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Who Are We

A small, committed team united by one passion.

GOVERNANCE·LIVELIHOOD·SUSTAINABLE TOURISM·COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP·TOWARDS AN EQUAL SOCIETY·

About LEAD+

Co-founded in 2022 by 4 local experts

LEAD+ was co-founded in 2022 by 4 local founders with a shared commitment to contributing towards an equitable and sustainable society in Bhutan.

The team works at the intersection of climate change, livelihood, and governance, three deeply intertwined pillars of Bhutan's development journey.

Together, our founders bring over two decades of in-country experience, deep local knowledge, established community relationships, and proven methods to every engagement.

See Our Thematic Areas

“Contributing towards an equitable and sustainable society.”

Year Founded

Thimphu, Bhutan

Local Founders

Deep Thematic Expertise

Years Experience

Across the founding team

Core Focus Areas

Climate · Livelihood · Governance

Our Team

Human Resource & Management Structure

The institute will be managed by a team with over 20 years of experience in community-led development, civil society engagement, and local governance. The team brings extensive expertise in international donor-funded project management and resource mobilization, supported by strong networks and partnerships with international, national, and local stakeholders.

In addition, the institute will draw on the expertise of technical advisors and professionals engaged across relevant thematic areas, depending on need. It will also be supported by a structured governance system and dedicated support staff, including members of the transition team from the former Helvetas Bhutan Office.

Co-Founder / Executive Director

Tashi Pem

An experienced professional with over 25 years in the development sector. She led the Helvetas Bhutan country office for nine years as its Country Director, having previously spearheaded projects in education, local governance, decentralization, and civil society engagement with Save the Children and Helvetas. She holds an MA in Policy, Management and Government from the University of York, UK.

Co-Founder

Lekey Wangdi

Brings over 20 years of professional experience in Bhutan, the region, and internationally, with a strong foundation in project management, policy formulation, community and livelihood development, and local governance. He specializes in monitoring and evaluation, policy advocacy, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships across tourism, decentralization, and civic space development.

Co-Founder

Yangchen Dolkar Dorji

A development professional with over 14 years of experience across Bhutan's corporate and international development sectors, having led three phases of EU-funded projects strengthening civil society and democratic governance. As a co-founder of LEAD+, she secured the Unlock Her Future Prize to pilot a grassroots venture facility supporting community-led enterprises across Bhutan.

Co-Founder

Tshering Phuntsho

Has over 25 years of professional experience in Community Forestry, Non-Wood Forest Products, Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Financial Management, with extensive expertise in community mobilization and Participatory Rural Appraisal tools across Bhutan. He has led the strategic and technical planning of community forest and NWFP programs nationwide.

Track Record