OUR TEAM

“I found this beautiful community of women and villagers and elders who wanted to take part in this.” - Maggie Doyne

BlinkNow may have started with the drive of one person, but it is the dedication and determination of one amazing team that makes everything hum. From “aunties” and “uncles” who keep our home happy to teachers who provide much more than education. From the Kopila Board of respected leaders and elders in Nepal to the BlinkNow Board of Directors and staff in the US. From the cooks to the construction team to a group of remarkable directors. It is these resilient, beautiful people – most of whom come from the local community – that make Kopila Valley shine and BlinkNow stronger than ever. We are all in this together.

Our Founders

Tope Malla and Maggie Doyne

Tope & Maggie co-founded the Kopila Valley Children’s Home together in 2007. After meeting at Ramana’s Garden in India, a children’s home primarily serving Nepali refugees, the two decided to enter into a partnership to serve the needs of Nepal’s children back in Tope’s home country.

The two have been a dynamic duo ever since, running the organization side by side.

When Maggie and Tope founded the Children’s Home in Surkhet in 2007, they named it Kopila Valley—“kopila” means “flower bud” in Nepali. Now “Kopila Valley” encompasses BlinkNow’s entire campus in Surkhet, where our little Kopilas get what they need to blossom and grow.

KOPILA VALLEY STAFF

Leadership & Operations - NEEDS CONTENT

Sachyam Upadhay

Children's Home Coordinator

Aakriti Subedi

Children's Home Coordinator

Sachyam Upadhay, Children's Home Coordinator

Sachyam manages all things related to the home and kids at Kopila, with Aakriti. Originally from Lalitpur, he moved to Kathmandu where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from King’s College. His love for hard work, compassion for others, and affinity for communication soon led him to BlinkNow. As a caregiver, he hopes to bring his love for meditation and mindfulness to the children’s home.

Aakriti Subedi, Children's Home Coordinator

Aakriti is responsible for all things related to the Kopila Valley Children’s Home, including the incredible kids in the home. Originally from Kathmandu, Aakriti joined the BlinkNow team after volunteering for Dashain Camp. She earned her Bachelor in Business Information System in Kathmandu College of Management in Nepal. She aspires to explore a course of study that will provide her with the tools necessary to bring positive change to Nepalese society. At Kopila Valley Children's home, she looks after the kids and keeps track of their day to day activities.

Children’s Home Team

Sachyam Upadhay

Children's Home Coordinator

Aakriti Subedi

Children's Home Coordinator

Sachyam Upadhay, Children's Home Coordinator

Aakriti Subedi, Children's Home Coordinator

Education Team

Kopila Valley School is run by local teachers, administrators, counselors, and health workers who are completely dedicated to the education, health and well-being of our children and community. They make so much of the magic happen at Kopila Valley, working both inside and outside of the classroom all hours of the day (and sometimes nights) to make sure our students have what they need. The kids all truly love and respect them – and the feeling is clearly mutual.

Naim Chaudhari

Director of the Kopila Valley School

Dr. Jaddon Park

Director of Staff Development and Curriculum

Rajen Karki

Vice Principal, Kopila Valley School

Manjula Shrestha

Guidance Counselor Coordinator

Sachyam Upadhay, Children's Home Coordinator

Aakriti Subedi, Children's Home Coordinator

Rajen Karki, Vice Principal, Kopila Valley School

Rajen joined the Kopila family in 2017 as Vice Principal. His role is to support developing a model school that is setting a precedent for the quality of education provided to children in rural Nepal. Prior to joining Kopila Valley School, Rajen worked in Kathmandu for an environment and community development sector INGO. He has experience in the educational sector as a teacher, ECA coordinator, Vice Principal and Principal, and in the I/NGO sector in various roles and responsibilities. Rajen holds Masters of Science in Environment Management, M.A. (Sociology) and M.Ed (Education Planning & Management). He believes that education is the most powerful medium to change the world. The children are our future and providing them with a quality education will ensure a better future for all of us. Rajen feels proud to be a part of the KV family working in Surkhet to educate children of greatest need.

