Diaspora Team Set 2
Sanjay Manandhar
Sanjay Manandhar, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based tech entrepreneur, brought the Internet to Nepal in 1994 and remains actively involved in entrepreneurship and the promotion of the arts. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), a Master’s from the MIT Media Lab, and an MBA from Institut Europeen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD). Currently, he is CEO and co-founder of Zifino, a cybersecurity company, that uses AI to assess, prioritise and offer remediation guidance for cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an increasingly diffused and expanding attack surface. Prior to Zifino, Sanjay co-founded and was CEO of Wicket, a computer vision company for opt-in-based facial biometrics for access control, payments and ticketing. Sanjay Manandhar was the founder and CEO of Aerva, an enterprise software platform that managed content on 10,000 digital displays in 6 countries, for advertising, employee communications or entertainment, from Times Square billboards to thousands of Anheuser-Busch 7-foot digital cooler doors, displays in 33+ US Naval bases, universities, convention centres, airports and transit hubs. From 1996 to 1999, Sanjay picked technology stocks in London for a fund with GBP 12 billion under management. His early career as a software engineer was at Sun Microsystems and Olivetti in Silicon Valley, NYNEX and Siemens in Cambridge, MA, USA. He holds four patents in computer vision and one patent in content management systems. He serves on the Advancement Committee of UWC in New Mexico and is also an avid mountain biker and a trekker in the Himalayas and around the world.
Preeti Adhikary
Preeti Adhikary is the Founder of The Great Nepali Diaspora, a global nonprofit community that brings together exceptional Nepali talent. In just two years, this initiative has grown to include thousands of members, 27 chapters, and eight industry-specific hubs worldwide. It has hosted over 150 events, building meaningful connections, collaboration, and camaraderie among Nepali changemakers.
She is also the General Partner of Momo VC, a US-based early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders. At Momo VC, Preeti supports diverse leaders by providing resources, mentorship, and funding to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
She is also the creator of Empowered Women, a global platform aimed at connecting and uplifting Nepali women. Empowered Women amplifies the voices and contributions of Nepali women worldwide by encouraging mentorship, celebrating achievements, and creating opportunities for collective growth. With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Preeti has extensive experience across tech startups, banking, and nonprofits. She served as the Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Fusemachines Inc., playing a pivotal role in the company’s success. Fusemachines Inc. is set to become one of the first Nepali-founded firms to go public on NASDAQ in 2024. Preeti Adhikary holds a Master of Advanced Management from Yale School of Management and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. She is also a TEDx Speaker, inspiring audiences with her vision for community-driven ventures and innovation. Preeti is passionate about creating social and economic impact by empowering individuals and enabling collaboration.
She is also the General Partner of Momo VC, a US-based early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders. At Momo VC, Preeti supports diverse leaders by providing resources, mentorship, and funding to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
She is also the creator of Empowered Women, a global platform aimed at connecting and uplifting Nepali women. Empowered Women amplifies the voices and contributions of Nepali women worldwide by encouraging mentorship, celebrating achievements, and creating opportunities for collective growth. With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Preeti has extensive experience across tech startups, banking, and nonprofits. She served as the Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Fusemachines Inc., playing a pivotal role in the company’s success. Fusemachines Inc. is set to become one of the first Nepali-founded firms to go public on NASDAQ in 2024. Preeti Adhikary holds a Master of Advanced Management from Yale School of Management and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. She is also a TEDx Speaker, inspiring audiences with her vision for community-driven ventures and innovation. Preeti is passionate about creating social and economic impact by empowering individuals and enabling collaboration.
Dr. Rajendra Bhatt
Dr. Rajendra Bhatt is a distinguished scientist specializing in satellite sensor intercalibration and climate data harmonization. As the Deputy Project Scientist for NASA’s (National Aeronautical and Space Administration) CLARREO (Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory) Pathfinder mission, he leads efforts to develop advanced sensor intercalibration techniques, enhancing the radiometric accuracy of instruments like CERES (Cloud and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) to support critical climate science research. With over 15 years of experience working with NASA, Dr. Bhatt has assessed and optimized the performance of more than 36 satellite imagers, ensuring their data reliability for understanding Earth’s climate system. His expertise spans the characterization of bidirectional reflectance over Earth’s deserts, polar ice caps, and tropical clouds and he applied these models for consistent calibration. His work has been instrumental in advancing flight projects and mission support at the NASA Langley Research Center. His contributions extend to the US' leading institutions like USGS (United States Geological Survey), the University of Colorado, and GSICS (Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia and has authored influential research on sensor intercalibration, radiometric quantization, and seasonal BRDF modelling, all of which drive innovation in Earth observation and climate science.
