Our Team

A powerful advocate for social and economic equity, Wende brings 20 years of rich field experience with a variety of international nonprofit organizations to her role as the Executive Director. Wende leads dZi’s program planning and implementation, fundraising, team development, public relations, and financial management – all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. She holds an M.A. in International Development and her work, study, and travels have taken her to 55 countries around the globe.

Ang Chokpa is from the village of Chaurikharka Solukhumbu, near the main gateway to Mt. Everest. In her role with dZi, she serves as the logistical manager for both the field and office staff in Nepal. Her organization and communication skills are an asset of incalculable value not only for the dZi Foundation staff, but for the thousands of villagers whose lives have prospered under her leadership. Chokpa has advanced degrees in both Sociology and Rural Development, and is interested in yoga, trekking, Buddhism, and women’s rights.

Since 1998, Jim’s leadership has taken the dZi Foundation from a grassroots organization initially formed to fund a safehouse for girls in Kathmandu to a thriving nonprofit that serves over 44,000 individuals in Nepal. Jim works closely with Ang Chokpa and Wende to ensure that dZi’s strategic planning results in the achievement of the dZi mission. The growth of the dZi Foundation is a direct result of his knowledge, passion, and compassion for the communities that dZi serves.