Board of Directors & Staff
President/Founder — Lila Ghising — US
Ms. Lila Ghising has more than 25 years of experience working with women and children in social services. She has provided advocacy and program management for various social services organizations both domestically and abroad. She has focused on rehabilitating, advocating and educating the survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. During that time, she passionately strived for the rescue of women and children. In Nepal in 2001, she founded the (Women’s Protection Center / नारी संरक्षण केन्द्र). Over 1,000s women and children have been helped through this organization.
Ms. Ghising obtained her BA Degree in Bangalore, India, and Masters Degree in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship (MASCE) at Bakke Graduate University in Seattle, Washington.
Board Secretary — Michelle Peach — US
Michelle Peach has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Friends of WPC Nepal since 2013. Over the past decade, she has helped produce annual fundraising galas. Michelle brings a background in nonprofit event planning, donor stewardship, and community engagement. She is passionate about creating opportunities for connection between supporters in the U.S. and the women and children served in Nepal.
She is proud to have witnessed the organization’s remarkable growth and remains deeply committed to helping Friends of WPC Nepal continue expanding its impact through sustainable fundraising and awareness efforts.
Board Treasurer 
— David Chalmers — US
David Chalmers has devoted his 20+ year career to the intersection of development, conservation, and service delivery. He lived and worked in Nepal for more than five years, first as a Peace Corps Volunteer and later as a development-focused diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development, where he led the Environment and Resilience Office at USAID/Nepal. During that time, he saw firsthand the pernicious impacts of human trafficking—and the transformative difference organizations like WPC Nepal can make in the lives of survivors.
Now based in Seattle, where he leads strategic initiatives for the city’s public utility, he looks forward to returning whenever possible and values the opportunity to serve an organization whose work is so clearly grounded in dignity, justice, and the creation of lasting opportunities for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
Board Member — Kone’ Nisperos — US
As an accomplished government relations professional, I have developed a strong record in international operations management, strategic planning, and international relations. My background encompasses leadership roles and social service initiatives, where I have demonstrated expertise in managing complex projects and cultivating effective management practices. My approach emphasizes community engagement and advancing social services, consistently producing positive outcomes through collaborative leadership and rigorous strategic oversight.
Government Affairs Officer (2011–2016)
During my tenure as Government Affairs Officer for the US Army Reserves, I managed crucial relationships between the US Government and the cities of Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, and Marysville. My responsibilities included advocating for governmental policies, promoting new initiatives, and ensuring compliance with established standards. I worked closely with elected officials, community leaders, and the public, focusing on building strategic partnerships, monitoring legislative and policy developments, crafting effective communication strategies, and coordinating community engagement activities to strengthen ties between the military and civilian sectors.
Assistant Operations Chief, U.S. Army Europe & Africa, Black Sea (2016–2018)
From 2016 to 2018, I served as an Assistant Operations Chief for U.S. Army Europe and Africa in the Black Sea region. In this role, I played a key part in planning, coordinating, and supervising military operations and training exercises throughout Romania and Bulgaria. My work supported the overall readiness and operational effectiveness of military units, contributing to joint exercises and cross-cultural collaboration in a dynamic international environment.
Advisor, US Army Europe and Africa (2018–2021)
Between 2018 and 2021, I served as an advisor for US Army Europe and Africa, working directly with NATO partners on military matters. My focus was on building partner capacity by enhancing their capabilities through targeted training and support. Key responsibilities involved liaising with and assessing the militaries of partner nations, participating in multinational exercises, and strengthening defense partnerships both across the continent and throughout Europe. These experiences enabled me to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote lasting cooperation among allied forces.
Board Member — Josiah Yuen — US
Josiah Yuen has a background in Business Administration and has years of experience working with different non-profit organizations in the past. He is passionate about community building, bridging relationships, and making sure that people can be their authentic selves.
In 2023, he had the wonderful opportunity to spend two months in Nepal volunteering with WPC Nepal. This started his passion for serving in non-profits and for working in the international missions field. WPC gave him the tools to engage in multicultural ministries, as well as helping him gain a greater understanding of what human trafficking looks like around the world.
Ambassador Board Member — Noah Fletcher — US
Noah Fletcher is a senior manager in West Monroe Partners’ Operations Excellence practice in Seattle. As well as helping Friends of WPC analyze financial resources, his expertise helps create business partnerships.
Noah is passionate about helping fight human trafficking. He says, “I think human trafficking is one of the greatest injustices within our society today and one that people should be passionate about battling. I love the mission of WPC and how it is taking a massive problem and focusing its impact on transforming lives for a specific group. I would love to be engaged in continuing to amplify the impact to change the course of lives for young women in Nepal.”