Asha Magarati
Asha Magarati is a Nepali-American screenwriter, producer, and actor who has made a significant impact in bringing Nepali stories to international audiences. Her acting credits include Four Nights (2022); White Sun (2016), which won the Interfilm Award at the Venice Film Festival; Highway (2012), which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival; Kagbeni (2008), which was screened at the Shanghai International Film Festival; Karma (2006), among others. Her most recent work, Pooja, Sir, premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in Nepali and international cinema. Additionally, she has co-written and produced critically acclaimed and award-winning feature and short films including Four Nights (2022) and Chaukaith (Threshold) (2008). Asha is a graduate of Berlinale Talents (2013) and the School of Playback Theater (UK). Her passion for storytelling began during her childhood, growing up in a British Gurkha army camp where weekend movie screenings sparked her love for film and acting. She first performed in theatre at the age of 13 and has since built an impressive career spanning plays, TV shows, and feature films. She is the co-founder of Aadi Films and Gograha Film Workshop, organizations dedicated to nurturing original voices in Nepali cinema. Through Aadi Films, co-founded with filmmaker Deepak Rauniyar, Asha has produced award-winning films and is currently developing four features. These include The Sky Is Mine and High and Low by Deepak Rauniyar, Asian Cinema Fund winner The Palace by Anil Baral, and Kesang Tseten’s The Law.
Deepak Rauniyar
Deepak Rauniyar is a visionary film producer, director, storyteller and an Associate Professor of the Practice, Film and Television for Boston University, US, whose work has elevated the profile of Nepali cinema globally. Known for his bold, thought-provoking films, he has garnered international acclaim for his ability to weave intimate human stories with broader social and cultural themes, and has continued to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide. Rauniyar’s directorial debut, Highway (2012), was the first Nepali film to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking a turning point in the global recognition of Nepali cinema. This achievement was followed by his second feature, White Sun (2016), a deeply resonant film exploring the aftermath of Nepal’s civil war. White Sun won the prestigious Interfilm Award at the Venice Film Festival and received accolades at numerous other festivals, cementing Rauniyar’s reputation as a leading voice in Nepali and world cinema. In addition to his internationally celebrated features, his work also includes short films like Four Nights (2022), which showcase his continued exploration of Nepal’s cultural and social fabric. His latest feature film is 2024's Pooja, Sir, which he produced, directed and co-wrote, and premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. His storytelling often delves into themes of identity, transformation, and reconciliation, reflecting the complexities of his home country while resonating universally. As a champion of meaningful and impactful cinema, Rauniyar is dedicated to taking Nepali films on a global scale. His commitment to social dialogue extends beyond his films, as he actively mentors emerging talent and advocates for cinema as a platform for changes.
Sneha Shrestha
Sneha Shrestha, widely known as IMAGINE in the art world, is a Nepali artist, educator, and social entrepreneur who bridges traditional scripts with contemporary graffiti, redefining the Sanskrit and Nepali alphabet through bold and experimental works. As the founder of Nepal’s first Children’s Art Museum, she empowers youth by cultivating 21st-century skills through creative, project-based learning. A Harvard Graduate School of Education alumna, Sneha has spearheaded innovative learning initiatives, including curriculum development at MIT Media Lab and research at Harvard’s Project Zero. Her art exhibited globally from Boston to Bali, includes notable works such as Home416, the first piece by a Nepali artist included in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s Permanent Collection, and Calling the Earth to Witness, a monumental sculpture for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Her iconic murals, including the landmark piece at Massachusetts Avenue and Main Street in Cambridge, MA, complement her contributions to esteemed collections at institutions like the Rubin Museum, the Worcester Art Museum, Google, Facebook, and Fidelity. Sneha has been honoured with the Artist of the Year Award (2023), Boston Artist-in-Residence (2018), and recognition as one of Nepal’s 100 Most Influential Women (2018). She currently serves as the Arts Program Manager at Harvard’s Mittal South Asia Institute, where she amplifies Asian art and culture. Her additional honours include a Collective Futures Fund grant (2024), a WBUR ARTery “25 Millennials of Color” feature (2019), the HUB Week Change Maker Award (2018), and multiple prestigious residencies and grants from institutions like Harvard and the Andy Warhol Foundation. Through her innovative artistry, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to community and cultural pride, Sneha Shrestha continues to inspire creativity and innovation across the globe.
