Prior to joining MassDevelopment, Adelsa served as the Business Assistance Manager for the City of Brockton, at the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA), where her understanding of diverse populations, community building, and outgoing character were fundamental to enhancing minority-owned business access to critical resources, such as COVID-19 relief funds. She was responsible for building relevant partnerships to help address Brockton small businesses needs and nurture a sustainable and stronger small business enterprise. Adelsa spent nearly 10 years working as the Coordinator of Immigration Affairs at the Consulate of Cape Verde in the United States, where she provided case management to over 400 individuals. She also spent time working in a law office in Lisbon, specifically supporting the implementation of an International Financial Institution in Cape Verde. She has a Juris Doctor from the University of Lisbon.