Manjula Shrestha, Guidance Counselor Coordinator

Manjula joined the team in 2018 in the dual role of English teacher and guidance counselor before transitioning to our full time guidance counselor. Born and raised in Kathmandu, she completed her Masters Degree in both English Literature and Gender Studies, from Tribhuvan University. Having always been interested in children and their learning and growth, after completing her studies she pursued a career in education and worked as an English teacher in a variety of schools in Kathmandu. After being introduced to Kopila and its mission for kids, she was keen to join BlinkNow. Now, as the head of the Kopila Valley Futures Program, Manjula strives to support students as they create their path to a life of happiness and stability. Dancing is Manjula's favorite pastime.

Programs and Operations Team

This is a team of talented individuals from around the world who work in specialized roles to make sure our project runs smoothly every day. We’re lucky to count these guys as part of our family!

SP Kalaunee

Country Representative, Nepal

Sunita Bhandari

Sustainability Officer

Luna Bhattarai

Women's Center Program Coordinator

Prakash Dhakal

Operations and HR Manager

Meelan Karki

Health and Wellness Manager

Deepa Khatri

Accountant, Nepal

Ram Tamang

Communications Manager

SP Kalaunee, Country Representative, Nepal

SP leads BlinkNow's functions and team in Nepal. He joins BlinkNow with over two decades of experience working in the education and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining BlinkNow, SP served as the Executive Director of the healthcare nonprofit Nyaya Health Nepal. He was at the core in developing their partnership model with the government of Nepal. Prior to NHN, SP led another Nepali nonprofit working in health, education, and community development sectors. SP has worked as the principal of a secondary school, and as a teacher tutoring students from primary level to university level at different schools in Nepal, Vietnam, Finland, and the USA. He received his M.A. (Sociology), M.A (English Literature), B. Ed., and LL.B. His doctoral study was in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University, in the United States, where he was an adjunct faculty member at the School of Leadership and Development.

Sunita Bhandari, Sustainability Officer

Sunita was born and raised in the village of Chapakot, Syangja, Nepal. She completed her masters in Environmental Science from CDES (Central Department of Environmental Science), Tribhuvan University, with research on Air pollution. Previously Sunita was a general member at YUWA (a youth led organization) and Secretary at Youth for Environment Solution (YES)(student’s club). Sunita became environmentally active as a City Environment Volunteer under Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC,) and Clean Air Ambassador under Clean Energy Nepal (CEN). Her eagerness to learn more about sustainable and regenerative initiations from the local level has brought Sunita to BlinkNow. She works to operate an environmentally friendly school campus, integrate sustainability in the teaching & learning process, and help KVS families to find ways to make their homes mores sustainable through regenerative agriculture activities. Sunita feels lucky to have grown up in a rural setting, feeling of connected to nature, which ultimately led to her immense love and respect for the environment and the natural world.

Luna Bhattarai, Women's Center Program Coordinator

Luna was born and raised in Surkhet, Nepal. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies and Master’s degree in Rural Development. She has five years of working experience in the field of women and youth empowerment. Before serving on our Women’s Center team, Luna worked as Program Coordinator at a reputed local NGO. At Kopila Valley, she's responsible for supervising the Women's Center staff, overseeing the vocational training and counseling programs, and designing new training opportunities to meet the needs of vulnerable women.

Prakash Dhakal, Operations and HR Manager

Prakash Dhakal, our Operations and Human Resources Manager has over ten years of experience in People Operations Management; and a focus on strengthening organizational culture and systems to foster performance and growth at BlinkNow Nepal; and its partner organizations. Before joining BlinkNow, Prakash was General Manager - HR and Operations at Nyaya Health Nepal, where he oversaw HR across the organization; and operations functions for the Hospital, PHC, and Community Health Programs in district hubs. Prior to NHN, Prakash delivered efficient recruiting and people management practices working in leading tech companies, a recruiting company, and a media house in Nepal. Prakash was also a member of the executive committee of HR Society Nepal, a formal body of HR professionals in Nepal. Prakash holds an MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management, and currently pursuing PGD in counseling psychology.

