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).
Manil joined Women LEAD with more than seventeen years of experience in the development sector. He worked in multiple South & Central Asian countries on broader issues of livelihood, economic development and management of small organizations. His past experiences include institutional development and organizational strengthening of member-based organizations and small enterprises/institutions; creation of effective market linkages; technical and vocational education and training; women economic empowerment and so forth. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Between 2003 to 2008, he also served as a visiting faculty/guest lecturer for undergraduate courses in different campuses. In his spare time, he occasionally writes about the Nepalese equity market in the national dailies and weeklies. Manil believes that the creation of a just and diverse society will only be possible when we have equity for all and he is looking forward to contributing to making this possible through Women LEAD.
Senior Coordinator - Program and Government Relations
Kabita is Women LEAD’s Senior Coordinator – Program and Government Relations. She did her Master’s in English Literature from Padma Kanya Multiple Campus. Before coming to Women LEAD, she worked at Little Sisters Fund, an organization that works with economically disadvantaged Nepali girls to become empowered leaders through education, mentoring and community support, and at the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu. She believes that true empowerment comes from equipping women with the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to drive change in fields of economics, politics, and social transformation.
Apsana 2019 LEADer Apsana is the Vice President of the WomenLEAD Nepal Board. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in arts and law at Kathmandu School of Law. For the past three years, she has been a general member and mentor at WomenLEAD Nepal.
Her vision at WomenLEAD Nepal is to reach various parts of the nation and benefit young girls in Nepal. Beyond that, she passionately advocates for gender equality, regularly engaging in workshops and conferences to drive positive change. She aims to be in a policy-making position and fix loopholes in the judiciary.
2019 LEADer Anjali Sah is the Secretary of the Women LEAD Nepal Board. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in arts and law at Nepal Law Campus, T.U. At WLEAD, she has been a mentor and served as the vice secretary of the Nepal Board during her last tenure. She completed her community project “DidiBahini” in Madhesh province regarding child rights with four other members as one of the Sujata Baskota Changemaker Awardees 2020. As an intersectional Madheshi feminist, she is driven by the belief that “Being Aware is one step towards having a voice.” Her advocacy extends beyond legal equality, encompassing a commitment to socio-cultural equality for all. Her Vision for WLEAD is to have a space where every voice is heard and valued.
Rakshya Khadgi (she/her) identifies as an intersectional feminist. She is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology and Anthropology. Her work and advocacy encompasses fields of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, queer issues, mental health, and inclusivity. She embarked on her Women LEAD journey as a 2018 LEADer. She has remained actively engaged, contributing as an intern, volunteer, and mentor, including as a board member in the previous term. Her vision for Women LEAD is to transform it into a stepping stone of leadership development for young girls and women, ensuring inclusivity across various socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and other diversities.
I love to explore, delving into diverse perspectives, global cultures, and the hidden beauties of the world. My passion extends to a constant quest for positive change wherever it’s needed. With a deep-seated desire to contribute to a better world, I focus on uplifting young women to take the lead. Women Lead Nepal is the perfect avenue to translate these beliefs into impactful actions.
Bibhu Shrestha is a 2021 YWPLI fellow at Women LEAD Nepal, where she also serves as a Communications Trainee. She is a final-year law student and a passionate advocate for gender justice. Outside of work, she unwinds with music, draws energy from nature and travel, and enjoys cooking hearty meals with and for others. She’s drawn to experiences that spark curiosity and offer fresh perspectives. Her journey is marked by a consistent commitment to feminist values, community engagement, and creating inclusive spaces where young voices can thrive.
Sinora Rai is a 2022 graduate of the LEAD Course from Women LEAD Nepal and currently serves as a LEAD Program Trainee, supporting young leaders in finding opportunities and building meaningful connections. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development at Kathmandu University, driven by a passion for empowering youth and helping communities thrive. Outside of her work and studies, Sinora enjoys discovering new flavors and has a special love for momo. She feels happiest when connecting with people and being part of projects that bring positive change to society.
Sonika is an optimistic and evolving feminist, driven to create change. She is a recent high school graduate and currently a LEAD Program Intern at Women LEAD Nepal. She is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for young women to grow and lead. Sonika brings a grounded yet imaginative approach to social change, with a deep interest in gender equity and identity-based experiences. She is passionate about building spaces where young women’s voices are heard and valued. In her free time, she can mostly be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in books when no one’s watching.
