Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar, a distinguished expert in Sustainable Agriculture from Nepal, serves as the Executive Director at NDRI. Holding a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Hebei Agricultural University, her expertise spans farming systems, climate-smart agriculture, value chain analysis, disaster risk management, and post-harvest solutions.

Dr. Thapa’s career is marked by transformative leadership across international development initiatives. As Chief Community Officer at the SCOLAR Network—a youth platform bridging the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region—she established 15 youth hubs across nine countries, empowering young leaders to address local challenges. Her commitment to gender-responsive climate action is evident in her role as Team Lead for the UN Women project “Research on Climate-Smart Technologies to Reduce Women’s Time Poverty and Work Drudgery in Nepal” at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR).

As Team Lead and Sustainable Agriculture/NRM Expert, she spearheaded the Climate-Resilient Farming Plan and Comprehensive Value Chain Assessments under ICIMOD’s UNDP-funded RERAS initiative. Her fieldwork in Nepal’s Jumla district involved designing projects, conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to inform actionable strategies. Earlier, as a Sustainable Agriculture Expert with Practical Action Consulting (PAC), she contributed to the CASA project, expanding her on-ground impact across 14 districts through extensive FGDs and KIIs.

Academically, Dr. Thapa serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at HICAST, teaching Sustainable Agriculture, and lends her expertise as a peer reviewer for journals such as Agricultural Systems, Environmental Challenges, and Scientific African. Actively engaged in global advocacy, she is a committee member of the NRNA Agriculture Committee, driving initiatives to advance sustainable practices in Nepal and beyond.

Combining rigorous research, grassroots engagement, and policy innovation, Dr. Thapa remains a pivotal figure in bridging academic insights with practical solutions for agricultural resilience, climate change and gender equity.

Ms. Deepa Luintel holds MBA degree specialization in finance. She is an accomplished and highly skilled Admin and Finance Management Professional with a decade of experience in the field of project management and financial administration.  One of the highlights of her career was being awarded a Gold Medal for securing top most position in MBA, finance. She has managed and led cross-functional teams to successfully execute projects, consistently achieving objectives within budget and timeline constraints. Her ability to analyze financial data, develop strategic financial plans, and implement cost-saving initiatives has resulted in significant bottom-line improvements for the organizations she has worked with. Her unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with a strong educational background, has enabled her to consistently deliver outstanding results throughout her career.

Shekhar Lamichhane is a dedicated professional currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Studies. With prior experience at Suitable Actions for Prosperity, an NGO, he has honed skills in financial administration, data analysis. Known for his strong work ethic and analytical mindset, he is passionate about leveraging data to drive decision-making and contribute to organizational success. His expertise in administration and finance, combined with his commitment to continuous learning and growth, makes him a valuable asset in any professional setting.
 

Kareena Nepali recently completed her Bachelor’s degree with a major in English and Social Work from St. Xavier’s College. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at Madan Bhandari Memorial College. Throughout her academic journey, she has had the opportunity to work and gain experience with different organizations, including SPARSHA Nepal, Swoyambhu Community Learning Center, and SoD Nepal. She believes that communication and coordination have always been among her strengths, enabling her to work effectively with diverse teams and institutions. Besides her academic and professional interests, she enjoys reading, writing articles, and sketching in her free time.

Manisha Upreti is a passionate social work professional who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Texas International College. During her academic journey, she actively participated in internships and volunteer initiatives with organizations such as Teach For Nepal and the Mental Disease and Rehabilitation Center, gaining hands-on experience in community engagement, counseling support, and advocacy. She has also contributed to cultural research through the Culture Masters Secretariat, deepening her understanding of community and heritage programs. She has served as an Ambassador for the WOW Festival in Kathmandu, promoting gender equality and social awareness. She strives to contribute to meaningful and positive social change through community empowerment

Ms. Sarita Chaudhari, Kitchen Staff

Ms. Mandira Adhikari, Kitchen Staff

Mr. Kumar Kadel

Mr. Bishnu Kumar Baniya