Meelan Karki, Health and Wellness Manager

Born and raised in Kathmandu, Meelan earned her bachelor's degree in Pharmacology and a master's in Business Administration. This blend of qualifications makes her uniquely qualified for managing both human and health resources at the Kopila Valley School. Before serving as our Health and Wellness Administrator, Meelan worked as a pharmaceutical manufacturing auditor, a hospital administrator, and an instructor in dental, nursing, and pharmacy courses. At Kopila Valley, she's responsible for overseeing both our physical and mental health programs. She also works on developing our documentation standards, improving our school nutrition program, and creating a smooth workflow in our school clinic. Our students adore her and call her the "Problem Solver," because they believe any issue they bring to her will be solved in no time.

Deepa Khatri, Accountant, Nepal

Deepa was born in Dailekh and raised in Surkhet, Nepal. She is a graduate of the Kopila Valley School. While working for BlinkNow as an accountant, Deepa is also studying for her bachelor's degree from the Siddhapail School. She thrives on learning new things, and aspires to encourage other girls with backgrounds similar to hers. Deepa wants girls to know that “You can dream your own life, but never stop struggling, and never stop believing in yourself.”

Ram Tamang, Communications Manager

Before joining BlinkNow, Ram worked as a journalist for a major English daily in Nepal. During four years as a journalist, he reported on issues involving women, children, and minority groups in the hopes of shedding light on their unthinkable plights. He is interested in learning more about how we can utilize media as a tool to advance progress and bring to the fore crucial yet marginalized issues through storytelling and reporting. Ram intends to do the same in his capacity as a Communications Officer at BlinkNow - tell stories about the hopes and courage of the BlinkNow community; leave the organization richer in stories.

KOPILA VALLEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Nepali board consists of 12 respected local leaders, professionals, and elders who bring knowledge, expertise, and supervision to Kopila Valley. They wrote our bylaws, hold community meetings, and meet monthly to discuss new and ongoing Kopila projects and approve spending. The Kopila Board consists of Tope Malla (Co-founder and Chairman), Minkosha Shahi (Vice Chairwoman), Gogan Malla (Secutary), Kalpana Karki (Treasurer), Man Bahadur Singh, Ganga Thapa, and Gita Buda.

Tope Bahadur Malla

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj

Tope Bahadur Malla is the co-founder and chairman of Kopila Valley. After serving at Ramana’s Garden for over 15 years, a project for Nepali refugees in India, Tope made the decision to return to his birth country and found Kopila. Tope grew up in a small Himalayan village where he was orphaned at a young age. Kopila is his way of giving the children of his country the childhood he always dreamed of. As Maggie’s partner, Tope is responsible for the development, oversight, and management of Kopila Valley on the ground. He oversees a staff of over 50 people and is the key to making ideas become reality at Kopila. He now lives at the Kopila Valley project with his wife and son.

BLINKNOW FOUNDATION STAFF

Leadership & Operations

John Estrella

Executive Director

Ruth Dekker

Chief of Staff

Bidisa Rai

Director of Development

Lindsey Miller-Voss

Communications Director

Jeanne LeMon

Accounting Manager

Allison Dalziel

Program Associate

John Estrella, Executive Director

John is responsible for BlinkNow’s day-to-day operations and for developing and fulfilling its short and long-term strategic plans. Prior to joining BlinkNow, John served as Radio Free Asia’s Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of External Affairs, responsible for identifying and prioritizing ways to achieve organizational mission, planning implementation strategy, advising on strategic budgeting issues, and evaluating and recommending changes in organizational operations. Prior to joining RFA, John served as Deputy Director of Public Policy at People for the American Way (PFAW) where he led efforts on constitutional liberties legislation, human rights issues and immigrants’ rights issues. John also previously served as Senior Policy Associate at the American Immigration Lawyers Association where he worked on asylum issues, comprehensive immigration reform and immigration reform legislation for young children and students. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business with a certificate in Pacific Rim studies from the University of San Francisco and a Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary School of Law. John and his wife Debbie live in Falls Church, Virginia with their twin sons and two cats.

