Ms. Thinley Choden, Country Director
Thinley has worked for READ Bhutan, establishing community resource libraries throughout the country, since its inception in late 2008. She has visited with a number of rural communities throughout Bhutan to share the READ Global model and develop new partnerships with rural villages. Previously, Thinley served as a program officer for the United Nations World Food Program, a consultant for the Bhutan Foundation, and a research assistant for the American Enterprise Institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Beloit College in Wisconsin and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Hawaii at Manoa as an East-West Center degree fellow.
Ms. Kezang Choden, Program Officer
Kezang joined READ Bhutan in July 2010. She was stationed in Ura for four months to work with the Ura READ Center and its community to strengthen programs and activities. She oversees activities for other upcoming READ Centers across Bhutan. Before READ, Kezang worked for Kuzoo FM, a youth radio station as the program coordinator. She graduated from North Bengal University in India with honors in literature in 2006. She also has a post-graduate diploma in radio journalism from Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, India.
Mr. Ngawang Phuntsho, Development Officer
Prior to joining READ Bhutan as Development Officer in 2012, Ngawang Phuntsho worked at the Head Office of the Bank of Bhutan (in Phuentsholing) as the PR & Media Officer. He blogs regularly on social issues and frequently contributes columns to the local newspapers. He has a Bachelors Degree in English Literature from Sherubste College, Kanglung, via Delhi University.
Mr. Ganesh Chettri, Field Coordinator
Ganesh joined READ Bhutan in January 2011. He is stationed in Gasa and works with the community and grassroots leaders to plan, coordinate and establish the new Gasa READ Center. Before joining READ, Ganesh worked for Civil Society Organization Fund Facility. He also completed internships at Bank of Bhutan, Goeneful Options Consultancy and Ministry of Labor and Human Resources. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's in business management from Garden City College in Bangalore, India.
Mr. Sonam Tashi, Field Coordinator - Rural Enterprise Development
Prior to joining READ in October of 2011, Sonam worked as Purchasing Officer for Bhutan Carbide and Chemicals Ltd. He has a dual Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Naresuan University, Bangkok and Southern Cross University, Australia.
Ms. Tashi Pem, Administration and Finance Assistant
Tashi joined READ Bhutan in July 2010. She has a bachelor's degree in commerce from Bangalore University in India. Before joining READ, she interned at Bhutan National Bank.