Staff: Adriana Roman

Adriana Roman serves as the Operations Director for Friends of the Children–He Sapa. Originally from Poland, Adriana moved abroad after completing college and went on to live, work, and travel extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Her international experiences include time in Poland, Ireland, Spain, Syria, India, Afghanistan, and Japan before she eventually made South Dakota her home.

Adriana brings a diverse professional background and a broad international perspective to her work. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of fields, including archaeology, education, operations and human resources.

She has managed archaeological excavations, taught English as a foreign language, and held professional roles in operations and human resources. Her experiences have provided her with the opportunity to work with people from many different cultures and backgrounds and have strengthened her ability to adapt, lead, and build meaningful relationships.

Her passion for supporting children and expanding educational opportunities has been a consistent thread throughout her career. While living in Kolkata, India, Adriana worked with children from underserved communities, and in Kabul, Afghanistan, she led a literacy program during a period of conflict. These experiences reinforced her belief in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and consistent support in helping young people overcome challenges and reach their potential.

Adriana is passionate about education, archaeology, history, literature, nature, and running. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring with her two sons, who share her love of sports and adventure. She is grateful to call South Dakota home and is proud to contribute to a mission focused on helping children build brighter and more successful futures.