Our Team
Shanta envisions a world where people work together to ensure all communities are healthy and safe, and individuals are free to flourish. We partner with underserved rural villages to develop healthy communities. Through a collaborative process, we empower local leadership to make effective, sustainable change focusing on education, quality health care, and economic opportunities.
US TEAM
Khai is a co-founder of Shanta and a dedicated physician committed to empowering underserved communities. As Global Programs Manager, she oversees programs in Myanmar and Zambia, focusing on sustainable community systems and health access. She earned her MBBS from the University of Medicine, Magway, Myanmar, in 2008. Known for her warmth, humor, and integrity, she brings both compassion and strategic vision to her work. A lifelong learner and resilient leader, she enjoys traveling, music, and photography in her free time.
Margery joined Shanta in 2019, bringing strong organizational skills, a big heart, and a deep commitment to community. With a background in both administration and culinary arts, she supports the mission through fundraising, outreach, and donor engagement. She holds a certification in nonprofit management and has volunteered with several service organizations. Outside of work, Margery enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and trying new recipes.
Wade brings a unique blend of experience in community organizing, fundraising, grassroots community development, and leadership. A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and Vanderbilt University, he was inspired by the strength of community-led initiatives while conducting research in Nicaragua through the Lilly Endowment program. Wade’s past roles include leadership in faith-based nonprofits and creating/leading secular non-profits. His dedication to sustainable development is only matched by his love for family, backpacking, running, and the outdoors.
Myanmar Team
I was born in May 1988 and graduated with a B.Sc. in Marine Science from Mawlamyine University in 2010. I have worked with NGOs since 2011, including Metta Development Foundation and now Muditar Foundation, where I am Regional Manager. I have experience in many sectors like education, women’s empowerment, income generation, and disaster risk reduction. I believe in helping people see their own strengths to become self-reliant. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, playing football, and planting macadamia trees.
My name is Wai Ei Phyu, a Paoh/Myanmar ethnic from a village in Nyaung Shwe Township. I hold a B.A. in English and a Postgraduate Diploma from MUFL. My career began with Save the Children, followed by private sector work as a Senior Accountant. Since 2017, I’ve been the Finance Officer at Muditar Foundation, managing income, expenses, and financial systems. I enjoy crocheting, reading, and music. I hope to become a Finance Manager in a development organization. I truly value working in the nonprofit sector, where my work helps strengthen communities and create lasting, meaningful change.
My name is Chan Nyein Aung. I graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Pakkoku University. I worked for six years in different positions; Community Facilitator, Team Leader, and Grant Officer in an international NGO in Magway Region. Now I am a Program Manager at Muditar Foundation. I believe strongly in our six guiding principles and love working with VDTs for sustainable development. My hobbies are listening to music, singing, and watching MMA boxing. Singing helps me feel better. My dream is to live peacefully with my family, work in community development, and plant trees on my own farm.
My name is Khun Aung Naing. I was born on December 5, 2000, in Pinlaung Township, Shan State. I started working while studying at Dagon University and gained experience in sales and digital marketing at companies like Wa Capital, More & More Gold, and B360 Marketing. I also worked as a freelancer and later joined Borderless Myanmar Group. I care about youth and community and have volunteered to help displaced people after the 2021 coup. Now I work as a Community Facilitator for the BRiLSS Project at Muditar and study Marketing and Sales at Strategy First University.
My name is Aung Htet Kyaw and I grew up in Meiktila, Myanmar. I’m strongly interested in and enjoy working in the humanitarian development field. I began my career as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer in WASH and Infrastructure rural development projects. I joined the Muditar Foundation in March 2022 as part of the Monitoring and Evaluation team. I hold B.Sc (Hons) and I am especially interested in applied research and data to inform effective development strategies. In my free time, I enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring diverse local cultures.
My name is Khun Demo. I am currently living in Taunggyi. I am married and have two children. My hobbies include traveling, cycling, and exercising. My goal is to support and contribute to regional development work actively. Since 2014, I have been working closely with rural communities on various rural development projects. I have been part of the Muditar organization for nine months now, since November 2024. Within Muditar, my responsibilities mainly focus on seven project villages in Taunggyi Township. I am serving as a Project Officer for infrastructure construction projects, community bank (village development fund) projects, and disaster risk reduction projects in these communities.
My name is Khun Khant Zaw Hein. I was born into a farming family and now live in Maebaung Village, Hsi Hseng Township, with my wife and 4-year-old son. I worked for 11 years with Metta Development Foundation in many sectors like child protection, ECCD, and livelihoods, serving as Community Facilitator, M&E Coordinator, and Area Coordinator. In December 2024, I joined Muditar Foundation as a Project Officer for agriculture and livelihood. I want to support community development. In my free time, I enjoy football, traveling, and planting trees and crops.