Ruth Dekker, Chief of Staff

Ruth provides support and leadership for BlinkNow's administration and ensures that the programs in Nepal are running smoothly and the organization’s programmatic goals are being met. Ruth has spent 25 years working and volunteering in the nonprofit youth-based sector. Prior to joining BlinkNow, Ruth worked as the Kids Resources Manager at the NJ Community FoodBank where she oversaw the collection and statewide distribution of school supplies and new clothing. Ruth has also served as the Public Policy Director for YouWho Inc. Policy Watchdog for Kids, and the Director of Public Education and Advocacy for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana. She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Tulane University and a BA from Macalester College. Ruth previously served on the Board of NJ CASA and on the Environmental Commission in Chatham, New Jersey. A yoga enthusiast and runner, Ruth loves working with BlinkNow and believes we all have the power to change our world. She is the mother of two daughters and lives with her husband and quirky little dog in Chatham. Rob utilizes his nine years of experience at the CFNJ and leadership in other corporate and finance positions to assist BlinkNow in establishing and maintaining best practices in managing financial controls and strategic planning.

Bidisa Rai, Director of Development

Bidisa oversees BlinkNow’s development strategy, managing and executing fundraising campaigns, events, and donor development. Prior to working with BlinkNow, Bidisa served on the development team of a regional medical center in New Jersey that provides healthcare to under-privileged and at-risk patient populations. Preceding that, Bidisa served as Vice President of Business Development to one of the largest regional chambers of commerce in the New York metro area. Bidisa is a native of Nepal, where she earned an Engineer’s Degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from Kathmandu University. She traveled to the United States upon receiving a scholarship from New Jersey Institute of Technology where she earned her Master of Science in Information Systems. Bidisa and her husband live in Bergen County, New Jersey with their three cats Peanut Butter, Jelly and Sandwich. They love to snowboard and are learning to scuba-dive.

Lindsey Miller-Voss, Communications Director

Lindsey leads BlinkNow’s communications strategy and implementation. In this role, Lindsey works to share the mission and passion of the entire BlinkNow team, engaging with our supporters, and reaching new audiences. Prior to working with BlinkNow, Lindsey served as the communications lead for a global health advocacy campaign in support of the United Nations, lead digital communications for an environmental group, and developed a girl’s scholarship program in India. Lindsey has experience launching upstarts, leveraging advocacy communications, mobilizing ground-level outreach, building strategic relationships, and maximizing results in resource-limited scenarios.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science, History and Public Affairs from Columbia College. Later she earned a Masters in Sustainable Development with a focus on Policy Advocacy from the School of International Training in Washington, DC. Her work has taken her around the world, from Honduras, to Uganda, to Thailand, with ample adventures along the way. Living in the D.C. metro area, Lindsey enjoys taking full advantage of everything Washington has to offer. She and her daughter can often be found exploring museums, visiting historic sites, and hitting up festivals.

Jeanne LeMon, Accounting Manager

Jeanne manages the books of BlinkNow, working closely with BlinkNow and Kopila auditors and the Finance Committee to maintain proper accounting and tax controls. Jeanne is also Treasurer for Stanley Nursery School and accountant for Girls on the Run NJ East and Sum it Up For Girls, all 501(c)(3) organizations. Previously, Jeanne was an Assistant Controller for Corporate Property Investors and a Manager with Ernst & Young. Jeanne is a CPA with a BS in Accounting from LeMoyne College. Jeanne and her husband Jim live in Chatham, New Jersey, and are the parents of five children, with the oldest two currently in college.

Allison Dalziel, Program Associate

Allison oversees donor data and donor communications, while supporting BlinkNow's financial development and administrative teams. She has a strong background in administration and accounting roles, and for eight years prior to joining BlinkNow was Office Manager and Bookkeeper for a privately owned bicycle business. After earning her B.A. in Economics and Music from Albion College in Michigan, Allison began her career in Arts Management in New York City, and worked in finance and human resources for The Rockefeller Group. She has been a long time volunteer, enjoys cycling, skiing, hiking, and is endeavoring to become a runner. Her fervent desire to be outside is reflected in her motto, "Any day on snow is a good day." Allison and her husband reside in Vermont, and are traveling empty nesters while their two adult children reside in Colorado.

