Hima is the Executive Director of Women LEAD Nepal, a feminist organization based in Nepal. She identifies as a fierce feminist fueled by an unbridled passion to build an inclusive society bereft of all forms of gender-based violence. She actively advocates for gender rights through Dignified Menstruation, and Rage Against Rape. Hima has 21 years of experience working in the development sector, she has been the Managing Director at Possible | Nyaya Health Nepal, designing strategies and overseeing implementation to improve healthcare for underserved communities. She was also the Head of Human Resources at DFID Nepal (UKAID) for 6 years.
Hima received her MBA from Kathmandu University, School of Management, and her MPhil in English from the Institute of Advanced Communication, Education and Research (IACER) in Nepal. She is also the Co-Founder of Achaar Ghar: House of Pickles, Kitchen Recipe and is the Executive Board Member at the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN).
Aastha Mahato is a development professional working on child rights, gender justice, and youth empowerment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from Kathmandu University and a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Development from Mid-Western University.
Over the years, Aastha has been actively engaged in numerous national and grassroots initiatives tackling pressing issues such as child labor, girl child rights, the welfare of adult domestic workers, and gender-based violence. Her experience spans project coordination, government liaison, community outreach, and policy advocacy, a diverse skill set that reflects her deep commitment to social change.
Passionate about advancing girls’ rights and building inclusive, child-friendly environments, Aastha continues to work at the intersection of grassroots action and policy impact, driving meaningful, lasting change for children and communities across Nepal.
Jyotsna Gautam is a committed professional working at the intersection of gender, policy, and social justice. She currently serves as a Program Coordinator at Women LEAD Nepal and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Kathmandu University and a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from Tribhuvan University.
With experience in research and advocacy, she has engaged with a range of initiatives focused on gender equality, political participation, and human rights. Her work spans program coordination, policy engagement, and knowledge-building, with a strong emphasis on feminist principles and non-violence. Deeply interested in politics and social transformation, she approaches her work with care, thoughtfulness, and a strong respect for the values and communities she serves.
Senior Officer : Program, Procurement and Government Relation
Kriti Dwa is a Program, Procurement, and Government Relations Officer at Women LEAD Nepal. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, and currently pursuing an MA in Psychology at Tribhuwan University, she combines her academic background with a passion for empowering women and girls across Nepal.
Throughout her time at Women LEAD Nepal, she has successfully led initiatives that have improved access to resources for women in underserved communities.
She is dedicated to contributing her skills and insights to advance the mission of Women LEAD Nepal, working collaboratively to create a brighter future for the community.
Program Coordinator - Youth and Adolescent Leadership Courses
Narayani Tripathi currently serves as a Program Coordinator – Youth and Adolescent Leadership Course at Women LEAD Nepal, bringing over a decade of professional experience in the design, planning, coordination, and implementation of programs focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, education, and youth empowerment in Nepal. She has led and supported multi-district and multi-partner initiatives in collaboration with government bodies, civil society organizations, and international development partners. Her core areas of expertise include program planning and management, curriculum and training material development, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, research and documentation, and partnership coordination, with a strong focus on adolescent and youth leadership, comprehensive sexuality education, and gender-transformative approaches.
She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology (Gender Studies) and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, providing a strong academic foundation for her work in public health and social development. She has received international recognition for her contributions to adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, including being awarded Youth Trailblazer in Family Planning and SRHR at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2022), and her research on adolescent SRHR has been presented and published internationally. At Women LEAD Nepal, she leads the Youth and Adolescent Leadership Course with a commitment to strengthening leadership, agency, and civic engagement among young people, particularly girls and marginalized youth, toward building inclusive, ethical, and transformative leadership in Nepal.
Nisha Baruwal is the Communications Officer at Women LEAD Nepal. An educator and digital inclusion advocate who loves turning ideas into conversations, conversations into connections, and complex things into something people can actually understand. As a Communications Officer, she works at the intersection of communication, technology, education, and social impact, bringing creativity, curiosity, and a people-centered approach to her work. She enjoys creating meaningful stories, facilitating conversations, connecting people and ideas, and finding creative ways to make information and digital opportunities more accessible to everyone. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Nisha is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that positive change often begins with a good question, an open mind, and a willingness to listen. Through her work, she hopes to create more inclusive spaces, amplify diverse voices, and make the digital world a little more human, accessible, and fun.