My name is Khun Saw Htee. I was born in 1996 and live in Hti Ree Village, Southern Shan State. I hold a B.A. from Taunggyi University. I am married with two daughters and started potato farming at age 16. I have worked in the NGO sector since 2016 on projects including soybean and nutrition, women’s empowerment, and agriculture. I joined Muditar in 2022 and now serve as an agricultural technology facilitator for the BRiLSS III project. I also farm potatoes, chili, and perennial crops like avocado and citrus. I am very passionate about growing perennial crops.
My name is Khun Sein Moe Hein. I am married with one son and hold a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Taunggyi Technological University (2015). I joined Muditar Foundation in 2017 as a Project Officer in Taunggyi and became Pinlaung Township Coordinator in 2019. I enjoy working with Muditar because it matches my passion for long-term rural development. I want to grow my skills to support my family and community. In the future, I hope to become an entrepreneur and donor who can give back to development projects in our region.
My name is Khun Htun Win. I am 42 years old and graduated in Industrial Engineering from Loikaw. I live in Pinkhon Village, Pinlaung Township, with my wife and two sons. I have worked at Muditar Foundation for 6 years as a Project Officer for infrastructure and community bank projects. I enjoy my work and have improved a lot, especially in communication and project design. I like cooking beef curry on my days off and take morning walks for health. My dream is for my son to study abroad one day.
My name is Kyi Mya Yee Aye. I was born in Aungban, Southern Shan State, and I am PaOh and Buddhist. Since 2014, I have worked in community development, focusing on land rights, forest law, gender-based violence, and women’s empowerment. I served as a project officer with USAID, POINT, ALARM, and the Land Core Group, and since 2019, I have been a community facilitator with Muditar Foundation. I feel proud to support rural communities as a woman leader. In my free time, I enjoy being with my children, caring for dogs, and planting flowers.
My name is Nang Aye Aye Hlaing. I hold a B.Sc. in Zoology, a Diploma in Management, and LCCI Level 3 in Accounting from the UK. Her previous roles include working as an education guide, a cashier at UNDP, and accounting staff at MRCS. Passionate about education, my long-term aspiration is to serve as a teacher at a boarding school, helping shape the future of young learners in underserved communities. is currently serving as a Project Officer at Muditar Foundation, actively involved as a project officer focusing on the education project and the women empowerment project. Project Officer Education and Women’s Empowerment
My name is Nan Hseng Swam. I was born on July 22, 1997, in Hopong Township, Southern Shan State. I come from a farming family and graduated with a B.A. in Geography (honors) from Taunggyi University in 2019. After university, I worked for four years with the MRCS Malaria Project, building strong communication and coordination skills. Since July 2023, I have been working at Muditar Foundation as a Project Officer for the Women Empowerment and Education Projects. I enjoy supporting communities and working toward development through education and women’s leadership.
My name is Nang Kyi Kyi May. I was born on May 12, 1997, in Taunggyi, Shan State, and I hold a Bachelor of Laws from Taunggyi University (2019). I have more than seven years of experience in the development sector, including work with MRCS and IDEA Organization, supporting IDPs and rural livelihoods. I now serve as a Project Officer at Muditar Foundation, leading Women’s Empowerment and Education Projects in Taunggyi Township. I am committed to community development and passionate about empowering women and youth through education and local leadership.
I am a Pa’O woman from Hti Bi Village, Pinlaung Township. I worked in education for eight years before earning a B.Econ. degree in 2008 and moving into development work in 2016. I joined Muditar Foundation in 2020 and now serve as field staff, supporting agriculture projects. I love helping my village grow and develop. I live with my husband and three children, who are all in school. My husband works day labor jobs, and I use my income to support our family’s basic needs, including food, health, and education. I am proud of my work and my role in the community.
My name is Nang Yin Htwe, and I live in Pin Tapyay Village, Pinlaung Township. I graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Hinthada University in 2017. After working as a teacher and later training in sewing, I joined Muditar Foundation in 2024 as a Project Officer for the Women’s Empowerment and Education Projects. I enjoy listening to music and drawing in my free time. In the future, I hope to enter the trading and business industry and become a successful merchant and broker.
Nwe Win – I grew up in a small village near Inle Lake and now live in Nyaung Shwe with my loving family. I studied economics at Taunggyi University. Over time, I’ve become more interested in humanitarian work and have joined with friends to support meaningful causes. In September 2019, I joined Muditar Foundation as an Admin/Finance Assistant. I dream of building a small house where I can live peacefully. I’m also exploring ways to earn extra income through agriculture.