Aditya Mishra
Aditya Mishra is a passionate chef and entrepreneur dedicated to redefining dining experiences through creativity, culture, and connection. Born and raised in the foothills of the Himalayas, he moved to New York City at 19 to pursue his culinary dreams, training at a renowned culinary school in upstate New York before refining his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants like Junoon and the three Michelin-starred Le Bernardin in New York. In 2023, he was awarded the James Beard Foundation National Scholars Scholarship, receiving a $20,000 grant that opened doors to collaborations with top chefs and food influencers. He also earned a Silver Medal at the ACF Student Culinary Competition, further cementing his dedication to the craft. He is also the co-founder of The Sewing Tin with Chef Akhil Upad in New York where Aditya and his supper club team merges nostalgic Nepali flavours with modern culinary techniques, creating immersive, multi-sensory dining experiences. His work has been featured in Amazon, Vogue India, TimeOut, and other major publications. Currently completing his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Aditya is on a mission to globalise Nepali cuisine and culture, believing that food is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. Through his work, he seeks to spotlight the richness of Nepali flavours and traditions, ensuring they reach and resonate with people worldwide.
Shobha Hamal Gurung
Shobha Hamal Gurung, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Women and Gender Studies at Southern Utah University (SUU), where she also serves as the Program Director of the Nepal Studies Program. With a strong focus on gender and labour, migration, globalisation, and transnationalism, her work bridges the fields of South Asian studies, international studies, and social justice. Ms Gurung’s research explores the intersections of social justice, human rights, and the lived experiences of marginalised populations, particularly Nepali women and migrant communities.
Her scholarly work includes notable publications such as “Growing Up Hindu: Mapping the Memories of a Nepali Woman in the United States” (2008), “Nepali Female Migrants and Informalization of Domestic and Care Work: Service or Servitude?” (2010), “Sex Trafficking and the Sex Trade Industry: The Processes and Experiences of Nepali Women” (2014), and “Dynamics and Ramifications of US Immigration and Visa Policies: Nepali Transnational Workers, Families, and Children in the United States” (2015) and many more. Ms Gurung’s book, Nepali Migrant Women: Resistance and Survival in America, published by Syracuse University Press, is a groundbreaking study of the gendered experiences of Nepali migrant women navigating labour markets in the US. Dr. Gurung has also presented her research at numerous conferences and her current research focuses on the Bhutanese refugees of Nepali origin, expanding her exploration of migration and displacement. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Northeastern University, and has become a prominent voice in gender studies, migration, and South Asian diaspora studies.
Yogi Rana
Yogi Rana is the Director of Product at Covalent Networks, where he spearheads the development of innovative software solutions tailored for the manufacturing and service industries. His leadership ensures that Covalent’s solutions are not only technologically advanced but also practical, sustainable, and scalable. Throughout his career, Yogi has cultivated expertise in product strategy, competitive analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. He excels in user research, strategic product road mapping, and data-driven product analytics, consistently delivering tools that meet the evolving needs of industries such as Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, and other manufacturing verticals. Driven by curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, he is committed to building sustainable, scalable products that deliver real value. Before joining Covalent, Yogi held key roles at Vuforia, a PTC technology, where he led product development initiatives in augmented reality (AR) for industrial applications. His work included advancing AR work instructions for frontline workers and pioneering digital twin technologies for the industrial metaverse. His diverse background also includes experience in market strategy, go-to-market planning, and competitive intelligence, cultivated during his tenure in PTC’s Leadership Rotational Program. An advocate for emerging technologies, Yogi is particularly passionate about AR, VR, IoT, and digital twins, exploring their transformative potential to reshape industries. His accomplishments include winning prestigious awards at the MIT Reality Hack AR/VR Hackathon and the MIT Fin-Tech Hackathon, reflecting his innovative approach to technology-driven problem-solving. Yogi holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Boston University and a Product Management Certification from Product School.
Dr. Rashmi Khanal
Dr. Rashmi Khanal is an Associate Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, specializing in Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy. With over eight years of experience, she has been instrumental in advancing treatments for leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma. She completed her MBBS at Jahurul Islam Medical College, followed by a residency at Jersey City Medical Center/Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and a Hematology-Oncology Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. She later served as an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University. Board-certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology, she is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association. A Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor 2024, Dr. Khanal is also a dedicated researcher with publications on targeted cancer therapies and metabolic disorders. Her treatment philosophy is rooted in the belief that “cancer does not have a face until it’s yours or someone you know.” She prioritizes comprehensive, patient-centered care, ensuring that both patients and their families receive the support they need. At the Fox Chase-Temple University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Program, she continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering cutting-edge stem cell transplants and cellular therapies.
