"Of all of your professional pursuits, what are you most proud of?" 

The Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation

Several years ago, I was invited to serve as a project manager for an international service trip to Kathmandu, Nepal.  It changed my life.  I had been to Southeast Asia before, traveling for 3 months as a tourist throughout India and Thailand.  In Nepal, I would be staying at one eco-foundation in a small village named Khahare.  The Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation (KRMEF) would be the site of my service and unbeknownst to me, where the course of my career would change.  Each day, I helped to organize group reflections on our service: building bottle houses, working with local women artisans, teaching restorative yoga to residents of the leprosarium and editing reports for the Founder, Krishna Gurung.  Every one of our 6 team members was profoundly touched by the experience.  On the very last day, I walked up to Krishna and asked simply, "can I bring students here?" With a smile, he said "yes" and our partnership began.

Upon my return, I developed a study abroad course that focused on sustainable community development and transformative leadership that culminated in a 10 day trip to KRMEF. I assisted in the development of KRMEF's first Board of Directors and eventually became Board Secretary.  My experience with community engagement and volunteerism helped the board to create KRMEF's Volunteer and Internship Program that continues to recruit internationally.  Recognizing a need to further our reach, I began conversations with University of Chicago Booth students who were members of the International Development Group (IDG).  Working with one of IDG's Co-Chairs, I created a 7 day Spring Break Trek itinerary and project plan that brought Booth students to KRMEF to work on marketing plans and distribution channels for the artisans' handicrafts.  The Trek was a transformational experience for the students and an exciting development for KRMEF.  To me, this is just the beginning.

So, what does KRMEF really do?  Take a look!