I am Aarju Pariyar, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from Sukuna Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. I am interested in technology and have recently discovered a passion for programming. Despite not having a technical background, I aspire to become a skilled Software Engineer. Apart from programming, I enjoy cooking, learning new recipes, and listening to music. I am also fond of traveling and exploring new places.

Hello! My name is Akash Sunar, and I am from Kawasoti, Nawalpur, but currently reside in Pokhara. I am about to complete my Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Communication, and Information Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Paschimanchal Campus. I have immense interest in web development, software development, and UI/UX design and have chosen the Tej Fellowship to begin my software engineering journey. During my engineering studies, I have worked on few team projects and have gained valuable experience. I am eager to continue learning and growing in the technical field. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, writing poems, and exploring other interesting things. I also love to interact and have fun with my friends.

My name is Hemlal Dulal, and I am from Melamchi, Sindhupalchok. I am currently in my 8th semester, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Technology (BSc.CSIT) at Patan Multiple Campus. During my professional journey, I had the privilege of working with Matrix Sub-Tech Pvt. Ltd, where I gained valuable experience in software development. Additionally, I took training in MERN stack technology through Deerwalk Training Center, further enhancing my skills and knowledge in web development. I am deeply passionate about software development and enjoy the process of creating new software solutions. I firmly believe that software can simplify tasks and make them more efficient, requiring less effort. I approach problem-solving by analyzing the issues at hand and applying the optimal methods using the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Throughout my academic journey, I have gained proficiency in several programming languages, including C, C++, C#, Java, and Python. These languages have not only been a part of my syllabus but also a personal interest, allowing me to explore and expand my programming capabilities. Outside my academic and professional pursuits, I have diverse interests. I enjoy traveling to new places as it refreshes me and exposes me to different cultures and perspectives. Football is another passion of mine which I actively participate in. Additionally, I find solace in reading books, as they provide me with knowledge and inspiration. Furthermore, I am honored to be in the 5th cohort of the Samaanta Foundation Fellowship, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on society. I have a strong desire to contribute my skills and knowledge to society on various occasions and projects. Overall, I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with a genuine passion for software development. I constantly seek opportunities to learn and grow, with a strong belief in the power of technology to shape a better future.

My name is Lishu Maharjan, and I'm from Bhimsensthan, Kathmandu. At Prime College, I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Information Management (BIM) degree. Since I was little, I have had a strong interest in world history, music, nature exploration, and learning new things. I've always been interested in a career in IT, despite not having held any IT-related employment. I was able to learn useful programming skills over the course of four years, and I'm now trying to concentrate on becoming a Software Developer.

I am Liza Maharjan from Lagantole, Kathmandu, a current student at Prime College pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Information Management (BIM). With a passion for designing, music, and coding, I have always been interested in exploring new ideas and creating solutions to tackle social issues. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and trekking to explore the beautiful landscapes of my home country. Through my work and hobbies, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in my community and beyond.

I am from Bharatpur, Chitwan and I have completed my Bachelors in Computer Engineering from United Technical College. I have enthusiasm to take on new challenges, love to work in a team and am very fond of learning new technologies and discussing them with my peers. In my free time I love to cook and read books.

Sharmila Jirel is originally from Jiri, Dolakha. She is a Computer Science student and web developer with high interest in computers and technology. Pursuing her passion, she is on a journey in Computer Science, immersing herself in the world of coding, web development and software engineering. Besides work and education, she finds solace and excitement in hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Additionally, she enjoys engaging in sports activities too. With each project she tackles and every place she visits, she likes to make her mark, inspiring others to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams.

Sunil comes from a village, Panchagachhi, in Jhapa. He always strives to learn more and expand his knowledge. He is particularly fascinated by core software development and the inner workings of computers. He is eager to continue growing both personally and professionally.

My name is Sushil Kumar Thanet. I am originally from East Nawalparasi, and currently living in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Information Management from KIST College of Management, Kamalpokhari. Recently, I have completed an internship in the US Embassy, Kathmandu. I have been very enthusiastic about computer science and technologies since my childhood. Besides that, I also like to play games - physical or virtual, bike rides, swimming, fishing.

Niru Magar is a native of the Siraha region and accomplished her goal of earning a master's degree in Zoology from Tribhuvan University. She is characterized by her keen work ethic, unwavering passion to acquire knowledge about cutting-edge technologies, and proactive attitude toward trying out novel ideas. She has knowledge from her prior work as a passionate researcher and educator. She is one of the TEJ Fellows from it's inaugural cohort. Now, she has transitioned into the role of a Teaching Fellow for the TEJ Organization, where she is actively taking part in educational initiatives.

In 2022, Pratiksha participated as a TEJ Fellow in the fellowship program, where she dedicated herself to actively developing a strong foundation in programming. Throughout the year, she worked diligently to develop her skills in this field. Now, Pratiksha is eager to commence another thrilling journey of skill advancement and knowledge exchange as she joins TEJ as a Teaching Fellow.

Benju Lwagun is a writer at Global Voices. In her articles, she focuses on the issues of Migrant Workers, Women's Rights, and Caste Based Discriminations of Nepal. She has a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism and has more than 6 years of work experience in the Development Communications and Public Relations Sector in Nepal and Myanmar. She is currently based in Amman, Jordan. In her free time, Benju likes to sing, listen to music and read books.

Pawan Benjamin is a professional musician and a technology educator.