BlinkNow Board of Directors

Maggie Doyne

Co-Founder and CEO

Robert Vogel

Board Chair and Finance Committee Member

David Sager

Vice Chair

Claudia Mott

Treasurer

Bill Bartzak

Board Member

Steve Buffone

Board Member

Libby DeLana

Board Member

Jeff DiLollo

Board Member and Education Committee Chair

Andy Furlong

Board Member

Beth Holly

Board Member

Leslie Shaw

Board Member

Jagdish Upadhyay

Board Member

Maggie Doyne, Co-Founder and CEO

Maggie is originally from New Jersey and has dedicated the last 13+ years of her life to educating children and empowering women. Maggie created the BlinkNow Foundation to sustain, grow, and support Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School in Nepal, and to serve as a vehicle to share her ideas with young people, especially children in the U.S. Maggie believes that in the blink of an eye, we can all make a difference.

At age 19, Maggie used her life savings to build a home for orphaned children in war-ravaged Nepal. Since then, she has helped provide a loving home to over 50 children. In 2010, BlinkNow opened a school for the region’s most impoverished children. The school now serves 400 students and is rated top in the region. Maggie was named 2015 CNN Hero of the Year. She was honored by the Dalai Lama as an Unsung Hero of Compassion in 2014. Her work was championed by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof in a cover story for The New York Times Magazine. In 2012, Maggie shared her story at the Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, and in 2013 she received the Forbes Award for Excellence in Education. Her work has been recognized by Elizabeth Gilbert, Katie Couric, and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex.

While Maggie’s work as CEO is focused on Nepal, she speaks all over the world in the hope of inspiring others to start projects of their own that will generate positive change. She shares her memoir in Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope — available now for pre-order.

Robert Vogel, Board Chair and Finance Committee Member

Rob is a Senior Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager with Peapack Private Wealth Management. Rob had previously been with Lucas Capital Management since 2008. Prior to joining Lucas Capital, Rob was Vice President and Treasurer of Hess Corporation, where he also held a variety of other leadership positions. Rob earned a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado and was awarded a master’s degree with distinction from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Rob is an active supporter of not-for-profits. He recently retired as Trustee and Chair of the Investment Advisory Committee for the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), after serving for nine years. He now serves as Chair of the Finance Committee at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Warren, New Jersey, and as a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He resides in Warren with his wife Carrie and their two daughters.

Rob utilizes his nine years of experience at the CFNJ and leadership in other corporate and finance positions to assist BlinkNow in establishing and maintaining best practices in managing financial controls and strategic planning.

David Sager, Vice Chair

David is a partner at the law firm of DLA Piper, where his practice focuses on class action defense, franchise-related litigation, deal-related litigation, intellectual property litigation and real estate disputes. During a career of more than 25 years practicing law, David has litigated and arbitrated high-stakes business disputes, frequently on behalf of clients that he has represented and partnered with for decades.

David has a BA from the University of Michigan and a JD from Duke University School of Law. He lives in his hometown of Mendham, New Jersey with his wife Megan (who is also a BlinkNow volunteer) and their four boys.

Claudia Mott, Treasurer

Claudia is the Principal at Epona Financial Solutions LLC, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. Prior to obtaining her Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ designations, she was a Managing Director at Prudential Securities following the small-cap segment of the stock market. Claudia earned her undergraduate degree cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her MBA from Boston University. She has always been involved in her community; from chairing committees for the PTO to leading Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops. With her children now grown, she is actively engaged in a number of non-profit organizations. Claudia is a founding member of the Long Hill Township Library Foundation and serves on the Women United Steering Committee for the United Way of Northern New Jersey. She is also a member of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and Impact 100 Garden State. She lives in the Millington section of Long Hill Township, is the mother of three and is a passionate equestrienne.

