Hands Across the Sea: A Leadership Transition Letter

If we’ve seemed a little quieter than usual lately, it’s because we’ve been hard at work—really hard at work. While programs across the Eastern Caribbean have continued to thrive thanks to our remarkable in-island teams, those of us on the U.S. side have been focused on preparing Hands Across the Sea for its next chapter.

Today, I’m writing to share something deeply personal and profoundly meaningful: I will soon be transitioning out of my role as Executive Director.

It’s hard to put into words what these past five years have meant to me. From the very beginning, this wasn’t just a role—it was a calling. Something in my heart told me that if I didn’t say yes to Hands, something important might be lost. And so I jumped in with both feet, determined to ensure the survival and success of this beautiful, mission-driven organization that believes every child deserves the joy of reading and the promise of a bright future.

What we’ve built together has been nothing short of transformational. We turned programs into institutions. We moved from having to convince people that libraries matter to being flooded with requests from schools eager to join the movement. We grew from a patchwork of efforts into a cohesive organization with shared purpose and unified vision.

We expanded and enhanced the CLASS program into a true pillar of literacy and community partnership. We introduced the Early Pages Programme, ensuring that the power of reading begins not at age five, but far earlier—reaching parents, caregivers, and toddlers at a time when it can shape the entire trajectory of their lives. These programs are quickly becoming models for how to build scalable, replicable early childhood literacy initiatives—ones that not only foster a love of reading, but also cultivate meaningful parental involvement and community engagement through child-centered learning.

Our work also expanded into regional advocacy and systems-level leadership. For the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving on the OECS Regional Education Group as a development partner, contributing to the advancement of education policy in the region. In 2023, I was honored to serve as a delegate to the OECS Council of Ministers of Education, helping to represent the role of literacy in regional education planning. That same year, I was invited to present the Early Pages Programme at the UNICEF–OECS Learning Conference, introducing our model to education leaders from 12 regional countries. These opportunities allowed Hands Across the Sea to contribute meaningfully to regional strategy—positioning literacy not only as an essential academic skill, but as a critical foundation for lifelong development, equity, and opportunity throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

Behind the scenes, I also had the privilege of overseeing complex international operations. Over these past five years, I led the coordination of large-scale book shipments across six countries, navigated shipping disruptions, customs regulations, and international procurement challenges, and ensured program continuity through global supply chain crises, a pandemic, and natural disasters. These efforts weren’t glamorous—but they were essential. They made it possible for our Literacy Links to deliver, for teachers to be equipped, and for children to have access to the books and resources they deserve.

Together, we navigated disaster after disaster—volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, pandemics—and never wavered in our belief that books, stories, and literacy are not luxuries, but lifelines.

This next season of growth for Hands Across the Sea will be led by a new Executive Director. I had the privilege of guiding the hiring process as a consultant, alongside our Board Chair and Vice Chair, and I can say with confidence that the organization is in strong and capable hands. I will remain on throughout the month of May as an Executive Consultant to support a smooth transition and continue working closely with the board and incoming ED to maintain momentum.

I’m also honored to share that I have been named Director Emeritus—a legacy title that reflects my ongoing connection to Hands as a friend, partner, and lifelong champion.

“As Board Chair, it is both an honor and a privilege to recognize the extraordinary leadership of our outgoing Executive Director, Amanda Sherlip. Over the past five years, Amanda has transformed Hands Across the Sea into a beacon of innovation, resilience, and impact. Her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and compassionate leadership have not only strengthened our programs—they have expanded our reach, deepened our relationships, and elevated our mission to new heights. We are immensely grateful for her tireless efforts and the countless lives she has touched through her commitment. While we will deeply miss her daily presence, her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us as she transitions into the role of Director Emeritus.”
— Leah Garratt, Board Chair, Hands Across the Sea

This title is deeply meaningful to me. Hands Across the Sea has helped shape who I am—as a leader, a person, and a mother. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many of you—donors, educators, community partners, and volunteers—who have become part of my extended family. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me, for the boldness of your belief in this mission, and for the countless ways you’ve shown up for the children we serve.

This is not a goodbye. It’s a transition. And it’s a celebration.

Thank you for the honor of walking this path with me. I hope you’ll continue walking with Hands in the years to come.

With love and deep appreciation,

Amanda Sherlip
Executive Director (for just a little longer)
Director Emeritus, Hands Across the Sea