Sabina Prajapati is a finance professional with a Master of Business Studies (MBS) in Finance from Shanker Dev Campus, Tribhuvan University. She is currently pursuing Chartered Accountancy at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN). With professional experience in audit, finance, and taxation, Sabina has developed a strong understanding of financial management and reporting. She is also actively engaged in the capital market and serves as a facilitator in the financial sector, conducting training and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on financial literacy and professional development.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Sabina enjoys travelling, trekking, and listening to music.
Following her passion for the social sciences, Stuti is currently pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies. Stuti combines a love of research with a commitment to gender equity and social justice. At Women LEAD Nepal, she turns that passion into practice through evaluation and data that shape stronger programs. She believes better data leads to better outcomes for the communities it serves.
With a Master’s in Business Administration with a major in Finance, Urusha brings over six years of experience in program and project management, donor coordination, and sustainable trade and enterprise promotion and development. She has experience of working as a Program Officer, where she managed the overall program operations of the organization she was engaged with, successfully led and implemented donor-funded projects, facilitated international volunteer and professional exchanges, and oversaw member relations across Fair Trade networks.
Her role comprised everything from strategic planning and budgeting to content creation, social media management, organizational planning, reporting, volunteer program coordination, membership management, and monitoring and evaluation. She is passionate about inclusive and sustainable development, grassroots empowerment, and capacity building through collaborative programs.
Alongside her academic journey, she actively contributed to leadership and entrepreneurship programs, took on key organizing roles, and mentored undergraduate students in business research and presentation, fostering skill development and peer learning.
Sakina Maharjan is a Development and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) Senior Trainee at Women LEAD Nepal. A 2023 LEAD Course graduate, she is passionate about creating meaningful social impact through data and evidence-based approaches. Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Science, Sakina is passionate about using data to create meaningful change. She enjoys working with numbers, analyzing patterns, and translating evidence into stories of impact that can strengthen programs and communities.
A feminist and youth advocate, Sakina believes that data and social change go hand in hand. Through her work, she aims to bridge technology, evidence, and advocacy to contribute toward a more equitable society. Beyond her professional interests, she enjoys reading, listening to music, exploring stories through films and dramas, and engaging in conversations about leadership, gender equity, and community development.
Sinora Rai is a Junior Consultant at Women LEAD Nepal and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Community Development at Kathmandu University. She is also a 2022 graduate of the LEAD Course from Women LEAD Nepal. Passionate about youth leadership and social change, she enjoys exploring different cultures, understanding how communities function, and finding practical solutions to social challenges. She believes in challenging stereotypes, questioning limiting social norms, and creating spaces where people can lead authentically and confidently. A lifelong learner who values meaningful relationships, Sinora hopes to contribute to a more equitable and empowered society through her work. Outside of her professional life, she loves trying new food, especially momo, and finds joy in conversations, travel, and experiences that connect people.
Alina Shrestha is a 2025 LEADer. She loves to listen to others as well as share her own thoughts. She really likes to explore different things and engage in different kinds of activities. She is a hardworking, resilient, and supportive person.
Amiksha Upreti is a YWPLC Program Intern. She is a BALLB Graduate from Nepal Law Campus, Tribhuvan University. Her academic interests involves International Law and International Relations.
She also feels strongly about Gender Justice and has been advocating for Gender Equity through various projects. She is a passionate young women who is eager to discover the world and always gives her hundred percent to whatever she does. Her hobbies include Dancing, Binge watching series and movies, discovering new underrated songs and spending time with her loved ones.
Drabika Maharjan, a YWPLC Fellow of 2025, is a fourth-year B.A.LL.B. student with a passion for leadership, advocacy, and meaningful communication. She believes in the power of storytelling to inspire dialogue and drive social change, combining her interests in law, digital communication, and community engagement.
Drabika enjoys exploring new perspectives, challenging conventional thinking, and learning from the people and communities around her. Whether she is creating digital content, volunteering for social causes, or simply journaling her thoughts.
Ekata Baral is a 2025 leader passionate about advocacy, currently studying bachelors in social work and psychology to follow her interests. As a LEAD program trainee she is excited to work with enthusiastic young LEADers creating a safe space for these young girls to voice out their thoughts and opinions on different topics. She loves to analyze different shows she’s watched.
Janaki Kumari Sah is a BA LLB student at National Law College, Tribhuvan University, and currently serves as a YWPLC Programme Coordinator Intern at Women LEAD Nepal. Passionate about youth leadership, gender equality, and civic engagement, she is committed to creating inclusive spaces where young people especially young women can lead, advocate, and drive meaningful social change.
