Oda Foundation Team
We are here to facilitate needed structure and stability for some of the most marginalized and underserved communities in Nepal. Our staff is a mix of locals and Kathmandu-born — together we share values of dedication, compassion, growth, and seeking sustainable solutions.
Tulki Singh
Kitchen Manager
A native of the region, Tulki has been with the Oda Foundation since 2013 - organization’s very first year. Known affectionately as "Tulki Aunty" by the team, she's everyone's favorite, always smiling and welcoming everyone with a pure heart. She's truly the heart and soul of Oda Foundation, keeping the team fed and cared for by preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, alongside countless other essential tasks that keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
John Christopher
Co-Founder, Director Emeritus
John founded The Oda Foundation with Karan Singh in 2013, leading its transition from a one-room cowshed to Oda's first clinic into a village hospital and community center. Under his leadership, Oda's work has been recognized by the Government of Nepal, The Aspen Institute, and others. Alongside his work at Oda, John is a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group. He earned his MBA at Columbia Business School and studied Business Administration at Washington and Lee University.
Purna BK (Punna Singh)
Agriculture Team Lead
Punna is our Agriculture Team Leader and a native of the village, who has been with the organization since 2015. She leads our agriculture efforts through Karnali Ratna Agriculture Pvt. Ltd., an initiative established to create economic opportunities for marginalized women in Kalikot. Purna leads a team of four, including herself, ensuring a steady supply of organic vegetables and milk to Oda's kitchen and canteen for both staff and guests.
Birkha Bahadur Singh
Ground Team & Night Security
Birkha, an Oda native, is part of our Ground Team and also serves as our Night Security guard. He’s been with Oda Foundation since 2018. He plays a vital role in keeping supplies and people moving to and from the foundation, regularly traveling back and forth from Birtamode, the vehicle arrival point. In the evenings, he also takes on the responsibility of keeping watch over the foundation area as our Night Security guard.
Syani Kanchi Singh
Canteen Manager
Syani Kanchi, an Oda native, has been a crucial member of our Kitchen team since 2017. She transitioned to Canteen Manager in 2020 under Karnali Ratna, ensuring the canteen runs smoothly while bringing a smile to everyone around her. Over the years, she has served food to countless guests visiting Oda as well as members of the community.
Karan Singh
Co-Founder, CEO
Karan was born and raised in the village of Oda. At just 10 years old, he lost his father to pneumonia - a loss that sparked a deep desire to help address the region's medical challenges. After struggling to make a living, he moved to India, yet returned to his village each year carrying medicine supplies. That effort took a more concrete shape when he met John, and together, they founded the Oda Foundation. Since 2013, Karan has led Oda's efforts on the ground - leading employee management, government relations, logistics, and community partnerships.
Emily Friedman
Former Director of Operations and Innovation , Board Member
Emily graduated from the University of Southern California with her Bachelors in Business Administration. She comes to the Oda Foundation with a background in Asset Based Community Development in low-income countries and three years of management consulting experience in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space. Emily was also the previous Livelihood and Education Fellow for the Foundation
Prem Bahadur Shahi
Ground Facilities Manager
Prem is Oda's carpenter, mason, electrician - name it, and he can do it. A native of neighboring Gela, Prem joined the Oda Foundation team in 2015, bringing with him a hands-on, jack-of-all-trades spirit shaped by years of farming at home. Since then, his responsibilities have grown to include repair and maintenance, water system management, and the countless other tasks of ground that quietly keep Oda running day after day. Wherever something needs fixing, building, or maintaining, Prem is often the one behind it.
Sangita Pariyar
Agroecology Social Mobilizer
Sangita was born and raised in Mahwai-2, Oda, where she now works as our Agroecology Social Mobilizer, a role she's held since 2024. She earned her pre-diploma in Civil Engineering through Oda Foundation’s scholarship and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Education. A natural trainer and facilitator, Sangita is passionate about public speaking and regularly leads community sessions on gender inequality and caste discrimination.
