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.

Murari Adhikari is a seasoned development professional with 25+ years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management. He has worked with organizations such as USAID Nepal, CARE, Heifer International, and GIZ, specializing in MEL systems, program evaluations, and applied research. His expertise spans disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, health, education, and sustainable development. He holds a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Management Information Systems.

Dr. Mandip Rai is a governance and development strategist with over 20 years of leadership experience across Nepal’s public sector, international agencies, and donor-funded programs. He specializes in federalism, inclusive governance, sustainable agriculture and rural development, and market systems. He has led major initiatives for USAID, UNDP, FAO, and the Government of Nepal, delivering results across federal, provincial, and local levels. His expertise includes translating complex data into actionable strategies and integrating gender equality and social inclusion into governance and development programs. Dr. Rai holds a BSc in Agricultural Sciences, an MSc in Agricultural Development Economics from the University of Reading, UK, and a PhD in Anthropology/Development Studies from the Australian National University.

Prakash Gnyawali is a development impact and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) expert with over 20 years of experience in evidence-based, inclusive development. His expertise includes performance and results monitoring, evaluations, data quality assurance, knowledge management, and adapting systems for countrywide portfolios with USAID Nepal, ESP/DFID, RDIF, DanidaHUGOU, and civil society organizations across sectors such as human rights and governance, economic growth, climate resilience, disaster risk management, health and education. Prakash holds a Bachelor’s in Law and a Master's in Sociology.

Aasmani Chaudhary is a household name in Nepal. 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 Honouree 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.

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.

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.