Virginia region. I’d love to learn from your work and explore ways we can collaborate.