Ambassador Board Member — Perry Burkholder — US
Perry Burkholder is the lead pastor of Every Nation Church Seattle, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church located in the University District of Seattle. In 2011, Perry became interested in learning about human trafficking and how to stop it, when he met Lila Ghising, the founder of WPC Nepal. Touched by Lila’s story, he along with a group of men from the church went to Nepal to film a documentary on the work of WPC. In 2016, he led a campaign to raise the necessary funds to build a permanent safe home for WPC and finished in 9 months. The home was built in 2017 and the inaugural opening was in February of 2018. It is one of Perry’s life long achievements to build this home. He continues to be passionate about the work of FWPC and further the cause. He is married to his wife, Danielle of 25 years, and have 4 young adults, and a Havanese dog, named Lucy, and they reside in Shoreline, WA.
Ambassador Board Member — Catherine Papagni-Terrill — US
Catherine Papagni-Terrill (she/her) has worked in grants, contract management and fundraising for 12 years with the international non-profit World Vision, travelled to over 50 countries and has seen the need for organizations such as the WPC Nepal.
In addition, Catherine brings over 20 years of experience and skills in procurement and strategic planning with global leaders that she is using to help grow the WPC Nepal. She is passionate about connecting donors with the mission of the WPC Nepal so that together we grow a better future for women and girls in Nepal. She has been involved with the WPC since 2014 as an Ambassador Board Member, advocate, event planner, fundraiser, speaker and safe home volunteer with her family in 2019. She is grateful to call the WPC Nepal her extended family.
Ambassador Board Member — Danielle Burkholder — US
Ambassador Board Member — Jeremy Killey — US
Country Director — Ganga Tamang — Nepal
Ganga started volunteering with WPC Nepal in 2010. In 2011, she was hired as Safe Home Manager and served as Treasurer on the WPC Nepal Board. She became Children’s Program Director in 2017 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2019. Since August 2024, she has been serving as the Country Director.
She received a Bachelor in Business Studies from the Hetauda School of Management & Social Science in 2015.
Board of Directors & Staff of WPC – Nepal
Board President — Dipa Kumari Gurung — Nepal
Dipa Kumari Gurung is a dedicated leader and long-serving member of WPC-Nepal, with nearly two decades of commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of vulnerable women and children. She has been actively involved in the organization since 2004, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Board Member (2004–2010), Secretary (2011–2013), Treasurer (2014–2016), and Vice-President (2017 to 2020).
Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Gurung has contributed significantly to strengthening organizational governance, financial transparency, and program development. She has played an important role in expanding key initiatives such as safe home support for vulnerable children, vocational training for women, and community awareness programs addressing human trafficking, gender-based violence, and child marriage. Known for her integrity and collaborative leadership, Mrs. Gurung continues to guide WPC-Nepal’s mission and vision, ensuring sustainable impact and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Board Vice-President — Bhishmaraj Sapkota — Nepal
Mr. Bhismaraj Sapkota is a former permanent government teacher and community leader from Makawanpur, Nepal. He served for 26 years as a dedicated teacher at Shree Gandya Secondary School, where he was widely recognized for his strong commitment to academic excellence, student development, and moral guidance.
Following his retirement from the education sector, Mr. Sapkota continues his service to the community as a Pastor at Makawanpur Prasamsha Church. In this role, he provides spiritual leadership, counseling, and support to individuals and families. With a lifelong dedication to education and service, Mr. Sapkota remains a valued and influential figure, contributing to both the intellectual and spiritual well-being of his community.
Board Secretary — Pratikala Chaudhary — Nepal
Pratikala Chaudhary, originally from Hetauda, Makawanpur district, Nepal, She is a dedicated development professional with extensive experience in administration, finance, and program management. Before joining WPC -Nepal, she worked at the Survey Office in Hetauda, gaining valuable experience in government operations. Mrs. Chaudhary worked in accounting at WPC-Nepal from 2011 to 2015, demonstrating strong financial management and organizational skills. Since 2015, she has continued to build her expertise in financial administration, and from 2016 to 2017, she served as an Operations Director, overseeing organizational functions, program implementation, and administrative coordination.
Later, she served as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Samari Utthan Sewa in Kathmandu for a few years, where she contributed to program oversight, reporting, and impact tracking. With her diverse professional background and commitment to social development, Mrs. Chaudhary plays a vital role in strengthening organizational effectiveness and supporting community-focused initiatives.
Board Member — Kali Maya Tamang — Nepal
Mrs. Kali Maya Tamang has been actively associated with WPC-Nepal since 2011, contributing significantly to the organization’s governance and program support. Prior to joining WPC-Nepal, she was engaged in community-based initiatives, where she provided parental education to families involved in gravel and sand transportation and facilitated skills training in bamboo crafts, including the production of bamboo mudda stands. Her early work reflects a strong commitment to community empowerment and livelihood development.