Through her work, Janaki has coordinated youth-led initiatives, supported advocacy and community engagement programs, and contributed to organizing events that empower emerging leaders. She has also gained experience in legal research, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement through internships and volunteer roles across governance and civil society.E
As a strong advocate for social justice and public participation, Janaki believes that meaningful leadership begins with empathy, collaboration, and the courage to take action. She aspires to build a career at the intersection of law, public policy, and youth empowerment, working toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
Prashansha Rai is a 2026 LEAD Course graduate and an intern in Women LEAD Nepal’s LEAD Program. She is passionate about gender equality, youth leadership, and giving young people meaningful opportunities. She is currently pursuing a degree in business administration. As she continues to develop as a leader, she hopes to contribute to a society that is more empowered and inclusive through community involvement, advocacy, and teamwork.
Priya Udas brings a calm, resilient, and forward-thinking energy to everything she does. A recent +2 graduate, she is currently an intern at Women LEAD Nepal, where she helps empower young women and develop future leaders.
Grounded in patience, hard work, and continuous improvement, Priya believes in moving forward with determination rather than dwelling on obstacles. Through her work in a feminist organization, she has embraced opportunities to push past her fears, discover her strengths, and realize the depth of her potential. She remains dedicated to taking on responsibility, learning constantly, and making a lasting, positive contribution.
Rojita Karki, a passionate young leader, firmly believes that positive change can be created through learning, leadership, and community engagement. She loves exploring new experiences and challenging herself to grow. She has long focused her work on youth empowerment, values deep connections, and hopes to drive the building of a more inclusive and equitable society.
Samanata Shrestha is currently a YWPLC program intern at Women LEAD Nepal. She recently completed her IBDP at Premier International IB Continuum School.
She plans to pursue higher studies in law and is interested in leadership, social justice, and women’s empowerment. Her experiences in community initiatives, youth engagement, and student leadership have shaped her interest in leadership and social change. Beyond her academic interests, she admires art and creativity. She also enjoys painting and appreciates various forms of art. She believes young people can create meaningful change in their communities.
Anjali Sah (she/her) (2019 LEADer) is an aspiring lawyer and a proud intersectional Madheshi feminist shaped by law, literature, and lived experience. She has served as Vice Secretary (2021-23) and Secretary (2023-25) at Women LEAD Nepal, and was a Sujata Baskota Changemaker Awardee in 2020 for completing the DidiBahini project. Through her legal awareness co-initiative, Knock Off The Evil, she uses online advocacy to make the law accessible. She has represented Women LEAD in national and international platforms, including the 15th AWID International Forum. She strives for both legal and socio-cultural equality for all, including children, women, and marginalized communities. She envisions WLEAD as a space where every young woman is seen, heard, and empowered to lead.
Swastika Pradhan is a lawyer currently working as a Legal Advisor at GIZ Nepal. She holds a double degree in Business Management and Law from Kathmandu University. Swastika joined Women LEAD in 2020 as a YWPLC Fellow and has remained actively engaged with the organization in multiple capacities. From 2023 to 2025, she served as a Board Member, and she now begins her second tenure with the organization as its Vice President. She identifies as a feminist and works at the intersection of climate mitigation, policy, and gender. She firmly believes in Women LEAD’s vision of a better world where women leaders co-create the future.
Timila Maharjan is an undergraduate of Social Work and Journalism with experience at the intersection of gender equality, media, and human rights sectors in Nepal. She currently serves as the Board Secretary of Women LEAD Nepal, having first been elected to the Board in 2023 and re-elected to the Secretary position.
Her journey with WLEAD began in 2018 as a LEADer and has since evolved through multiple roles, including Program Intern, Program Trainee, mentor, volunteer, and 2023 YWPLC Fellow. She believes WLEAD is a safe space where young girls are not only seen and heard but also equipped with leadership skills, confidence, and critical awareness, supporting them to step into their full potential.
Currently, she works as a Program Assistant at Citizenship Affected People’s Network (CAPN), supporting program implementation and organizational compliance, advancing gender-equal citizenship in Nepal.
