meet our board of Directors

 The Board of Directors is responsible for fulfilling all duties required by law, the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Directors ensure the organization complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including IRS regulations for maintaining tax-exempt status. They are charged with establishing the Foundation’s mission, vision, and long-term goals, while also approving budgets, monitoring financial practices, and safeguarding against the misuse of funds. The Board supports fundraising efforts and ensures the organization has sufficient resources to operate effectively. It also holds the authority to select, oversee, and evaluate the executive director or CEO. Board members must act in the best interests of the Foundation, uphold transparency, avoid conflicts of interest, and regularly assess the effectiveness of programs in advancing the organization’s mission. 

 Michael J. McLaughlin is a seasoned federal acquisition and program management executive with over four decades of experience in defense and civilian agencies. He has led major procurement operations at the Department of Defense, FEMA, IRS, and SBA, supporting missions ranging from disaster response to economic recovery and industrial policy. His leadership has driven legislative reforms, streamlined acquisition processes, and advanced small business participation in federal contracting. He has served in critical roles including Contracting Officer in Iraq, Deputy Director at FEMA, and Assistant Director at SBA. Mr. McLaughlin holds master’s degrees in Contract and Acquisition Management and National Resource Strategy, and is certified at the highest federal acquisition levels (FAC-C & DAWIA Level III). His awards include the National Performance Review Hammer Award, multiple Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, and the Joint Civilian Service Commendation. A Bronx native and Fordham graduate, he is known for strategic leadership, collaboration, and commitment to public service.

Amrit Bhandari is a seasoned knowledge management and communications expert with over 18 years of global experience in international development. He has successfully led knowledge strategies, digital communications, and media outreach for nonprofits, government bodies, and humanitarian organizations. Amrit has contributed to grassroots development in Nepal, UN-led initiatives in Africa, and USAID projects in Washington, D.C., and around the world. He specializes in building knowledge-sharing cultures, preserving institutional memory, and integrating innovative technologies, including AI, to enhance collaboration and workflow efficiency. His strategic approach ensures insights are captured, shared, and leveraged to drive continuous learning and impact. Amrit is known for his collaborative leadership, cross-functional coordination, and commitment to mentoring others. His work empowers organizations to optimize operations and strengthen development outcomes. Passionate about technology for social good, Amrit remains dedicated to advancing knowledge management practices that drive sustainable change and informed decision-making across regions and sectors.

Padmanjali S Pokharel is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 14 years of experience in the education management sector and five years in the SaaS industry. Currently serving as Senior Finance Manager at Valiantys (North American Region), she oversees financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and team leadership. Padmanjali holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of North America, an MS in Accounting from Northcentral University, and an Executive MBA in HR Management from Kathmandu University. Prior to moving to the U.S., she held impactful roles with INGOs like Plan International and Winrock International, empowering marginalized communities in Nepal through education, health and sanitation, and economic initiatives. A recipient of the 2007 Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Award, she is a member of ABWA and AICPA. Padmanjali is recognized for her strategic financial expertise, commitment to social impact, and dedication to developing others through mentorship and inclusive leadership.

Madhawa Sharma is a versatile professional with a strong background in education, business, healthcare, and financial services. Originally from Nepal, he spent 18 years as a high school teacher while also running a successful pharmacy, showcasing both his dedication to education and entrepreneurial spirit. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Management, and Mathematics Education, as well as a Master’s in Sociology. After moving to the U.S., Madhawa worked in hospital administration as a medical billing and coding specialist, later transitioning into the financial sector. His passion for empowering others led him to a leadership role in life insurance, and he currently serves as Field Vice President at FFS Finance Brokerages Inc., where he mentors teams and supports families in achieving financial security. A committed social worker, Madhawa's journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to community and personal growth.

Mr. Laxman Pradhan, CPA (Virginia), brings over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and taxation. He holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) from American University, Washington, DC. Currently serving as Tax Manager in the Global Tax Department at Capital One Bank, he specializes in state tax provisions and legislative analysis. His prior roles include positions at Chevy Chase Bank, Lockheed Martin, Riggs Bank, and MCI WorldCom. Laxman's expertise lies in developing efficient tax and financial policies, with significant experience in non-profit tax compliance. A dedicated community advocate, he has actively served the Nepali community in the Washington, DC area for over two decades. Since 2014, he has been Treasurer of the Nepal Education and Cultural Center (NECC), where he has strengthened financial transparency and compliance. He also volunteers accounting and tax services for local non-profit organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to giving back to the community.

Dr. Kamal Gautam is a seasoned hydropower engineer with over 30 years of global experience. He currently serves as Director of Engineering at rPlus Energies, a renewable energy developer in the western U.S. Kamal began his career as a design engineer for Nepal’s 60 MW Khimti I Hydropower Project, where he also helped establish a community school that now thrives as a high school. His work spans the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa, including key roles in Uganda’s Karuma (600 MW) and Isimba (180 MW) projects, earning him recognition as one of the 70 most influential figures in hydropower by International Waterpower & Dam Construction in 2019. Kamal is a Fellow of ASCE, Vice-Chair of the NHA Pumped Storage Council, and a leader in knowledge-sharing through the Khimti Forum. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Hawai’i and an M.Sc. from IHE Delft, Netherlands.

Sona Lamichhane Sharma is a dedicated healthcare professional and passionate advocate for education and community service. Her journey began in the early '90s as an educator for USAID’s elderly literacy program (PACT) in Gorkha, Nepal, soon after high school. After moving to the U.S., she continued her commitment to education by co-founding NawaDurga Nepali School in Northern Virginia in 2015, aiming to preserve language, culture, and heritage among children of Nepali immigrants. Sona holds a degree in Business Administration with a Finance major and currently serves at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) within the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. Beyond her profession, she actively volunteers in libraries, national parks, clinics, and blood drives. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she inspired her children to collaborate on the book Seventeen Petals, a collection of growing-up stories. Sona lives in Virginia with her husband and two children, continuing to lead by example through service and education.