Dhana Prasad Adhikari
Hospital Support Staff
From Mahawai-7, Dhana has been with Oda Foundation as Hospital Support Staff of the Mahawai Basic Hospital since 2019. He manages patient registration, overall cleaning, and sterilization of all medical equipment. Before joining the hospital, he gained work experience in India.
Hoijali Singh
Agriculture Team
Hoijali, a native of Oda, joined our agriculture team in 2026. A true all-rounder, she plays a hands-on role in our agriculture work, from preparing and tending the land to planting, weeding, and helping with harvest. Alongside this, she also looks after the buffalo, including taking them out to graze each day, making sure both the fields and the animals are well cared for.
Tanka Prasad Chaulagai
Administrative Manager
Tanka grew up in Sarabada, a two-hour walk from Oda. After working for several years as a Lab Technician in neighboring Pili, he joined the Oda team in 2016 as part of the medical team. In 2020, he transitioned to the role of Administrative and Finance Officer, and in 2022, to Administrative Manager. Tanka oversees the entire ground team, keeps the check of stores, supplies, guests and staffs at the Oda Foundation.
Tulsi Shahi Malla
Auxiliary Nurse-Midwife
From the Kalikot region, Tulsi is one of our Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives. She has additional certification hours for stillbirths and ultrasound, and her salary is sponsored by Nepal’s Ministry of Health.
Nick Kraft
Former Country Director, Board Member
Nick became Country Director for the Oda Foundation in 2017, after serving as both an Education Fellow and a Transition Fellow. Nick split his time between Kathmandu and Oda, working with our team on strategy, partnerships, funding, and programming. Nick has worked for The Aspen Institute and graduated from University of Colorado with a degree in International Affairs and Business.
Sampha Singh
Agriculture Team
Shampa joined our Karnali Ratna team in 2021, proving to be a great addition to our women led team. A native of Mahawai-2, Oda, Shampa works hard to ensure our buffalo’s receive all the care they need while also tending after the land.
Khakendra Shahi
Lab Assistant
Khakendra was born and raised in Serpu, a neighboring village to Oda, and now lives in Mahawai-3. He trained as a Lab Assistant in Dailekh, where he built the foundational skills for his career in healthcare. Before joining Oda, he gained further hands-on experience working at Surkhet Hospital, deepening his expertise in laboratory work. He joined Mahawai Basic Hospital as Lab Assistant in 2022, a role that has allowed him to serve the very community he grew up in.
Tilpura Shahi
Auxiliary Nursing Midwife (ANM)
Tilpura, from Mahawai-1, has served as an ANM at Mahawai Basic Hospital since 2020. Holding a Diploma in ANM from Saptari, Tilpura worked at the municipality as a health staff before joining Oda. She plays a vital role in maternal and newborn care at the birthing center of the hospital, supporting women through pregnancy checkups, and providing essential postnatal care to both mothers and babies.
Sarjan Singh
Ground Staff
Sarjan, from Mahawai-2, has been part of our Ground team since 2025. Before joining Oda, he worked as a laborer in India, gaining experience that shaped his strong work ethic and adaptability. His work now mainly involves transporting luggage and essential supplies to and from the vehicle arrival point, ensuring everything the foundation needs makes its way smoothly.
Gorikala Pariyar
Agriculture Team
Gorikala has been part of the Karnali Ratna agriculture team for since 2022. Before joining Oda, she worked at home as a housewife. Her role now involves a wide range of agricultural work, from tending the land to supporting the broader efforts of the Karnali Ratna agriculture initiative. Always carrying a smile, Gorikala is a native to the village who is familiar to the land and people here.
Ganesh Bahadur Singh
Agroecology Social Mobilizer
Ganesh is a native of Mahawai-2 who has both studied and lived here throughout his life, giving him a deep understanding of the people and place he now works for. He has worked as our Agroecology Social Mobilizer since 2024, taking on responsibilities that include coordinating community groups, facilitating group discussions, and supporting nursery-related work within the community.
