Our Board Of Directors
Bidya Mahat | Chairperson
With over 35 years of leadership experience in humanitarian and development work—primarily with ADRA Nepal—Bidya Mahat brings a wealth of strategic insight and operational expertise. She has managed multifaceted, donor-funded programs and served in key advisory roles on global committees, including ADRA’s Asia DRR/Emergency Technical Working Group and the Global Education Technical Learning Lab. Bidya has also acted as Interim Country Director at ADRA Nepal multiple times. Following her tenure at ADRA, she worked as a freelance consultant and Country Representative for Brepal e.V., Germany. Her lifelong dedication to social inclusion, gender equity, and community-led development forms the cornerstone of Project Propel.
Chandeshwari Shakya Tamrakar | Vice Chair
Boasting over 40 years of experience in Nepal’s public health sector, Chandeshwari has worked extensively with government bodies and international NGOs, including ADRA Nepal, where she led maternal and child health programs. Her expertise spans project management, health systems research, training, and capacity building at national and grassroots levels. Currently, she manages the Community-based Stupa Health Care Centre Cooperatives Limited, overseeing a hospital, health sciences institute, and research center. Her deep understanding of Nepal’s health landscape ensures that our programs are both clinically sound and culturally appropriate.
Radha Ale | Treasurer
Radha Ale is a Finance and Administration professional with over 17 years of progressive experience in social development and humanitarian organizations. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies and brings strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, compliance, grant management, and partner capacity strengthening. She has a proven track record in budget analysis, variance monitoring, timely issue resolution, and donor compliance, ensuring strong financial control.
Ganga Subba | Secretary
Ganga brings over 19 years of experience in IT engineering and education, combining technical expertise with strong management and communication skills. A proactive problem-solver and effective team player, she excels under pressure and possesses robust documentation and reporting abilities. Currently pursuing PhD in AI in Education, she also holds a Master’s in Information and Communication Engineering and MPhil in STEAM education. Ganga ensures the Board’s operations, record-keeping, and strategic communications are handled with precision and transparency.
Sneha Shakya | Vice Secretary
Sneha is a passionate advocate for gender equality and inclusive development, holds a Master’s in Master’s in Gender and Development Studies at AIT, Thailand. Sneha co-founded the “Gender Equality Movers Society (GEMS)” and has led numerous campaigns and events focused on women’s rights and social inclusion. She ensures that a strong gender lens and social inclusion principles are woven into every layer of Project Propel’s planning and implementation.
Dr. Roshani Shrestha Amatya | Member
Dr. Roshani Amatya brings over three decades of dedicated work in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), maternal and child health, family planning, and gender equality. She has collaborated with INGOs, government agencies, and civil society to strengthen health systems, develop training curricula, and promote policies that advance women’s health and agency. Her clinical and programmatic expertise ensures that our health interventions are medically excellent, ethically grounded, and responsive to the needs of women and girls.
Yasodha Shrestha | Member
Yasodha has over 30 years of experience in development, focusing on good governance, peacebuilding, gender equality, and social inclusion (GESI). She has worked extensively to integrate GESI principles into government policies, trained officials at various levels, and supported civil society organizations in mainstreaming inclusive strategies. Since 2014, she has worked as a freelance consultant, providing expertise in governance, strategic planning, and monitoring to NGOs, INGOs, and government agencies. Her guidance helps Project Propel build equitable, community-owned systems of change.
Ram Pyari Bajracharya | Member
With an impressive 40-year career in administration, finance, and leadership across hospitals, schools, and NGOs, Ram Pyari offers invaluable operational wisdom. Since 2002, she has served as Director of Sahayog ra Sarakar, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community service, health promotion, and positive social change. Her energy, passion, and deep-rooted connections within Nepali civil society strengthen the Board’s outreach and grassroots legitimacy.
Malina Shrestha | Member
Malina contributes over 35 years of experience in enterprise development and entrepreneurship training. Having worked with both government and NGOs, she specializes in designing and delivering training programs, conducting business assessments, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. She holds a master's degree in Sociology and Public Administration. Her expertise ensures that Project Propel’s livelihood programs from vocational training to eco-gardens, are economically viable, market-aware, and truly transformative for participants.
