Leadership & Staff
Leadership & Staff
Dr. Hem Dhakal
Dr. Hem R. Dhakal is the Founder and Executive Director of Live Peace Tech Corporation. He is a Fulbright Specialist, peacebuilder, and advocate for environmental, climate, social, and economic justice. Dr. Dhakal is an educator, researcher, and social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering communities to create sustainable and peaceful futures.
He holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and Development, a master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, and a master’s degree in English Literature. His doctoral research examined benefit organizations in Maryland and Virginia, and he has published several peer-reviewed articles and co-authored multiple books on leadership, peacebuilding, and social impact.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Dhakal has founded and successfully led two social enterprises and three nonprofit organizations. He is especially passionate about equipping youth with the skills to become ecopreneurs, peacebuilders, and changemakers through environmental education and leadership development.
Born and raised in rural Nepal, Dr. Dhakal came to the United States as a student and transformed his lived experiences into a lifelong commitment to service. He currently lives with his family in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
Samragyee
Samragyee is a Technical Assistant at Live Peace Tech and a Computer Engineering student at the University of Maryland, specializing in cybersecurity. She is passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful social impact, combining her technical expertise with a strong commitment to community-driven initiatives.
At Live Peace Tech, Samragyee supports the development of innovative digital solutions that empower individuals and promote global peace efforts. Her work focuses on building and improving technology platforms, streamlining workflows, and contributing to projects that bridge the gap between technology and social good.
On campus, she is actively involved in research and mentors fellow students, helping them navigate technical concepts, academic growth, and career development. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment while continuing to expand her own skills.
Outside of her academic and technical work, Samragyee enjoys painting, reading, and sewing, using creativity as both a form of expression and balance alongside her engineering pursuits.
Kalpana Pandey
Friendly, organized, and a strong communicator who serves as a community liaison for South Asian American community members. Known for being approachable and reliable, with a natural ability to listen, include others, and keep everyone informed. Skilled at planning events, addressing community needs, and building meaningful connections that support and uplift South Asian American voices.
Urmila Bhusal Dhakal
Urmila Bhusal Dhakal is Live Peace Tech’s assistant director. Urmila is an international educator, social justice advocate, and changemaker with over 2 decades of experience in both the United States and Nepal. Urmila serves as a trainer for families, teachers, administrators, and is a dedicated children's and women's rights activist. She has a track record of successfully operating both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses. Urmila holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS.Ed.) in Career and Technical Education (CTE) from the United States, in addition to a Bachelor of Business Studies, business management, and accounting (BBS) from Nepal.
Urmila’s hobbies and interests are diverse, including practicing and teaching yoga and meditation, singing, cooking a variety of dishes, and exploring new places while engaging with people from different cultures.
Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and has dedicated her career to creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments that support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Throughout her career, Lisa has remained committed to continuous improvement and excellence in teaching. She uses data-driven instruction, hands-on learning, and research-based practices to meet the diverse needs of her students, while also collaborating closely with colleagues and families to ensure student success.
She is currently working toward National Board Certification (NBCT), reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and high-quality education. Lisa’s passion for education continues to guide her work and her impact on the lives of her students.