Bill Bartzak, Board Member

Bill Bartzak is an accomplished entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in healthcare technology, investing, and advising. Bill successfully founded and sold MD On-Line, a healthcare technology company, in 2014, and is currently the managing director and co-founder of Kai Equity. Kai Equity is an investing company that advises and invests in early-to-mid stage businesses helping CEOs and management teams take companies to the next levels of success. Currently sitting on the board of directors for multiple companies, Bill is also a dedicated advisor on the board of Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business Center for Entrepreneurial Studies as well as Seton Hall University’s Leadership Council.

A frequent speaker at healthcare and medical technology industry conferences, Bill is the recipient of numerous business and healthcare awards and accolades. He has also the co-author of a series of books for C-level executives.

Steve Buffone, Board Member

Steve Buffone is a Partner in the New York office of Gibson Dunn. He serves as Co-Chair of the Firm's Corporate Transactions Practice Group and Energy and Infrastructure Practice Groups. He is a corporate transactional lawyer who has represented clients in mergers and acquisitions, public and private issuances of debt and equity securities, venture capital financings, corporate restructurings and bankruptcies, and general corporate counseling.

Steve is a cum laude graduate of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and the Cornell and Stanford Law Schools. He is a member of the New York and California bars and is active in firm management, having previously served as Co-Partner in Charge of the New York office and as a member of the firm's Executive Committee.

Steve is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Do Something.Org, a national charity that inspires and trains teenagers to be leaders in community service. He is a member of the Board of Echoing Green, the premier not-for-profit that provides seed funding to social entrepreneurs around the world and of the National Crisis Text Line, which is making crisis counseling available to young people who prefer to text rather than call. Steve serves on the Board of Regents of Georgetown University, the Board of Visitors of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and as a member of Georgetown’s Campaign Executive Council. He is a former member of the Board of Visitors of Stanford Law School. Steve is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. Steve was recently honored for his pro bono and community service activities by receiving the Cornerstone Award from the Lawyers Alliance of New York, the Outstanding Citizen Award from Do Something and the Point of Light Award from the Points of Light Foundation.

Libby DeLana, Board Member

Founder and Creative Director at Mechanica a branding firm, north of Boston. Also a mom to two very tall and spectacular boys, impatient knitter, JV beekeeper, wife of a master furniture builder, kombucha brewmaster, book nerd, tea junkie, morning walk advocate, and believer in the power of each of us to make our world a great place.

Jeff DiLollo, Board Member and Education Committee Chair

Jeff is an educator and Assistant Principal in the Wayne School District in northern New Jersey. He has served as an administrator in the Randolph School District, and taught International Baccalaureate courses in American History, Psychology and Philosophy the West Morris Regional High School District. He served as the coordinator of an at-risk program for teenagers housed within the school district and served as a member of the Intervention and Referral Services Committee that implements Individualized Education Plans. He also serves as the Director of Youth Services for St. Lawrence Church in Chester, New Jersey. Jeff received his undergraduate degree in History and Education from Seton Hall University and his master’s degree in School Administration from St. Elizabeth’s College in Madison, New Jersey.

Jeff supported BlinkNow as a Teacher Trainer on his first visit to Surkhet in 2009 and served as the Principal at Kopila Valley School in 2011-2012. Jeff’s year serving as Kopila’s principal provides him with a unique perspective in advising the school on curriculum development, recruiting and training staff for the new high school, as well as advising BlinkNow on investing in the campus expansion.

Andy Furlong, Board Member

Andy has held Senior Leadership positions in the corporate world for over 35 years. His experience has led to a of vast array of global facilities management positions for companies such as Union Bank of Switzerland, Deutsche Bank AG and Compass Group. As a result, Andy managed businesses in over 50 countries. In his early career, Andy spent a great amount of time in Europe and then spent most his career operating businesses in Central and South East Asia, Middle East, Africa, The Americas, India, Turkey and China. During these years Andy obtained a unique view into so many different markets and had the opportunity to build very diverse teams. He also had the privilege to cross many cultural boundaries and gain a wealth of market knowledge within his broad and diverse base of experience. As part of his career, Andy always had a passion for Corporate Social Responsibility and alongside of his colleagues, set up many programs in third world countries which served to help alleviate the desperate plight of many youngsters in economically poor and non-industrialized regions.

