Where impact and returns grow together

Dr Manju Thapa Tuladhar is a systems thinker with 30 years of extensive experience in inclusive policy, strategy and programming. She has completed over hundred gender and inclusion analysis, impactful research, and critical policy dialogues. With a PhD from University of Birmingham, England, Dr Manju excels as facilitator and co-design practitioner using locally led, data-driven, collaborative and multisectoral approaches to drive profound social norm change.

Prabhat Kumar has over 20 years of experience working with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), USAID, the World Bank, UN agencies, and national governments on digital transformation, information management, infrastructure development, and public policy across South Asia and the United States. With a background in civil engineering and advanced degrees in geo-information science and earth observation, as well as public administration from Harvard Kennedy School, his work has touched areas such as urban infrastructure, mapping, transportation, emergency response, reconstruction, peace processes, and electoral reforms.

Kanchan Gurung is an experienced Portfolio Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the international trade and development industry. She served in senior management roles for USAID’s Economic Growth partners in Nepal. With a Master’s degree in Social Science, she an expert in negotiations and budgets. She specializes in communications, editing, and public speaking.

Maneka Gurung is a development professional with extensive experience and expertise in designing and implementing robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems for international development programs. With a Masters degree in Sociology from Tribhuvan University, she specializes in data analysis, monitoring, reporting, and MEL capacity building to drive adaptive management and promote inclusive development.

Dovan Rai is a computer scientist, educator, and writer. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from WPI, USA, with research focused on the intersection of educational psychology, game design, and AI. She has worked as a software engineer, designer, researcher, and educator, teaching in both Nepal and the USA. She has developed technology platforms for youth education and initiated educational programs in data science and machine learning. She writes about socio-political issues in Nepal.

Navin Hada, Agriculture, policy and structure reform, is a respected voice in Nepal’s agricultural transformation. With over 30 years of experience as an agricultural economist, Mr. Hada has been at the forefront of shaping agricultural policy, strengthening market systems, and championing private sector engagement. At USAID Nepal, he played a pivotal role in steering inclusive, agriculture-led economic growth, and continues to advise both the Government of Nepal and international partners on strategic reforms. Known for his deep commitment to structural change and innovation, Navin brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build a resilient and thriving food system in Nepal.

Anita Mahat Rana, is a senior economist engaged in policy initiatives that foster economic growth, enterprise development, access to finance and policy reform. With a Master’s in Development Economics from the Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Economics from Luther College, US, Ms. Mahat Rana excelled as an Economic Growth Specialist at USAID Nepal for over 25 years.

Krishna Khanal is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and ethics at King’s college. He was previously working as a Research analyst at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He has also worked for various multinationals like BOSCH GmbH and AXA in various managerial roles. His teaching philosophy is focused on provoking the students to question the basic narratives of business models in society.

Aasmani Chaudhary is a household name in Dang. Her work is shown in the changed lives of the 50,000 women spread across Lumbini province. She is a founder of Rural Women Development Center (RWDC), and a co-founder of Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha and Sunita Trust Foundation. Recipient of the 2008 International Honoree for the Health and Dignity of Women by Americans for UNFPA, for her exemplary community-based efforts.

Pramila Dangol is Grants and Contract Manager, with over 10 years of experience managing USAID-funded grants and contracts. Her expertise ranges from award management, compliance, and risk mitigation to strengthening local systems, building strong partnerships, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve sustainable, community-driven results.

Tej Maya Gurung is a highly accomplished development professional with nearly 20 years of leadership experience, in administrative, finance, program design and management across NGOs, INGOs, and USAID. She has extensive expertise in public financial management, financial reporting, budget planning and forecasting, and financial capacity building. Tej is a self motivated, high performing and collaborative leader.

Chandani Nepali is a development operations professional with over 18 years of experience supporting international development programs. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Management, she brings strong expertise in coordinating donor-funded projects, data compilation, administering HR functions, organizing public events, managing field logistics, and ensuring compliance with operational procedures. Chandani has extensive experience working with organizations such as USAID, UNDP, international NGOs, government counterparts, and civil society partners.

Nigel Fisher is a former United Nations Assistant-Secretary-General with a distinguished career leading international disaster response and recovery efforts across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. He directed major UN operations in Syria, Haiti, and Afghanistan, and served as Executive Director of UNOPS. With UNICEF, he focused on children's and women's rights, health, and education, and led emergency responses in regions including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and post-genocide Rwanda. He also served as President & CEO of UNICEF Canada and was an advisor on human security to Canada’s Foreign Minister. Currently an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, Fisher advises governments and organizations on disaster management, governance, and conflict-related issues. His ties to Nepal span over 25 years, notably as UNICEF’s Regional Director based in Kathmandu and later as a senior advisor to Nepal’s National Reconstruction Authority following the 2015 earthquake. A Canadian national, he is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds an honorary doctorate from McMaster University.

Dan Grant is co-founder and most recently the Global Coordinator of the Local Works program at USAID, where he oversaw programming in nearly 60 countries. Built around the principles of local leadership and community priority-setting, Local Works grew to be a leader in the a movement for people-driven development work at USAID. Dan is currently working with a number of close former colleagues to continue the fight for locally led development.

Ashutosh Tiwari is a distinguished leader with a diverse background spanning social advocacy, private-sector consulting, and international development. He has held CEO positions at Himalmedia and Sherpa Adventure Gear, served as Country Director for WaterAid-Nepal, and advised small businesses for GiZ and the World Bank's IFC. In 2017, he founded SAFAL Partners, a firm that consults for private and development sectors, invests in small businesses, and advises non-profits. The World Economic Forum honored him as a Young Global Leader in 2011.