My name is Sai San Pha. I was born on November 10, 1981, and hold a B.Sc. in Geography from Taunggyi University. I live in Nandawon 4 Ward, Nyaung Shwe Township, with my wife and three children. I have over 15 years of experience in community development, including roles with Save the Children, the Myanmar Clay Pot Craftsman Association, and Metta Development Foundation. From 2017 to 2024, I worked as a Project Officer at Muditar Foundation. Since January 2025, I have been serving as the Taunggyi Township Coordinator.
My name is Tin Htwe. I was born in a small village with limited access to education, healthcare, and transportation, which inspired my passion for serving others. I hold a B.A. in English, a Diploma in Community Leadership, and certificates in Data Analytics and Project Management. I began my career as a guide teacher, then worked in tourism before joining Muditar Foundation as a Senior Project Officer. I focus on women’s empowerment and education. I enjoy reading, gardening, and collecting orchids. I hope to pursue a Master’s in Development Studies to expand my impact across Myanmar.
Zaw Moe Naung
Taunggyi Township Coordinator & Livelihood Officer
Since joining Shanta in 2014, Zaw Moe Naung has been pivotal to our agricultural programs, offering invaluable insights from his own experience as a community member. With a background in history and diverse skills in agriculture and carpentry, he is deeply committed to building self-sufficiency within partner villages. He’s trained in sustainable farming practices and often leads workshops on permaculture. “Shanta empowers village leadership, and that’s why I’m here,” he says.
KHUN AUGN SEIN
PROGRAM MANAGER SOUTHERN SHAN STATE
Khun Aung Sein grew up on a small farm in Myanmar. After university, he began working as a project officer with the Metta Development Foundation. He joined the Muditar Foundation as a Construction Project Officer in December 2015. Over the next several years, he was repeatedly promoted and served in a number of roles. In July 2022, he received a promotion to Program Manager for Southern Shan State. In his free time, he enjoys playing football and sepak takraw. He also enjoys fishing.
Nang Kyi Yee Aye
Finance Officer
Aung Zaw Min
Senior Project officer, Pauk Region
Chan Nyein Aung
Regional Manager for Pauk Region
Khun Sein Moe Hein
Township Coordinator, Pin Laung
Khun Tun WIn
Project Officer
Ni Ni Soe
Finance Assistant/ Project Officer
Wai Ei Phyu
Finance Officer
Nan Mya Sein
Project Officer
Khun Saw Htee
Project Officer
Nan Chaw Lay
Project Officer
Khun One Tee
Project Officer
Wai Phyo Oo
Livelihood Project Officer, Pauk Region
Aung Htet Kyaw
M & E Officer
Nwe Win
Finance/Admin Assistant
Nan Tin Htwe
SENIOR Project Officer
Sai San Pha
Project Officer , Infrastructure
Zambia Team
Janet Zulu Nyoni is a 55-year-old Zambian Christian woman with over 20 years of experience in development work. She serves as Program Manager at People’s Action Forum and is a passionate community activist. Janet believes lasting change starts within—and that when people lead their own development, it builds true ownership and sustainability. Her work is rooted in empowering communities to take charge of their future. Outside of work, she enjoys farming, reading Christian books, listening to gospel music, and traveling.
Lastone Milambo is a 52-year-old Christian and family man with over 16 years of experience in community development. He is a trained community facilitator with a background in entrepreneurship and currently serves as Project Officer for Leadership and Infrastructure under the People’s Action Forum/Shanta Community-Led Development Project. He is also pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies. Lastone believes in hard work and honesty. In his free time, he enjoys farming, watching football, and listening to gospel music.
Enless Daka is a dedicated social planner with over 10 years of experience working in rural communities to promote quality, inclusive education for girls. She is a Project Officer for the Girls Empowerment Project at People’s Action Forum under Shanta Village Partners, coordinating efforts in the Mazabuka region. Previously, she led a girls’ mentorship project across 25 schools and worked as a psychosocial counsellor and data clerk at Zambia Sugar Hospital. Enless holds a diploma in Social Work, several counseling certificates, and is pursuing a degree in Development Studies. She enjoys reading, dancing, sunsets, and community outreach.
Buumba Muleya is a passionate educator and community development practitioner with a B.A. in Education from the University of Zambia. He serves as Project Officer for Community Bank and Livelihoods with PAF/Shanta Village Partners. His background includes roles with Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ) and Zambia Statistics Agency(ZAMSTATS),enhancing his skills in civic education, public engagement, and data quality. Buumba uses participatory approaches in training and capacity building, promoting financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods. He values integrity, collaboration, and accountability. In his free time, he enjoys volleyball, jogging, reading, and watching documentaries or podcasts that inspire social change.
