Pawan Adhikari is a finance professional with over 20 years
of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and project leadership
at organizations like SmartBiz, LendingClub, MUFG, and Citi.
He has led cross-functional teams, implemented financial best
practices, and optimised resource allocation. Now
volunteering on GHAR’s finance and project management
team, Pawan focuses on improving operational efficiency,
financial controls, and strategic growth. He holds an MBA
from Columbia University and a BA in Mathematics from
Dartmouth College. Pawan lives in San Francisco with his wife
and two sons, enjoying outdoor activities, biking, skiing,
literature, and travel.
Dr. Chandani Kharel graduated from Lady Hardinge Medical College,
New Delhi, India and obtained her MD from B.P. Koirala Institute of
Health Sciences, Nepal. She is a certified clinician specialising in
Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. In 2015, she pursued a Master’s
degree in Public Health from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp,
Belgium. She has over two decades of experience in the health sector
working as a Clinician and a public health professional. Her key areas of
work are in health systems strengthening, health policy and planning,
health systems research, gender and intersectionality, and project
management in the developing countries context in Asia, Africa and
Latin America. She currently consults for TDR-WHO, Geneva to support
the implementation of multiple projects of gender and infectious disease
portfolio globally.
Mo Lama is a Graphic Designer, Copywriter, Social Entrepreneur and
Activist, with over four decades of experience in advertising. She leads
Stimulus Advertizers, which launched major commercial brands and
social campaigns in Kathmandu. Mo is Chairperson at Chhahari Nepal
for Mental Health and Change Nepal, and Technical Advisor to Angalo
Jestha Jeevan. NGOs that focus on mental health, human rights, internal
trafficking survivors, gender based violence and senior citizens'
rights.
She is Founder Treasurer of the Women Entrepreneurs Association of
Nepal (WEAN), which established WEAN Cooperative, an
entrepreneur’s marketing cooperative and a Cooperative Bank. Mo was
also Co-Founder, Partner and Chair of Dhaka Weaves P. Ltd, a women’s
not-for-profit weaving initiative and Vice Chair at Ujyalo Foundation, a
feminist organisation.
Bhushita Vasistha is a Fulbright Scholar, fiction writer, and literary
researcher from Nepal, focused on Sanskrit poetry and ‘Chhanda
Kavita’
. She holds an MFA in Fiction and a Gold Medal in Journalism and
English Literature. Bhushita has contributed as a Consultant and
Translator for the BBC, ILO, and Nepal Folklore Society, bridging
linguistic and cultural gaps in South Asian literature. Her fiction and
nonfiction works have appeared in Riverteeth Journal, Mithila Review,
and anthologised in the publication by HarperCollins India. Recognised
with honours like the Fulbright Scholarship, Roberta Holloway
Scholarship, and Prativa Dhital Literary Award, Bhushita remains
committed to preserving and advancing classical poetic traditions by
reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences.
Surya Chataut spent over 20 years in IT as a Software Engineer in
the US, before shifting gears to focus on his love for art. Having now
moved back to Nepal, he fulfils his life’s passion as a photographer
and videographer. Surya brings a keen and aesthetic eye for detail
to his work. From tech projects to life behind the lens, Surya enjoys
capturing moments that will bring joy to others, long after the
moment has passed.
Prayerna is a multi-talented professional currently working in the
hospitality industry, bringing leadership and expertise to the forefront of
guest experience. She worked in the hospitality Industry in Kathmandu
before moving to the US. With a passion for creativity and cultural
exchange, she handles events, curating impactful experiences that bridge
art and community. Prayerna was a Radio Jockey when in Nepal and has
now rekindled her love for media and music. As Founder and Host of
Himalayan Soul on Clubhouse, she has created a unique space for multi
ethnic Artistes. She was App Icon in September, 2022. Prayerna is also
Founder of Bid for Nepal, an online auction initiative formed to raise
funds for tele-medicine in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prayerna is driven both by passion and purpose and loves new
adventures and ventures !
Kabin Maleku is a healthcare professional with expertise in aged care
management, epidemiology and pharmaceutical policy. He holds a
Master of Pharmacy from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science,
Pilani, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of
Health Sciences. Kabin is an Australia Awardee Alumnus, Founder and
COO of Novala Biotech and has held leadership roles in Danphe Care and
ASK Foundation. He has led initiatives in telemedicine, pharmacy
practice, and health system strengthening, including launching a Poison
Information Centre in Nepal and driving healthcare efforts during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Passionate about innovation and policy
development, Kabin advocates for better healthcare access, particularly
for Migrant Workers.
Dr. Kisu Rawal is a public health specialist and medical doctor
committed to advancing HIV-related health initiatives. Kisu has a Master
of International Public Health from University of Sydney and a Bachelor
of Medicine and Surgery from Dalian Medical University, China. She has
accumulated extensive experiences working in China, Australia, and
Nepal. Kisu has led efforts in implementing, monitoring, and enhancing
HIV programmes across various organisations, showcasing a deep
dedication to improving public health outcomes. In addition to her
professional achievements, Kisu is a founding, organising committee
lead of The Empowered Women, an initiative dedicated to connecting
Nepali Women worldwide, through mentorship, capacity building and
knowledge sharing.
Lorina Sthapit is an experienced Project Manager specialising
in community development, empowerment and social
entrepreneurship. She is an MSc in Gender and Development
Studies and holds certifications in social entrepreneurship and
domestic violence advocacy . Lorina has worked in Nepal,
Uganda, Uzbekistan, and the United States, collaborating with
diverse teams. She brings a wealth of expertise to GHAR’s
Project Management T eam. Lorina is also a certified Yoga
Instructor .
Dr. Nasatya Khadka earned his MD from Emilio Aguinaldo
College, Philippines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he
contributed to telemedicine consultations in Nepal through his
work with Sano Paila and Sahayeta.org. Nasatya was also
involved in research focused on Migrant Workers and
collaborated with Nepal Development Society on various
public health initiatives. Dr. Khadka is currently pursuing his
Internal Medicine Residency at Sparrow Hospital, University of
Michigan, US. He lives in Michigan with his wife, Dr. Pooja K C.
In his free time, he enjoys sports and nature.
Dr. Pooja K C completed her MBBS from Gandaki Medical
College, Pokhara, Nepal. She was involved in research focused
on the health and well-being of migrant workers and
collaborated with Nepal Development Society on public health
initiatives while in Nepal. She currently resides in Michigan,US
with her husband, Dr. Nasatya Khadka. In her free time, she
enjoys spending time in nature and trekking.
Anurag Devkota is a Civil Society Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan
University and a Global Criminal Justice Fellow at the University of
Oxford. He is a Nepal-based Human Rights Lawyer and Researcher with
expertise in global migration governance, labour rights, and social
justice for low-skilled Migrant Workers. With over a decade of
experience, he has led strategic litigations on issues like Migrant
Worker deaths, diaspora voting rights, and fair recruitment legislation.
Anurag has collaborated with organisations such as ILO, Amnesty
International, and Solidarity Center on policy development and
advocacy.