Abinash Gupta
Finance Officer
Abinash Gupta is a resident of Nawalparasi District and holds an MBA in Finance and Human Resources, withrience in various fields, including 4 years of expe Marketing, Finance, and Management. He joined the Oda Foundation in 2022 and is excited to establish sustainable business practices and promote financial transparency for the Oda Foundation.
Kamala Shahi Singh
Hospital Support Staff
Kamala joined our team in 2023 as Hospital Support Staff at Mahawai Basic Hospital. Born and raised in Mahawai-2, she left home for a time in search of work in India, where she worked as a laborer, before eventually returning to her hometown. Today, she oversees patient overflow and handles the overall cleaning of the hospital.
Prakash Bahadur Shahi
Hospital Manager
Prakash was born and raised in Mahawai-6, Kalikot. He earned his degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from the College of Allied Health Sciences in Nepalgunj, followed by field practice at NGMC Teaching Hospital in Nepalgunj. He joined Oda hospital team in 2019, initially as a Lab Technician. Since then, he has grown into the role of Hospital Manager, now overseeing the overall handling and management of the hospital.
Jyoti Maharjan
Communications and Development Officer
Originally from Kathmandu, Jyoti joined team in 2026, bringing a blend of creativity and development experience. She holds a Bachelor's in Travel and Tourism Management and began her career in tourism before moving into the development sector. Before Oda, she worked in one of the International Labor Rights organization. In her current role, she oversees Oda's digital platforms, builds external relationship with donors and contributes to fundraising, proposal development and reporting.
Sunita Singh
Auxiliary Nursing Midwife
A native of Mahawai-2, Sunita went to study in Kathmandu before choosing to bring her skills back home. She has served as an ANM at Mahawai Basic Hospital since 2022. Her day-to-day work centers on caring for mothers and newborns - from routine pregnancy checkups to assisting during delivery and following up with postnatal care.
Hikmat Singh
Assistant Pharmacist
Hikmat has been serving as our Assistant Pharmacist since 2024 at the Mahawai Basic Hospital. Coming from one of the nearby village, Dillikot, he holds a diploma in Pharmacy and began his career at Janamukhi Medical Hall in Kathmandu, before gaining further experience at Om Hospital and a few more medical institutions. Eventually, he made the choice to return to his hometown, bringing his knowledge and experience back to serve the community he grew up in.
Sakrina Kunwar
Agroecology Project Coordinator
Born and raised in Kathmandu, Sakrina Kunwar joined our Agroecology team in 2026. She studied Agricultural Engineering at IOE Purwanchal Campus and got her start in the field as an Intern Fellow at iDE Nepal. Sakrina oversees the overall handling of the project, working as a bridge between the field staff, Oda Foundation and donors, while managing documentation, monitoring, and reporting.
Tularam Kafle
Kitchen & Canteen Team
Tularam, a native of Oda, has been with the team since 2022. He works across both the canteen and kitchen, shifting between the two as needed. Before joining Oda, he worked as a cook in India, bringing that experience into every dish he prepares. Known for his delicious cooking and his joking, easygoing nature, Tularam brings both great food and great laughs to the team.
Kamala Shahi Singh
Community Medical Assistant (CMA)
Keshar was born and raised in the village of Oda. Recognizing his potential, the Oda Foundation awarded him a scholarship to pursue training as a Community Medical Assistant (CMA), an opportunity that allowed him to build the medical skills. In 2018, Keshar successfully completed his training and joined Mahawai Basic Hospital as CMA providing essential healthcare services to the village he has always called home.
Manju Kumari Singh
Agroecology Agriculture Technician
Manju was born and raised in Mahawai-3, Simkhet, and has been part of our Agroecology since 2024. She holds a diploma in Agriculture Science and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Education. Before joining our team, she served as an Agriculture Technician with Mahawai Rural Municipality, Ward No. 3. Manju provides hands-on agricultural and technical support to both the community and our team, from plantation to harvesting.