Chimansa Chisuwo, age 41, is a member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) and currently serves as Field Accounts Officer at People’s Action Forum (PAF). He has over 10 years of experience in the finance sector, including roles at Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic Bank Zambia, and Zambia Sugar Plc, where he worked in the Tax and Treasury department. In addition to his formal roles, Chisuwo offers accounting and tax consultation services to small-scale network firms, bringing practical expertise and financial insight to his work
Saulamba Fikoloma is a skilled Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professional with over five years of experience in community-based development across Zambia. He currently serves as M&E Officer for the People’s Action Forum under Shanta Village Partners, supporting data collection and analysis for community-led initiatives. He previously worked with the Ministry of Health and Avencion, focusing on HIV data systems, treatment retention, and viral load improvement. Saulamba holds a B.A. in Development Studies and Public Administration and has certifications in M&E and data management. He enjoys soccer, flower gardening, farming, and volunteering through mission trips and orphanage visits.
Miranda Zulu is the Project Officer for Women’s Empowerment at People’s Action Forum under the Shanta Project. She works closely with rural women, community leaders, and stakeholders to design initiatives that strengthen women’s social, economic, and cultural well-being. Miranda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from Mulungushi University and uses her training to address the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas. She is passionate about gender equality and creating lasting change. In her free time, she enjoys baking, flower gardening, and traveling.
Tinashe Vareta is an Assistant Project Officer at People’s Action Forum and Shanta Village Partners. Starting in as a volunteer, he learned about the Community Bank, Leadership, and Infrastructure projects. Tinashe is passionate about creating positive change, especially in underserved communities, and values contributing to long-term impact. He enjoys working in a team, learning from others, and developing new skills. Outside of work, he loves football, playing tennis, writing music, and connecting with people from different backgrounds.
Board of Directors
Our board members offer guidance that shapes Shanta’s direction, informed by their diverse expertise and shared dedication to sustainable change.
MARK HARMON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - CHAIRMAN
Since joining Shanta’s board in 2021, Mark has been an advocate for Shanta’s approach to lasting poverty alleviation. With a background in finance and leadership as President of Mortgage Banking at Renasant Bank, he brings a strategic outlook and dedication to expanding Shanta’s work. Mark is also a graduate of the School of Mortgage Banking and holds the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, the industry standard of professional success.
ZACHARY RAY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - CO-CHAIRMAN
Zachary’s journey with Shanta began as a Technical Advisor in Myanmar, where he saw firsthand the importance of community-driven development. Now a local business owner, he continues to champion Shanta’s mission and is deeply engaged in community projects worldwide. Zachary holds an MBA, which strengthens his strategic approach to sustainable impact
DAVID PETERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - TREASURER
David’s experience in Southeast Asia, combined with his background in finance and humanitarian projects, has made him a crucial asset to Shanta’s economic development efforts. With a Master’s degree in International Development, he provides a global perspective on sustainable growth. His commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and he’s an enthusiastic supporter of Shanta’s mission.
ARLEN WEINER
BOARD MEMBER
Arlen’s work in public health and gender equity aligns with Shanta’s vision of empowering women and girls. With experience at global organizations like the Gates Foundation, she brings expertise in advocacy and health access, amplifying Shanta’s impact through her role on the board. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Public Health and Women’s Studies.
JIM HOFFMANN
BOARD MEMBER
Jim’s global perspective, shaped by his career in architecture and environmental planning, informs his dedication to humanitarian work. His involvement with Shanta allows him to contribute to meaningful, sustainable change in Myanmar and beyond. Jim is a LEED-certified professional and holds extensive training in sustainable design.
TAPATI DUTTA
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Dutta brings deep expertise in global public health, women’s health, and community-based research, shaped by academic teaching in the U.S. and field experience across Asia and Africa. With advanced training in public health and social sciences, her storytelling-based approach strengthens Shanta’s commitment to holistic, community-led health.
TAMI DUKE
BOARD MEMBER
With a background in banking and a commitment to service, Tami’s experience with community development projects brings a fresh perspective to the board. After witnessing Shanta’s work in Zambia, she joined the board to contribute to sustainable solutions that empower communities. Tami has also completed executive training in nonprofit leadership and development.
MEG FOLEY
BOARD MEMBER
Meg’s experience facilitating community development funding and her leadership with Rotary International strengthen Shanta’s mission. Based in Durango, she actively promotes Shanta’s work in global contexts while staying grounded in local action with her family. She has also served as a Rotary International grants manager, supporting global humanitarian projects.
