Technology for
Equity and
Justice
Fellowship

TEJ trains individuals from underrepresented communities to become software engineers through its in-house nine-month full time fellowship.

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OUR PROGRAMS

BOOTCAMP

Technology for Equity and Justice (TEJ) has developed a nine-month coding fellowship for students from marginalized and underrepresented communities. The fellows will be trained from little or no coding knowledge to fully capable software engineers earning competitive salaries. Fellows will be paid a stipend of Rs. 16,000.00 a month throughout the program.

The TEJ Fellows are selected following a rigorous selection process. The nine month fellowship is conducted in two phases: I) The Coding Bootcamp phase is an in-person six-month full-time training where we teach JavaScript language for frontend and backend. The training is facilitated by highly experienced IT Engineers with work experience in the United States and Nepal. II) The Internship phase is focused on putting technical training to practical use. It includes soft skills training in communications and job search skills to find and grow in good jobs in Nepali and international companies.

PRE BOOTCAMP

At TEJ, recognizing the gender disparity in the technology sector and learning from our own experience in difficulties faced by women in learning technology, we have designed a three-month part-time Introduction to JavaScript Pre Bootcamp specifically for women from marginalized and underrepresented communities. This is a free program with five hours per week in-class, and an additional commitment of 10-15hrs per week to do the workshops and exercises. The fellows will be trained from little or no coding experience to a having solid foundation in programming fundamentals with a focus on JavaScript.

The pre-bootcamp fellows are selected through an application process. The program has a weekly rhythm, where we introduce a new programming concept each week that builds on previous weeks' lessons. The knowledge is further explored by doing the assigned exercises, with additional help provided via an online community and office hours.

ABOUT US

WHAT IS TEJ?

Globally, the tech industry is acknowledging the lack of diversity within the sector and companies are creating resource groups to increase their diversity. TEJ is focusing on the supply side to train highly competent software engineers from underrepresented communities by:

  • Prioritizing equity in caste, class and gender
  • Providing high quality fullstack javascript coding training
  • Augmenting technical skills with soft skills
  • Removing barriers to entry by providing stipends, afternoon classes, and other supportive resources
  • Mentoring by experienced industry professionals
  • Ongoing engagement after graduation

WHY TEJ?

The technology industry has constantly faced a shortage of good software engineers. As the supply of computer engineering graduates has not been able to meet the demand, the last 10 years has seen the emergence of coding bootcamps in North America and Europe that are conducted in terms of six months or less. The bootcamp has proven to be a successful model, and employers now recruit from them just as they do from universities. These coding bootcamps provide unmatched return on investment as they prepare students for jobs in a short period.

In Nepal, the representation of historically marginalized communities in the technology sector has been dramatically lower than those from privileged class and caste groups due to structural barriers, including a lack of access to information and resources. To address this issue and close the gap, TEJ has created a nine month coding fellowship designed to ensure the success of students from underrepresented groups and communities.

ELIGIBILITY

At TEJ Fellowship, we recruit and invest in candidates from marginalized and underrepresented communities in technology. We are looking for candidates including but not limited to the following qualifications:

  • Communities underrepresented in the technology sector in Nepal (caste, gender, and other identities)
  • Able to dedicate full time commitment to the fellowship
  • Interest in pursuing a career in technology
  • Demonstrated ability to work hard and collaborate in diverse teams

PRE-B00TCAMP FELLOWS (202401)

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ANUSHKA DAS

Anushka Das lives in Sanepa. Her village is in India. She is currently studying in grade 11, and is learning Computer Science in Shree Saraswati Niketan Secondary School. Her hobbies are sketching, drawing, learning new things etc. She likes to do programming.

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NABINA MANGRATI

Residing in Kathmandu, Nabina Mangrati is a 7th-semester BSc CSIT student at Prime College located at Naya Bazar, Khusibu. Despite not having a coding background, her keen interest in technology has led her to explore Quality Assurance (QA). Dedicated to ensuring software quality, she is committed to learning and building expertise in QA. She completed her high school education at Herald International College (science) where she laid the foundation for her academic journey.

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PRAMILA RANA

Pramila Rana is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in Information Management at Thames International College. She is originally from Chautara Sangachok Gadhi municipality of Sindhupalchok District. She is a seventh-cohort fellow of Samaanta Foundation. She has a year-long experience in the leadership program at Women Lead Nepal and Nepal Teen Leader. Her hobbies are reading books, listening to music, and traveling. She is a self-motivated, hardworking, and dedicated student with a strong passion for learning and making a positive difference. Her goal is to achieve a good position where she can build her career and help the organization too.

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PRANISHA MAGAR

Pranisha Magar, originally from Kavre, currently lives in Bhimsenthan. She studies in grade 11. She is learning Computer Engineering in Saraswati Niketan Secondary School. Her hobbies are sketching, visiting different places, playing badminton, and learning new things.

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SAMJANA LAMA

Samjana Lama is a student from Shankharapur, Kathmandu. She started her education at Prithwi Secondary Boarding School in Basundhara, Kathmandu, and later continued her studies at Prime College where she completed her higher secondary education. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in BSc CSIT at Prime College, Khusibun. She has always been interested in numbers and patterns, which led her to develop a passion for mathematics. She also enjoys playing badminton and basketball in her free time. Recently, she has discovered a new interest in coding and is excited to explore its possibilities further. With her love for learning and dedication to her studies, she is eager to see where her educational journey will take her. Whether it’s in teaching, computer science, or both, she is determined to make the most of her opportunities and pursue her passions with enthusiasm.

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SHOBHA ADHIKARI

Shobha Adhikari is originally from Melamchi, Sindhupalchok and she is currently residing at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. She completed her SEE from Shree Shitala Devi Secondary School, Melamchi, Sindhupalchok and She completed her +2 in Management faculty from V.S. Niketan College, Kathmandu. Now, she is pursuing BSIT(Bachelor of Science in Information Technology). She is an inquisitive, perseverant, and diligent person. So, these qualities allow her to explore various options and put more effort into whatever she engages herself in.

BOARD

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Benju Lwagun

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.

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Pawan Benjamin

Pawan Benjamin is a professional musician and a technology educator.

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Puran Singh

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.

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Rushil Shakya

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.

ADVISORY GROUP

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Aditi Mody

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).

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Amy T. Paul

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.

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Barsha Maharjan

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.

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Brittin Alfred

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

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Mamta Gurung Nyangmi

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.

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Navaraj Gyawali

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.

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Prarthana Gurung

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.

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Ramesh Singh

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.

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Todd Rodgers

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.

CONTACT US

If you are interested in TEJ Fellowship, please tell us about yourself and we will get in touch with you.

For any other communications, please contact us by email at tej.fellowship@gmail.com

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