About Friends of Chakraviu Nepal
We connect people who care about Nepal with community-rooted programs shaped and led by Chakraviu Nepal.
Our organization
Friends of Chakraviu Nepal (FOCN) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting international resources, expertise, and partnerships with locally led education, climate, and social innovation initiatives in Nepal.
FOCN supports initiatives that address educational, environmental, and social challenges through practical, community-centered approaches. Its work includes holistic learning and student development, climate and environmental action, circular and socially innovative solutions, and connecting communities with resources, knowledge, and opportunities.
FOCN works closely with Chakraviu Nepal, a separate Nepal-based nonprofit, to support programs developed and implemented in Nepal. This partnership connects international supporters with local communities, schools, practitioners, and programs on the ground.
Supporters outside Nepal can contribute financial resources, expertise, networks, research, partnerships, and other forms of support to locally developed initiatives.
Explore supported projectsOur mission
FOCN mobilizes resources, builds partnerships, and supports locally led solutions that create opportunities for children, communities, and the environment.
Our Nepal-based partner
Chakraviu Nepal is a Nepal-based nonprofit founded in April 2021 and headquartered in Sinamangal, Kathmandu. Its work focuses on education, research, social innovation, sustainability, and climate action across Nepal.
Chakraviu Nepal develops and implements programs in Nepal. FOCN is a separate U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps create pathways for international supporters and partners to contribute to that work.
FOCN connects international resources and networks with Chakraviu Nepal's local knowledge, implementation capacity, community partnerships, and understanding of the Nepalese context.
Visit Chakraviu NepalLeadership
Founder and Executive Director
Anuj Sainju lives in Winchester, Virginia, with his wife and son. Originally from Bhaktapur, Nepal, he has lived in the United States since 2002. He holds master's degrees in business administration and software engineering and works as a software developer. Through his involvement with Chakraviu Nepal, he aims to help the organization expand its reach and serve more children experiencing poverty through a holistic approach to education.
Director of Communications and Grants
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Samiksha moved to the United States after high school. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She works as a Director of Engineering and lives in Maryland with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Through her involvement in Chakraviu, she hopes to give children a chance for a brighter future and believes every child has a right to education.
Director of Fund Raising
Kathleen has maintained a deep connection with Nepal for more than a decade through longstanding volunteer engagement with communities and children across the country. Returning to Nepal and contributing her time, skills, and care has given her a meaningful understanding of the people and communities she has encountered. A meditation, yoga, and breathwork instructor and Ayurvedic counselor based in San Diego, she brings a commitment to holistic wellbeing, service, and community engagement to Friends of Chakraviu Nepal. Through this role, she continues her personal connection with Nepal while supporting opportunities for children and communities to thrive.
Former Director · Senior Vice President, BNY Mellon
Raju Gadtoula is a Senior Vice President at BNY Mellon with over 20 years of experience across investment banking, technology, policy governance, risk and compliance, and program management. Based in Pittsburgh, he has held leadership roles at BNY Mellon, Citi, Neuberger Berman, and Lehman Brothers. He holds a Master's degree from the University at Albany.
Former Director · Senior Research Scientist, Novartis
Rejina (Asmi) Pokharel is a research scientist at Novartis with experience in preclinical pharmacology, immunology, genomics, molecular biology, and in vivo research. She has held research roles at Novartis, Biogen, Tome Biosciences, and Corning, with expertise in laboratory techniques, rodent studies, and drug development research. Based in the United States, she is also involved in building professional and innovation communities through initiatives such as The NODE. She holds an MSc in Biotechnology from Harvard Extension School and is the founder of The NODE.
For general questions, partnerships, or giving inquiries, contact [email protected].
Transparency and engagement
FOCN is committed to clear communication about its legal status, organizational purpose, partnerships, and the programs it supports. Funds and other resources mobilized through FOCN are intended for charitable activities consistent with its mission and programs supported in partnership with Chakraviu Nepal.
Information about supported programs, organizational activities, partnerships, and impact is shared through FOCN and Chakraviu Nepal's public channels. Contact us with questions about FOCN, its nonprofit status, partnerships, donations, or supported programs.
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