Prerana Paswan (2020 LEADer) is a student of social sciences and an aspiring diplomat committed to amplifying marginalized voices through policy and advocacy. She has served Women LEAD Nepal as a trainee and facilitator across various outreach programs, and is currently the Vice Secretary. In 2020, she was a Sujata Baskota Changemaker Awardee for her project “Dhiya,” which documented the untold stories of resilience and power from women of the Dom community in Madhesh. Women LEAD has been a transformative milestone in her journey, giving her voice, confidence, and a deep commitment to giving back by uplifting her community. She aspires to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to policy-making that centers justice and equity. She envisions WLEAD as a catalyst for intersectional feminism, where young women from all walks of life unite, amplify each other’s voices, and create a more just and inclusive future.
Aastha Satyal is a development practitioner and marketing professional working at the intersection of gender justice, ethical leadership, and systems change. With an academic background in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Development Studies, she bridges corporate strategy with social impact to advance inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Her journey with Women LEAD Nepal began as a LEADer and has evolved into roles as a mentor, facilitator, and Board member. Through this platform, she has contributed to leadership development and feminist advocacy, with a focus on psychological safety, structural inequality, and women’s empowerment. Shaped by on-ground learning across diverse contexts, Aastha is deeply curious about people, cultures, and power dynamics. She envisions Women LEAD Nepal as a catalyst for intersectional feminism and justice-driven change.
Diksha Dhital is a corporate lawyer specializing in Data Privacy and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) law. She is a graduate of Kathmandu University School of Law with a double degree in Business Management and Law. She was a member of the 2021 YWPLI Fellowship and currently serves as a Board Member at Women LEAD Nepal. Diksha strongly believes in the importance of youth engagement in politics and in fostering a clear understanding of both individual and collective rights. The organization’s mission to advance female leadership and political literacy aligns closely with her personal values. In her free time, she enjoys reading poetry.
Shrena Mulmi (she/her) is a social work and psychology student who has been part of the Women LEAD Nepal community since becoming a 2021 LEADer. Over the years, she has engaged with the organization in many roles as a volunteer, intern, trainee, and facilitator each experience deepening her commitment to Women LEAD’s values.
A proud feminist, Shrena believes that every woman deserves the space and support to explore her potential, lead with confidence, and grow into her most whole self. She envisions Women LEAD Nepal as an accessible and nurturing platform for young women with aspirations for change, and as a collective space where young women can flourish, freely express their ideas, and empower one another.
Dr. Robyn is an Asia-based leadership specialist who has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations across Asia and the Middle-east. A long-time supporter of Women LEAD, Robyn is passionate about championing young women. Australian by background, Robyn is a lover of the outdoors and the mountains of Nepal.
Yvonne Lau is a Hong Kong-based journalist covering Asian financial markets; and culture and society in China, Russia, Nepal.
Nepal has made an immense impression upon Yvonne — particularly the strength, resilience, and outlook of its women and girls. She joined Women LEAD to support programs that build up girls’ development and education in leadership and politics. As an Ambassador, Yvonne hopes to advance the conversation on the role of women and girls in society.
She is also passionate about peacebuilding, community connections, and sustainability. When in Nepal, Yvonne can be found in the mountains and villages, with hot rum punch and momos in hand.
Niki is based in Hong Kong working in the tech industry.
Niki has a passion for women’s equality and assisting in paving a path for people to reach their full potential. She has experience in volunteering in Nepal and other parts of the world to provide resources for women and help businesses become sustainable. As an Ambassador, Niki aims to break social stigmas and fight for women’s rights in Nepal.
Her hobbies also include advising young entrepreneurs to grow their business. For fun, Niki likes to attend open mic nights to take a stab at stand up comedy.
Himadri is a dedicated economist with a fervent passion for applying economic theories and data analysis to inform decision-making processes, promote gender equity, and address real-world challenges. Before moving to the U.S. to pursue her Ph.D. in Economics, she accrued over seven years of invaluable experience at the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in Nepal. In her role there, Himadri provided support to both government and private sectors, focusing on fostering economic growth through international trade, with a dedicated emphasis on gender parity. She also actively participated as a board member for over four years at the Association of St. Mary’s Alumnae Nepal (ASMAN), a non-governmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged Nepali women and children since 1990. Currently, as a Senior Managing Economist at Berkeley Research Group (BRG), a leading global consulting firm, Himadri is deeply engaged in economic research and mentors young professionals. Being one of three daughters, she is passionately committed to enhancing
opportunities for women in leadership spaces. As a female economist, she strongly advocates for integrating gendered perspectives into various societal sectors. Driven by her dedication to gender equity and a profound desire to maintain strong ties with Nepal, Himadri actively contributes to the vision of Women LEAD.