Puran is a Dad and a Software Engineer currently living in Walnut Creek, California. He is a Co-founder/Head of Engineering at a health-tech company providing market access platform for the prescription drug manufacturers. He’s been working in the Software Industry for almost 15 years now and has worked for small/large companies like Yahoo, Intuit, and Shutterfly before co-founding Phil in 2015. He’s also a founding member/president of PDRC that provides access and support to the students from the marginalized community for their higher education. He’s one of the very early and very few members from the marginalized community in Nepal to graduate from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus on a full scholarship by securing the first rank in a nationwide entrance examination. He always felt the lack of good mentorship and guidance throughout his academic and professional career and feels strongly about solving it for the younger generation of students and professionals. That’s one big reason he started HamroGroup.org. If he’s not playing with his son, he loves to read and build things on the side to learn, explore, and help others.

Rushil Shakya is a technology educator who is passionate about making the sector more inclusive. He has worked in leadership capacities in large fortune 500 company as well as in technology startup. He has also volunteered his time and expertise for a number of social justice organizations in Nepal and the United States.

Aditi Mody is currently on the Board of Trustee at the University of Chicago Trust ( since February 2018). Aditi was the Former Executive Director at the University of Chicago Trust (2016- 2021) where she provided strategic and administrative leadership in promoting research, education, and engagement of the University in multi sector policy and program implementation within the region. She was also the Former Executive Director of the UChicago Center in India Private Limited (2016-2020) where she worked closely with the University of Chicago’s academic and administrative leaders, to support University of Chicago initiatives, develop and expand academic collaborations and foster collaborative programming and policy engagement in India and South Asia. Aditi also served as Country Director for India with the US-India Business Council (USIBC) at the US Chamber of Commerce. At USIBC, Aditi was responsible for establishing the India office of the Council and growing the commercial and strategic partnership between the countries by leading charge on bilateral policy advocacy issues for USIBC’s diverse membership with a variety of stakeholders across a range of sectors. She served on Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Cargill Global Scholars Selection Committee (April 2021) and was on the National Screening Committee for the Fulbright-Nehru CII Fellowship for Leadership Management (2010-2011). Aditi currently serves on the Women Leadership Board at the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School as well as the Board of Trustees at Habiart Foundation (which promotes contemporary Indian Art). She holds a M.A. in International Relations from the University of Chicago (USA) and Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Bristol University (UK).

Amy Paul is a communication and fundraising professional who has helped advance immigrant justice, community-driven public safety, and workers’ rights. She has worked for nonprofits including Possible Health and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. She has also served as a board member for Adhikaar for Human Rights. Amy holds a Master’s in International Affairs from the New School and an undergraduate degree in public policy from The University of Chicago. She lives in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Barsha is a product designer based in New York City. She graduated from Parsons School of Design with an MFA in Design and Technology and currently is working as a UX/UI designer and Front-End Developer at a nonprofit organization. She is also an avid guitarist and a movie critique.

Brittin is a development professional with extensive experience in Nepal. She holds a master's degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Mamta Gurung Nyangmi has over 20 years of experience in international and community development. She has worked at the UN, at numerous international and national NGOs as well as the private sector. She provides strategic, programmatic, and organizational management to global and grassroots organizations in the US, South Asia, and South East Asia. With a focus on intersections of social protection, education, gender, ethnic and racial justice, Mamta understands that sustainable development occurs when systems are set up to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion of the marginalized and the vulnerable. Born to a pastoral family in rural Nepal, Mamta has lived and worked in some of the most vibrant cities in the world including Kathmandu, Delhi and New York and uses these cross-cultural experiences to navigate complex situations and advocate for representation. She has a Masters in International Development from Cornell University, Bachelors in International Development from the City University of New York and, a BA Honors in English Literature from Delhi University. She is fluent in Nepali, Hindi, English and in her native tongue Manangi, is conversational in Tibetan and speaks basic Spanish.

Navaraj is a development professional with over twenty-five years of leadership experience in Asia and Africa. Currently, he is a consultant for NGO management, strategy, and leadership, and he coaches and mentors senior managers. He is interested in organizational development, operational management, organizational change and leadership mentoring.

Prarthana (she/her) is a first-generation Nepali-American, born and raised in the U.S., and currently serves as the Director of Campaigns & Communications at Adhikaar, a community and worker center that organizes the Nepali-speaking immigrant and refugee community. Prarthana brings to TEJ a decade of experience in building campaigns and bridging communications for social justice movements spanning from worker rights, immigration, environmental justice, police accountability, and public health. She currently resides in Queens, New York City.

Ramesh Singh is currently a freelance consultant and volunteer living in and working from Asia (Bangkok – Kathmandu). Strategy review, evaluation and development, public policy advocacy, NGO design, governance and architecture, integrity and accountability systems, strategic leadership teaching, training and mentoring are his areas of interest, learning and expertise. Ramesh Singh has worked in leadership roles at country, regional and global levels in development, human rights and environmental international organizations. He has lived in and worked from South and Southeast Asia; West, East and Southern Africa; North America; and Western Europe. He has also served in governance roles of various international organisations. Ramesh was educated as an agronomist/seed technologist. He has been a visiting fellow at Institute of Development Studies UK; Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs US and, Harvard Kennedy School US. He has done recent consultancy and pro-bono work at Amnesty International, Africans Rising Movement, Greenpeace India, ActionAid, WaterAid, International Development Economist Associates and Women or Women International.

Todd Rodgers is the CTO at Haven Technologies, a new SaaS company that leverages an industry leading technology platform to help carriers deliver new products and digitally transform their operations. Prior to launching Haven Technologies, Todd was CTO at Haven Life, a life insurance startup that takes a customer-centric, digital approach to improving the life insurance buying experience. In this role, Todd oversaw development teams to ensure delivery of a next generation customer experience in the life insurance industry. Todd has extensive leadership experience in defining and delivering large-scale strategic technology platforms in financial companies. Prior to joining Haven Life, he was at Citi Private Bank where he managed global development teams that worked to address complex financial needs of high-value clients.