Sumali has been an accompanying partner of the US Foreign Service for 19 years. In this interview, she describes the challenges of returning to the US job market after so many years of living abroad.
Sumali highlights the need for EFMs to reflect (and even wallow), but most importantly, to give themselves space and grace during the transition “back home.” And, she gives us advice on how to take advantage of job opportunities and resources available while abroad—such as non-competitive eligibility and clearances—which will help secure better jobs in the US.
Looking forward, Sumali wants to continue living her own purpose and sharing her wisdom and practices with other EFMs through her coaching to help them find opportunities that align with their purpose and bring them joy.
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BIO
Sumali Ray-Ross is Indian by birth, an American, and a citizen of the world. She is a Global Health and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Expert, an Intercultural Coach and Speaker, Mother and Spouse.
Over the past 20 years, she has lived in 7 countries in Asia, Africa and the US. Her work has taken her to Central and Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Sumali has navigated the highs and lows of constant transitions from one country to another, re-engineering herself, over and over again, while meeting the needs of her CCK/TCK/biracial children and family both home and abroad.
After returning back to the US right before COVID, Sumali went back to school to get certified as a Life and Leadership & Health and Wellness Coach. She is also a certified Holding Space and a Deep Coaching Intensive Practitioner and combines these coaching practices with meditation, mindfulness, tapping, and reiki to holistically support her clients.
Sumali’s coaching motto is ‘Meeting you where you are in your life & wellness journey.’ She has combined her professional and personal experiences to coach clients on life and leadership issues in the U.S. and overseas.
She helps women identify strategic volunteering or work opportunities, upgrade their skills/expertise to re-enter the workforce, and create a work/life balance that includes self-care practices. In doing so, they can meet the challenges of their ever-evolving lives with determination, grit, resiliency, and courage.
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Connect with Sumali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumalirayross/