Simrika firmly believes in empowering women through financial literacy and providing women with a sense of ownership and freedom through skill-based training. A 2020 YWPLC fellow, her interest was born out of the advocacy project “Economic Empowerment: the Need of Today” which provided skill-based training to survivors of domestic violence. She has an undergraduate degree in economics and her interest lies at the intersection of feminist, labor and environment economics. As an alumni, she has been a mentor, participated in Women of the World 2021 event held in Lumbini, Nepal and engaged in the flagship program “Transforming Nepal’s Female Deputy Mayors” which worked towards strengthening the capacity of local female leaders. Alongside her involvement with Women LEAD, she has been acknowledged as a Rising Star by Wedu. She also played a crucial role as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator on the board of Nepal’s national debating body, Debate Network Nepal. In her undergraduate freshman year, she worked at the US Embassy in Kathmandu as a political and economic intern and was part of the United States Embassy Kathmandu’s Youth Council in 2022. Professionally, she is working in retail banking in the United States.
Ojaswi Pandey is a mission-driven leader with experience spanning multilateral organizations, government, and the private sector. She currently serves as Treasurer on the U.S. Board of Women LEAD, where she supports financial strategy and cross-sector partnerships to advance the organization’s mission.
Previously, she worked at the World Bank’s Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, where she contributed to cross-country research and predictive analytics to improve health outcomes and resource planning. At the U.S. Department of Defense, she led efforts to enhance cost transparency and operational efficiency across hundreds of military health facilities. Most recently, she managed multi-sectoral initiatives at a health and tech consulting firm, helping onboard Fortune 500 clients and lead digital transformation efforts.
Originally from Nepal, Ojaswi is committed to advancing gender equity and youth empowerment through data, community engagement, and systems thinking. She has also worked on adolescent mental health and tech accessibility initiatives across Nepal’s provinces in partnership with grassroots leaders and educators.
A John F. Kennedy Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, she is pursuing a Master in Public Policy with a focus on business and government policy. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Middlebury College.
Laura McKechnie has nearly 20 years in international development with expertise in strategic engagement and outreach with civil society and donors, including women’s empowerment. She has a proven track record of working with civil society, where she has addressed issues of equity, built partnerships, and led strategic initiatives focused on capacity building. She has led diverse, cross-cultural teams, navigated complex policy environments, and worked hand-in-hand with local organizations to promote social justice, equity, and resilience.
Over her 20-year government career, Laura served at the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) in Washington, where she managed 12 staff and a $184 million portfolio covering six policy sectors, including civil society, labor and media. Previously, she held the role of Acting Country Representative and Technical Team Lead in Paraguay, directing a $64 million program centered on democracy and governance. Laura has also diverse, cross-cultural teams and multimillion-dollar governance programs in Vietnam and Ecuador. Her career began as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Department of State. Throughout this work, Laura worked to promote the rights of women and minorities. Prior to her government work, she contributed to a non- profit organization in Washington, DC, that provided affordable housing for low income seniors.
Laura holds dual Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and International Relations from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland. She has also served as a Certified Coach for Girls on the Run and on a tiger team for Welcoming Falls Church Refugee resettlement volunteer group.
Human Resources (HR) Professional and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leader at a professional services firm with pivotal roles in fostering an inclusive workplace culture and optimizing human capital. Recognizing the pivotal role of diversity in organizational success, Jaya Chopra has been a trailblazer in the field of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She has developed and executed comprehensive strategies to cultivate diverse talent, champion inclusion, and promote equity within the workplace. Jaya understands a diverse and inclusive workforce is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that drives innovation and enhances overall business performance.
With a substantial part of her career dedicated to the professional services industry, Jaya brings an acute understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this dynamic sector. She has successfully navigated the complexities of HR and DEI in a professional services context, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the firm.
As a board member at WomeLEAD Nepal, Jaya is committed to actively contribute to creating a world where women have equal opportunities to lead, succeed, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Goma Didi makes sure whole team gets to work in a very clean and hygienic office space. She has been taking care of homes and their cleanliness for the past 14 years. She loves to cook food and as a typical Nepali person, her favorite food is Daal Bhaat.
Kaptan dai keeps our garden beautiful and makes our office space a fun to work in. His experience in gardening dates to over thirty years. Gardening has always been his passion and he wants to open up a nursery of his own in the near future.