Andy first knew Maggie as a teenager in NJ and as such, was able to follow her bold and courageous efforts from the very beginning. After taking early retirement, Andy vowed to help Maggie and has since been a very active volunteer for the BlinkNow cause. He has made over a dozen trips to Nepal where his primary function has been to use his knowledge of facilities management to become an advisor on the construction of the new Koplia Valley school.

Beth Holly, Board Member

Beth is an attorney and has worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry for the last 28 years, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Beth received a BS from Cornell University and a JD from Fordham Law School. She is the recipient of the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers in Business (2000), the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminary Award (2017), the 914Inc. Women in Business Awards (2017), and the NOW Women of Power and Influence Award (2018). An avid skier, theater lover and aspiring writer, Beth is also a mom to two adult children and two hairy dogs. Introduced to Maggie and her work in Nepal by her daughter over ten years ago, Beth has been an ardent supporter of the inspiring work of BlinkNow and is thrilled to be able to contribute as a Board Member.

Leslie Shaw, Board Member

Leslie is a Board Member and also serves on our BlinkNow Futures Committee. During the last 20 years, Leslie has had extensive non-profit board and volunteer experience with many organizations, all of which involved issues of childcare, public education and foster care. She loves kids of all ages, from one day old infants to those pesky teenagers. She describes the best job she ever had as serving as administrative staff at a girls summer camp in Northern Wisconsin. Those friendships are still active 40 years later. She grew up in Southern Illinois and has lived most of her adult life in Boonton Township, NJ. She is a National Trustee for National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. When Leslie was 14, her parents took a year off to live on a small sailboat in the Bahamas with her twin brother and the family’s two dogs. She and her husband, Jeremy, have three grown daughters. Leslie loves words and information and is a avid reader. She also love hiking, trail running, boating and being outdoors.

Jagdish Upadhyay, Board Member

Jagdish recently retired from the United Nations after serving over 22 years. A lead global voice for family planning, reproductive health commodity supply, demographic dividends and youth issues, Jagdish has played the lead role in the formation of a number of key global initiatives namely, Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) and Family Planning 2020 (FP2020). As part of the United Nations Population Fund, Jagdish worked together with UNICEF to steer the secretariat of the UN Commission of Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children. A recipient of various awards and recognitions, Jagdish started his carrier some 40 years ago from Nepal where he headed a Social Marketing company including many other positions and affiliations. Jagdish earned a Master of Science degree in Community Health Sciences from Manitoba, Canada.

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OUR TEAM

“I found this beautiful community of women and villagers and elders who wanted to take part in this.” - Maggie Doyne

Our Founders

Tope Malla and Maggie Doyne

KOPILA VALLEY STAFF

Leadership & Operations - NEEDS CONTENT

Sachyam Upadhay

Aakriti Subedi

Children’s Home Team

Sachyam Upadhay

Aakriti Subedi

Education Team

Naim Chaudhari

Dr. Jaddon Park

Rajen Karki

Manjula Shrestha

Programs and Operations Team

SP Kalaunee

Sunita Bhandari

Luna Bhattarai

Prakash Dhakal

Meelan Karki

Deepa Khatri

Ram Tamang

KOPILA VALLEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tope Bahadur Malla

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kopila Valley Sewa Samaj

BLINKNOW FOUNDATION STAFF

Leadership & Operations

John Estrella

Ruth Dekker

Bidisa Rai

Lindsey Miller-Voss

Jeanne LeMon

Allison Dalziel

BlinkNow Board of Directors

Maggie Doyne

Robert Vogel

David Sager

Claudia Mott

Bill Bartzak

Steve Buffone

Libby DeLana

Jeff DiLollo

Andy Furlong

Beth Holly

Leslie Shaw

Jagdish Upadhyay

Want to join our team? View our current volunteer and job listings.

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