Meet the Leadership Team

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.

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.

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 Honouree for the Health and Dignity of Women by Americans for UNFPA, for her exemplary community-based efforts.

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.

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.

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.