Mona Sherpa

Mona Sherpa (she/her) is a development practitioner and feminist leader, with a career spanning over two decades. As the current Country Director for CARE Nepal, Mona has played a crucial role in shaping the organization's vision and ensuring effective management. Her strategic approach has led to successful project management, fostering diverse portfolios and strengthened relations with donors, stakeholders, and civil society organizations, thereby establishing locally led models.

As of October 2023, Mona was in the role of Deputy Country Director for CARE Nepal, driving the organization's strategic thought-leadership nationally and globally. Renowned for her thought leadership in localization, she goes beyond partnerships, advocating for norm transformation and "fit for purpose" operations. Mona passionately champions equitable resource allocation, emphasizing collaborative leadership to ensure resources reach local partners and communities, particularly focusing on women's rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in various development and humanitarian initiatives.

Previously, in 2022, Mona served as the Deputy Country Director-Programs at CARE Afghanistan, managing a diverse portfolio covering both humanitarian and long-term development programs. Mona has led multi-country action research shedding light on the intersections of gender, inequality, and discrimination, influencing policy and planning. As a staple commentator in national and international media, she emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in strengthening governance, gender equality, and development efforts.

Mona, holding dual Executive Master's degrees in Business Administration and Sociology, was recognized as one of the "100 Most Influential Women in Nepal" by Rotary International. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast, finding solace in hikes, mountain treks, and exploring adventurous destinations. Engaged in South Asian networks, Mona is a core member of the South Asian Feminist Network (SANGAT), offering counsel on feminist leadership development and policy research initiatives focused on women's economic empowerment and the recognition of unpaid care work.