Shobha Adhikari is a 2022 LEAD Course graduate and a current communications intern at Women LEAD Nepal. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). A passionate and curious learner, she embraces every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Outside her studies and work, Shobha enjoys listening to music and reading books across a wide range of genres. Deeply committed to creating positive change, she believes strongly in the power of giving back and lives by the principle of “paying it forward.”
Dikshya is a dedicated individual with a strong passion for social justice, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. A recent graduate in Development Studies, she brings both academic insight and grassroots experience to her work. Through community engagement and leadership, Dikshya actively advocates for gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate action in Nepal. She believes in the power of collective action and is committed to creating meaningful change
Sakina is a curious learner who is passionate about youth leadership and gender equity. With years of experience leading community events and advocating through child clubs, she brings energy, empathy, and a strong voice to the Women LEAD team. As a Program Trainee, she is excited to grow her skills in program facilitation and feminist leadership while helping create space for other young girls to lead with confidence.
Sweshna Manandhar is a 2024 LEADer and Program Intern at Women LEAD Nepal. She is a +2 graduate from St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School. Passionate about gender equity, youth empowerment, and climate action, she plans to pursue a B.Sc. in Meteorology. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction and watching movies.
Dawa Dolma Tepa is a Program Intern at Women LEAD Nepal and a recent graduate of the Young Women’s Political Leadership Course (YWPLC). She supports program logistics and youth engagement, driven by her passion for civic participation, governance, gender justice, and community development. Currently pursuing a degree in Development Studies at Kathmandu University, she brings valuable experience from international exchange programs and grassroots youth initiatives. She is committed to learning and leading with empathy.
Timila Maharjan is an undergraduate student of Social Work and Journalism at Dibyabhumi Multiple College, affiliated with Tribhuvan University. She identifies herself as an enthusiastic, confident, humble, and determined young woman who believes in giving back to the community. She completed a year-long LEAD course from Women LEAD Nepal. Later, she worked as a Program Trainee in this organization for a year and is a recent graduate of another flagship program of the organization called Young Women’s Political Leadership Institute (YWPLI). Currently she is working as a Creative Head at Falsebug Technology. Along with being politically aware, she believes that one should also have meaningful participation in politics.
2021 LEADer Riza Prajapati is a Finance trainee at Women LEAD Nepal. She is pursuing a BBA at the Ace Institute of Management. She is passionate about pursuing a career in Finance and has a strong desire to venture into business in future. She loves traveling and exploring different places which fuels her creativity and broadens her perspective.
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.
Swastika is a recent law graduate from Kathmandu University, where she earned a double degree in Business Management and law. She joined Women LEAD in 2020 as a YWPLC fellow and has since been a mentor and general member of the organization. She identifies as a feminist and aims to work in a field that amalgamates gender, law, and human rights. She firmly believes in Women LEAD’s vision of a better world where women leaders co-create the future.
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.
Sweksha Sharma is a management consultant at AArete, where she works with major healthcare payers to strengthen payment integrity, address system inefficiencies, and develop data-driven strategies for long-term growth. She brings over three years of experience across healthcare consulting, economic research, and nonprofit work, and is a committed advocate for women’s career advancement and economic empowerment.
Outside of her client work, Sweksha co-leads the Development Pillar of AArete’s Women’s Initiative Network, where she organizes mentorship programs and leadership initiatives to support women in the workplace. Sweksha was recognized by C200 – a network of C-suite leaders in the U.S. – with a scholarship supporting her professional growth and leadership potential. Sweksha graduated summa cum laude from Agnes Scott College with a dual degree in Economics and International Relations, where she studied on a full-ride Presidential Scholarship. She is currently conducting research on the intersection of economics and domestic violence in Nepal, using survey data to explore more targeted ways to reduce women’s experience of domestic violence.
As the board member at Women LEAD Nepal, Sweksha is excited to give back to the community that helped spark her own leadership journey, and is excited to support and learn from the next generation of bold, thoughtful, and visionary young women in Nepal.
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, Ojaswi 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, Ojaswi 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.
