Team
Amit Thapa
Chairperson and Co-Founder
Amit was born in Nepal and brings vision, leadership and passion to FONA. A senior HR executive with 15+ years working in strategic regional and international human resource management roles. He leverages his corporate experience to effectively drive partnerships, influence stakeholders and find new and innovative solutions in cross-cultural environments. Having grown up in a developing economy, Amit has a deep understanding of local strengths and the challenges inhibiting development. He believes in supporting local initiative and knowledge to cultivate hope and inspire communities.
Sarah Thapa
Deputy Chair and Co-Founder
Sarah is responsible for the day-to-day management and legal governance of FONA. Sarah is a lawyer and businesswoman with over 10 years Australian and international experience advising large corporations including National Australia Bank, American Express and LG Electronics. She is also the founder of a legal tech business, The Migration Agency, which connects migrants and businesses to top tier immigration advice and solutions. Sarah has a particular passion for leadership, education and mentor-ship initiatives through the Education Centre of Excellence model.
Bodh Bikram Thapa
Program Coordinator
Bodh is a qualified lawyer and community leader, and is passionate about social justice, education and community development. He is FONA Nepal’s in-country coordinator and is instrumental in managing stakeholder and community engagement in FONA’s projects.
Alison Cutler
Executive Board Member
Alison is a Chartered Practicing Accountant with experience working in Australia and internationally within diverse, multi-cultural environments. Having worked with large multinational corporations through to smaller, private businesses practicing in Australian and international tax systems, she brings a wealth of experience to the FONA Executive Board.
George Nguyen
Executive Board Member
George Nguyen is a senior corporate lawyer with a strong background advising in the banking and finance sector. George has practiced law in jurisdictions including Australia and Hong Kong. He studied at Macquarie University and the prestigious Ecole de Management de Normandie.
Prue Gorman
Legal Intern
Prue is a passionate and aspiring lawyer, currently completing her Arts/Law degree at Macquarie University, majoring in Politics and International Relations. She has a keen interest in human rights, particularly women's rights and the rights of minority groups, as well as Middle Eastern politics. She has contributed her skills to assist with the set up of FONA's governance structure, drafting local and international contracts and MOUs, organisational policies, and supports the Secretary with corporate governance matters.
Ramin Shojaie
Graduate Architect Intern
Ramin is passionate about architecture as a social service, and applying his skills in the education space. He is a graduate in Masters of Architecture at the University of NSW with a user-centered design focus complemented with years of teaching and volunteer work. During his internship he worked with the Australian design experts to develop the master plan for FONA’s Education Centre of Excellence at Purano Jhangajholi project, assisting with the collaborative design process.