Bishna Pariyar
Ground Team
An Oda native, Bishna has been with the team since 2022, working as Ground Staff. Before joining Oda, he worked in India. His work now include a wide range of ground staff responsibilities -including moving supplies, carpentry work for the foundation, and whatever else is needed to keep things running on the ground. He also transports supplies from and to Oda from the vehicle reaching point.
Purna Kumari Singh
Community Medical Assistant (CMA)
Purna was born and raised in the village of Oda. She received a scholarship from the Oda Foundation to pursue her CMA from Kavre National Health Foundation. After completing her education, she has been working as CMA at the Mahawai Basic Hospital since 2018. Purna provides basic patient care and first aid, records vital signs, and supports maternal and child health services while also helping manage medicine stock.
Sarita Shahi Singh
Community Medical Assistant and Ultrasound Technician
From a neighboring village, Sarita joined Oda Foundation in 2013 as one of our very first medical staff. She is a leader in our clinic on data input and continuing education, including receiving a license to operate the Butterfly IQ Ultrasound available at our clinic.
Dinesh Bhandari
Ground Team and Night Security
Dinesh has been part of Oda's ground team for a year now, bringing with him experience from previous work in India. Based in Mahawai-7, he keeps operations running week by week, alternating between roles as needed - one week on night-shift security, and the next carrying supplies on foot between the vehicle point and Oda, ensuring everything the team needs actually makes it to where it's needed. Beyond these regular duties, Dinesh takes on whatever the ground work calls for on any given day.
Yuroj Gurung
Medical Officer, MBBS
Originally from Rupandehi, Dr. Yuroj completed his MBBS from Universal College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UCMS) in Ranigaon, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi. He went on to complete his internship at UCMS before joining Mahawai Basic Hospital as Medical Officer, where he has served since 2026.
Lokendra Bahadur Shahi Education Team (Teacher)
Lokendra is a dedicated member of Oda Foundation's Education Team, currently teaching Math and Science to grades 6–8 at Dev Secondary School. Originally from Mahawai-6, he completed his +2 (ISC) in Science and has been serving the school and community for the past three years.
Nepali Board of Directors
To operate in Nepal, Oda Foundation is registered with the Nepali government as Oda Foundation Nepal. Our local Nepali board has 7 members, both men and women representing castes and priorities from across the village.
Mim Karki, Chairman
Harka Bahadur Singh, Vice-President
Lale Nepali, Secretary
Jau Kusuma Singh, Treasurer
Ranipura Singh, Member
Saurya BK, Member
Bhadde Damai, Member
U.S. Board of Directors
The Oda Foundation has an incredible group of supporters and leaders in America and abroad. Their giving, advice and hard work have provided dignity, healthcare, and opportunity to thousands who are vulnerable and in need. They support Oda Foundation’s goal to provide infrastructure and facilitate support, such that Oda Foundation’s services become fully local, self-sustaining and independent.
John Christopher, Chairman | Co-Founder, Oda Foundation; Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
Larry Lawrence, Chairman Emeritus | Retired Venture Capital Fund Founder and Managing Partner
Kirk Adamson, Vice President | Principal at KSL Capital Partners
Byron Peyster, Treasurer | Principal at Boston Consulting Group
Colin Ram, Secretary |Trial Attorney at McLeod Law Group
Lisa Nelson, Secretary |VP , Finance & Programming at Grassy Creek Foundation
Sarah Webb, Board Member | MPH/MBA Candidate at Johns Hopkins University in the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Carey Business School
Peter Lawrence, Board Member | Investor at Arlington Value Capital
Nick Kraft, Board Member | Previous Country Director, Oda Foundation
U.S. Advisory Board
Peter Lawrence, Chair
Brett Ryan, Vice-Chair
Robert Christopher, Secretary & US Liaison
Brit Staniar, Communications Chair