Investing in People. Advancing Communities. Transforming Lives.
Maya & Aastha Foundation, Inc.
Investing in and advancing community development by empowering individuals and communities to enhance their well-being and create social, economic, and environmental conditions in which they can thrive.
Kanchan currently works as a Security Specialist, applying her knowledge and experience to help protect people, information, and systems. In addition to her professional career, she serves as the President of Maya & Aastha Foundation, Inc., where she brings her commitment to service and community development to the organization’s work. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and helping create meaningful and lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and communities.
Kanchan Lama
Executive Leadership Team
Meet the leaders empowering Maya & Aastha Foundation, Inc.
Born and raised in Nepal, Kanchan completed her elementary education there before continuing her middle school education in India. She later moved to the United States, where she completed high school and continued her higher education. Driven by a strong interest in technology and security, Kanchan pursued studies in the field, earning an associate degree in Cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, and a master’s degree in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, all in the United States.
From an early age, Kanchan developed a strong desire to give back to her community, particularly by supporting education, caring for the elderly, and assisting individuals in need. This commitment to service has remained a meaningful and consistent part of her personal and professional journey, shaping her desire to use her knowledge, skills, and experience to positively impact the lives of others.
'Lizzy' Elizabeth Kasonde
Earlier in her career, Lizzy designed and supported rural, agriculture-focused, community-based development initiatives in Jamaica; and coordinated international development programs in collaboration with bilateral and multilateral development partners, including the World Bank, USAID, and the German International Cooperation (GIZ). Her work has included public procurement, institutional and organizational capacity building, strengthening the capabilities of senior government officials in developing countries, and supporting economic recovery initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lizzy contributed to the coordination of economic recovery strategies in the United States and developing countries, including initiatives addressing the broader global economic impacts of the pandemic. She also contributed to efforts to reorganize education systems to improve learning outcomes in the post-pandemic environment and to develop tourism recovery strategies for developing countries.
Lizzy’s broader Global Affairs experience encompasses international law, foreign trade and investment, human rights, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, refugee issues, and development challenges in conflict-affected areas. Her work has also included examining the underlying causes and challenges associated with child labor, particularly in developing countries.
Through her leadership at Maya & Aastha Foundation, Inc., Lizzy is committed to advancing sustainable community development initiatives that strengthen individuals, expand opportunities, and create meaningful social and economic impact. She is dedicated to serving communities with purpose while supporting the continued growth, development, and well-being of the individuals and communities she serves.
A native of Zambia, Lizzy is a Ph.D student in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Governance and the Government/Public Sector. She holds a master’s degree in Globalization and Development from the United Kingdom, with a concentration in international business, foreign trade, and investment, as well as a second master’s degree in International Development from the United States. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and an associate degree in Business Administration from the United States.
Lizzy currently serves as a Senior Business Analyst in a role specializing in public procurement and the management, oversight, and monitoring of public funds. She brings to Maya & Aastha Foundation, Inc. a diverse combination of experience and expertise in international economic development, program and project management, development program design and evaluation, community development, public procurement and financing, development research, proposal development, and international grant writing. Her international experience spans Asia, Africa, the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.