Advisors and Team of Experts
Joana Apóstolo, Portugal
Joana Apóstolo is an experienced fundraising and grant writing expert with a strong background in international development and sustainability. With a focus on strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and global project development, Joana has successfully led fundraising initiatives for NGOs and organizations focused on human rights, climate change, and gender equality. She is passionate about driving impactful change through sustainable fundraising strategies and is excited to contribute her expertise to RISE UP Nepal's mission of empowering marginalized communities and advancing social justice.
Roberto Lazzaro, Italy
Sustainability-driven and a firm believer in ethics and mindfulness, Roberto Lazzaro is an entrepreneur with extensive experience consulting for more than 450 companies across 10 industries, ranging from small businesses to multinationals. Additionally, he has advised over 300 startups globally. As the founder of Together4Impact, he leads a global think-and-do-tank ecosystem foundation project aimed at supporting sustainability by empowering stakeholders, fostering impactful collaborations, and taking direct actions to benefit the planet and its living beings
Nancy Xiong, USA
Nancy Xiong, named after former First Lady Nancy Reagan, is a dedicated advocate for democracy and diversity. A dreamer at heart, she navigated her Hmong American identity through her college and graduate studies. Nancy holds an M.A. in Sociology and a Certificate in Women and Gender Studies from George Mason University, and an M.A. in Social Justice in Intercultural Relations from SIT Graduate Institute. She is also a Reiki Master and founder of Hono Bono Healing LLC in St. Paul, Minnesota, blending Hmong Shamanic practices with energy and sound healing. Nancy supports clients in improving well-being, reducing stress, and finding life purpose.
Haruka Nobukuni, Japan
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Haruka Nobukuni has over 10 years of experience in the telecommunications field. She pursued graduate studies in counseling and has worked as an advocate, case manager, and mental health professional in the U.S. and Japan. Haruka has supported domestic violence survivors, individuals with intellectual disabilities, serious mental health, and chronically homelessness. After nearly 30 years in the U.S., she returned to Japan, where she now assists children and adults in difficult situations. She is a committee member for social education and an officer for UN Women Japan Tama, focusing on social justice, human rights, and mental health.
Govinda Neupane, Nepal
Govinda Neupane has over 26 years of experience in development management and humanitarian response, working with international and national organizations, donors, and the corporate sector. He excels in strategy design, implementation, program quality assurance, research and evaluations, organizational development, capacity building, strategic advocacy, partnership management, and fundraising. He has held senior management roles, including Country Director/Manager for various INGOs and donors, and served four years as a board member in the Association of INGOs in Nepal (AIN). Govinda is a passionate leader dedicated to advancing development initiatives from grassroots to senior levels.
Saraswati Pathak, Nepal
Saraswati Pathak is a seasoned development professional and social entrepreneur with over 7 years of experience in local governance, gender equality, and social inclusion. She excels in training, capacity building, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Currently, she lectures at Canvas International College and served on the board of Garima Bikash Bank, leveraging her extensive expertise to drive the private sector to social change and empower underserved groups.
Sabitra Ghimire BK, Nepal
Ms. Sabitra Ghimire BK is a seasoned professional and dedicated human and women's rights activist with over 30 years of active involvement in Nepal's civil society movements, particularly focusing on women's rights and Dalit rights. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Dalit Women Rights Forum in Sudurpaschim Pradesh, Dhangadhi. This leading organization addresses caste and gender-based violence and promotes women’s political participation and inclusive governance in the Sudurpaschim Province. Sabitra is an exemplary figure and a source of inspiration for women aspiring to become social leaders and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Dr. Shiva Pathak, USA
Dr. Shiva Pathak is a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine, specializing in immunology and transplantation. With a Ph.D. from Yeungnam University, South Korea, he focuses on developing innovative treatments for type 1 diabetes, aiming to overcome transplant rejection through drug delivery and cell therapy. His work has led to significant advancements in immunosuppression protocols and tolerance-inducing strategies. Dr. Pathak's research interests also include drug delivery systems for inflammatory diseases and cancers. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and holds several prestigious positions and honors in the field.
Dr. Shobha Regmi, USA
Dr. Shobha Regmi is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Radiology at Stanford University. She completed her PhD in Pharmacy at Yeungnam University, South Korea, where she focused on the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating inflammatory diseases. Her pioneering work includes 2D and 3D cultures of MSCs for acute liver failure, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diabetes. Dr. Regmi has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received the Young Scientist Investigator Award from The Transplantation Society and Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society. Her current research explores MSC-based therapies for Alzheimer's disease.