She joined WPC-Nepal as a Board Member in 2011 and subsequently served as Secretary for six years, playing a key role in strengthening organizational coordination, documentation, and internal communication. She later served as Treasurer for three years, contributing to financial oversight, accountability, and transparent resource management. Mrs. Tamang is currently serving again as a Board Member, where she continues to support strategic guidance and the effective implementation of programs focused on the protection and empowerment of vulnerable women and children.
Executive Director — Jerome Ghale — Nepal
Jerome comes from a small village called Tipling in the Dhading District of Nepal. He has been the Finance and Administration Manager of WPC Nepal since early 2016. Previously, he worked as an accountant at St. Xavier’s School in Kathmandu from 2011 to 2015, where he developed his professional skills in financial oversight.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Nepali women and children, to empower them, and giving them the support to build a safe and stable future for themselves. I know that together we are providing the foundation for socio-economic progress and gender equality in Nepal. I am proud to be part of the WPC family.”
Program Coordinator — Ashmita Praja — Nepal
Ashmita Praja embodies courage, compassion, and a dedication to lifelong learning and leadership. A proud graduate of WPC’s Safe Home program, she has transformed her own journey of resilience into a mission to uplift others. Rising from her initial role as a Social Mobilizer to her current position as Program Coordinator, Ashmita now designs and leads impactful initiatives that empower women and children through education, vocational training, and community awareness programs.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Ashmita is committed to building a safer and more equitable future, taking WPC’s mission as her own calling: turning compassion into action and challenges into lasting change.
Accountant — Sante Rai — Nepal
Sante Rai has worked as an accountant, administrative and finance officer, tax counselor, and in other positions in non-profit organizations, trading companies, cooperatives, and audit offices. His expertise has led him to his current role as an Accountant at WPC since 2022.
Sante is passionate about positively impacting the lives of women and children through WPC’s various programs. He said, “I feel pride to be part of the WPC-Nepal family, where women and children are kept safe and provided opportunities.”
Finance Assistant — Priskila Tamang — Nepal
I’m from a small village called Gorkha. When I was young, someone told my father and mother that there were positions open for house parents at the WPC safe home in Hetauda back in 2011. So my parents moved to Hetauda when I was 9 years old to manage the home and help raise the children. This gave my brother and me the opportunity to attend private school and reach our potential. After completing school in 2018, I learned accounting for 2 years from WPC’s former Finance and Administration Manager, Jerome Ghale. Since 2021 I have been working as a Finance Assistant and I’m in my 2nd year of my Bachelor’s in Business Studies.
Nari Boutique Manager — Aarati Bogati — Nepal
I grew up in the WPC Nepal safe home where they encouraged me to grow. I joined the WPC safe Home in 2012 when I was a child with a dream of going to school and contributing to society. My life was running smoothly with my parents but in 2008 my father passed away and everything changed. We had no income and things were not going well but it is said that whatever happens, happens for the best. After all, I got the opportunity to start a new life and follow my dreams in the safe home with my second family.
I spent 10 years with my lovely friends and am blessed with wonderful memories that I cherish. To thank them for their support, I want to do something for them. In 2022 I finished high school with a management major. I am in my first year of working toward a Bachelor’s in Business Studies and have been working at WPC Nepal and managing Nari Boutique Nepal since April 14, 2021. Nari Boutique Nepal is a small business started by the founder of WPC, Mrs. Lila Ghising, to motivate and inspire women by teaching them new skills and providing them with new job opportunities. Nari Boutique Nepal creates artwork with unique stories that will inspire everyone to learn more about WPC Nepal through our products. I’m inspired by Mrs. Ghising, who told me that nothing is impossible in our life if we have a dream. Nari Boutique Nepal is my path to inspire others by creating new skills and empowering women to be independent in our society. Let’s work together to encourage unique skills and empower women by providing opportunities from Nepal and many more places internationally.
Safe Home Warden — Babita Ghimire — Nepal
Psychosocial Counselor – Sakuntala Poudyal — Nepal
Safe Home Nurse – Sapana Dhungana — Nepal
Safe Home Caretaker — Mikal Tamang — Nepal
Admin Assistant – Asmita Shrestha — Nepal
Mrs. Shrestha is a compassionate and dedicated person who feels proud to be an independent woman. She is grateful to be part of WPC, Nepal, where she feels respected and motivated.
With a love for cooking and a heart for service, she is excited to contribute to our daily operations and team spirit. Asmita values creating a positive environment where teamwork and service strengthen WPC’s impact across Nepal.
Legal Assistance:
Pro-bono legal assistance provided by a prestigious law firm of Seattle – K&L Gates LLP, Seattle, Washington.
Note: Women’s Protection Center in Nepal and Friends of WPC Nepal are separate and independent organizations. Friends of WPC Nepal uses its funds to support programs that help victims of human trafficking, most notably programs operated by the Women’s Protection Center of Hetauda, Nepal.
