'Go to the people. Live with them. Love them, Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the job is done, the task accomplished, the people will say: 'We have done it ourselves.'.
Lao Tzu
About Us
Eliminating poverty starts with removing the obstacles to markets and barriers to participation; and offering tools and training for families to succeed.
MISSION
Strengthening Himalayan communities through programs that foster health and sustainable livelihoods.
VISION
Resilient communities with the skills and structure to adapt quickly, overcome challenges, and capitalize on opportunities.
VALUES
Investment - We believe in investing in people. Over time project materials deteriorate and need replacement, but knowledge spreads, is built upon, and spawns fresh ideas.
Reduce barriers - We support programs that remove social and psychological barriers to make sure everyone can participate in their own success.
Sustainability - We support projects that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
Equality- We insist on our projects be accessible to all who would like to participate, regardless of perceived or actual differences between community members.
Leadership - Aythos values local leaders looking to better themselves and serve their communities.
Meet the Team
Shanti Regmi
Country Director - Nepal
Shanti was hired as a women's engagement coordinator in 2015, but her work ethic and attention to detail convinced the board to promote her to executive director in the spring of 2017. She has her Bachelors degree in humanities and experience in secondary education. Shanti oversees all our programs and staff in country.
Meet the Nepali Board
Nima Tshering Lama
Chairman
Nima is originally from Helambu, but has lived in Kathmandu for many years. He currently works with Namaste Nepal, an organization advocating for quality education and sustainable development. Nima, who has a degree in Development Studies, is passionate about raising awareness and improving the lives of people in rural communities like Helambu. He loves travelling and meeting new people.
Praju Dotel
Secretary
Praju Dotel joined Aythos Nepal as Secretary in October 2019. Praju, who has a degree in Laws and Arts from Tribhuvan University, has been active in youth mobilization and women empowerment for the past four years. She is interested in international politics and activism, and loves reading and cooking.
Jemie Shrestha
Board Member
Jemie Shrestha is a Youth Advocate currently pursuing a degree in Social Work from St. Xavier’s College. Jemie is a passionate advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, and focuses on improving access to services and education for girls. She is an experienced speaker, having previously spoken at the World Health Assembly, Women Deliver, and other local and national forums. Jemie’s loves riding bikes, theatre, exploring new places and making new friends.
Meet the US Board
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Rachel Penner
President
Rachel holds a Masters in International Relations from Syracuse University's Maxwell School and a Masters in International Development from the International Institute of Social Studies at the University of Rotterdam. She specializes in water and sanitation issues and emergency management and has a background in administration and human services. Rachel worked with Aythos in Nepal after the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015 and joined the board in early 2018.
Beau Miller
Interim Vice President and Secretary
Beau holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from Syracuse University's Maxwell School. A co-founder of Aythos, he has worked on development projects in the Nepali Himalayas since 2008. In addition to his work with Aythos, Beau has consulted for various institutions, including United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, US Department of Defense, World Vision, and Save the Children.
David Mabry
Treasurer
David was appointed as Executive Director in early 2018. He is one of the co-founders of Aythos, serving in a variety of positions since 2009, including finance director, field manager, and treasurer. Starting his career in payroll and finance, he was the national payroll director for Grassroots Campaigns, senior financial analyst for Philips Color Kinetics, and currently he is the managing owner of the financial services company, Maberrone Solutions, LLC. He holds a Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and earned a B.S. in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Lamia El Sadek
Board Member
Lamia came back to our Board in July 2020 after a brief hiatus. Lamia serves as Managing Director of Dignity and Power Now, and previously worked with PepsiCo, IBM, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Plan, and the Education for Employment Foundation. Lamia, who has a Masters in Training and Development from North Carolina State University and a PhD in Global Leadership, has worked throughout Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Europe on issues of economic development, refugee rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Giovanna Saccoccio
Board Member
Giovanna joined Aythos's board in 2020 and contributes to marketing and communications activities. She works as a corporate governance analyst and has experience in compliance, research, and communications. Giovanna holds a Master in International Relations from Syracuse University's Maxwell School and Bachelor Degrees in International Relations and Public Relations.
Sunil Casuba
Board Member
Sunil joined Aythos's board in 2019 after volunteering with our staff in Nepal for four months. He joins us with a background in data analytics and monitoring and evaluation. Sunil has worked for the US Department of Justice and a variety of international organizations. Sunil holds an MS in Cyber Security from the National Defense University, a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University, and an Executive MA in International Affairs from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