As an intersectional feminist, Dipasa is committed to advancing gender justice and fostering equitable, community-led change, with a focus on creating safe, inclusive, and transformative spaces for young people. She first joined Women LEAD as a participant in the LEAD Course, an experience that profoundly shaped her early leadership journey and instilled in her a deep belief in the power of young women’s voices. Having grown through the organization as a participant, staff member, and now U.S. Board Member, Dipasa brings a lived understanding of what meaningful mentorship, safe spaces, and youth-centered programming can achieve.
Dipasa has over five years of experience working across South Asia and the United States in the nonprofit and development sector. She has led fundraising campaigns, secured multi-year international grants to support grassroots leadership programs, and developed toolkits, concept notes, and youth-centered programs. She co-founded Political Literacy for Women (PLfW), a youth-led feminist nonprofit that equips young Nepali women with political education and tools to organize for systemic change. She also leads the #NOTANYMORE campaign, a digital advocacy movement addressing online sexual harassment and promoting safer digital spaces and mental health support for young people.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Development (Concentration: Gender, Global Justice, and Social Impact) from the Josef Korbel School at the University of Denver, where she was a Sié Fellow. Her work is grounded in the values of equity, inclusion, and storytelling, with a focus on building intergenerational, cross-cultural movements led by and for young people from historically marginalized communities.
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.
Senior Coordinator - Alumni and Public Engagement Programs
Rosha holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Kathmandu University School of Arts. She has more than three years of experience working in the areas of agriculture, livelihood, and women’s empowerment. She also brings an experience of working for the women conflict survivors of the Nepal’s 10 years long armed conflict. She believes women can achieve their dreams and goals to make the world a better place for living, if given equal opportunity.
I am Sabina Prajapati, a recent graduate of Shanker Dev Campus with a Master’s degree in Business Studies specialized in Finance. I am also pursuing Chartered Accountancy from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal. I have one year plus working experience in the field of audit, finance and taxation. Apart from my work, I enjoy travelling, trekking and listening to music.
Priyankana is Women LEAD Nepal’s Communication Coordinator at Women LEAD Nepal. She graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania, in the United States, with a degree in sociology.
Her decision to return to Nepal was motivated by a resolve to be a changemaker in my community and make sustainable, positive changes in society and my country of birth. She has achieved this by working with organizations that increase political literacy among young women and end education inequity.
Priyankana has previously worked as the English Content Lead at Teach for Nepal and taught sociology at the Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE). She has worked as a marketing consultant and content writer at various organizations. Priyankana is interested in political thought, organizational behavior, arts, and culture. In her free time, she likes to travel and make art.
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.
Anil Maharjan began his professional journey in 2009 as a 3D lighting and compositing artist at Incessant Rain Animation Studio, Nepal’s leading studio, where he worked until 2013. After gaining valuable experience in Nepal, he ventured to Malaysia and took on the role of a senior artist at Giggle Garage Studio.
In recent years, Anil has been freelancing on various platforms including Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelance, among others. In his freelance endeavors, he specialized in graphic designing, motion animation, video editing, logo animation, and 3D lighting and compositing.
Program, Procurement and Government Relation - Officer
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.
Aastha Mahato is a dedicated advocate for children and youth, with a strong foundation in development work focused on child rights, gender justice, and youth empowerment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Development.
She has been actively involved in numerous national and grassroots initiatives addressing critical issues such as child labor, child and adult domestic workers, and gender-based violence. With valuable experience in project coordination, government engagement, community outreach, and policy advocacy, she is particularly committed to advancing girls’ rights and promoting inclusive, child-friendly environments.
I am Shital Shah, currently employed as an Administrative Associate at a women’s leadership organization. With over five years of experience in the customer service and airline industry, including supervisor roles in the hospitality industry and as a flight attendant in domestic sector airlines, I am eager to contribute to the organization’s growth and support its mission of nurturing aspiring young women into impactful leaders in society. My commitment lies in creating a positive work environment, and I am enthusiastic about bringing my dedication and skills to the team.
I recently joined Women LEAD Nepal as a MEAL and Development Associate after completing my Bachelor’s in Social Work and Psychology from St. Xavier’s College. I’m deeply committed to supporting the ongoing work of creating a more equitable world and am eager to learn and grow alongside a team dedicated to empowering young women. I look forward to using my skills and education to contribute meaningfully to my community and to help drive positive change
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.
