To GF colleagues
Dear Colleagues,
After 13 incredible years at the Gates Foundation, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to retire from my role as Deputy Director, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene at the end of December. This decision, while not easy, has been one I’ve thoughtfully planned for some time. Early next year, I will be moving back to Nepal to be closer to my mother and spend more time with family.
When I joined the Gates Foundation in 2012, I brought with me 25 years of experience in advancing clean water and sanitation for underserved communities. I was drawn to the promise of innovative technologies and the potential of non-sewered sanitation systems (NSS) to deliver safe, inclusive solutions globally. Together, we launched groundbreaking innovations, championed investments in equitable sanitation, and strengthened institutional capacity to improve service delivery and access for underserved communities across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
As co-lead of the WSH India/Asia Program, I supported the integration of NSS and inclusive approaches within the Swachh Bharat Mission, helping shape national agendas across South Asia. I also launched the Asian Development Bank’s Sanitation Trust Fund in 2013, unlocking more than $3 billion for inclusive sanitation in the region.
Beyond programs, I’ve worked to build lasting capacity of global and regional platforms such as the Global Sanitation Graduate School (IHE Delft), the Global Water and Sanitation Center (AIT), the Regional Capacity Platform (ITN-BUET, Bangladesh), the Global Sanitation Center of Excellence (IIT Palakkad), India’s National Capacity Building Platform (NIUA) , and Fresh Water Action Network – South Asia (FANSA). None of this progress would have been possible without the remarkable partnerships and sustained investments that continue to drive this work forward.
Receiving the Bill Gates Sr. Award in 2023 remains one of the most cherished moments of my career. It was not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the collective achievements of the colleagues, partners, and the communities that have inspired and supported this work. Donating the $100,000 prize to Nepal Rising—a nonprofit organization I am associated with, which delivers emergency relief and health services to underprivileged communities—was a deeply meaningful way to extend our shared mission of impact.
These experiences have reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and collective action to address the most pressing challenges we face. While I may be stepping away from my formal role, my passion for safe water & sanitation and equitable solutions remains unwavering. I plan to stay engaged in the sector, leveraging the network I’ve built to share knowledge and skills and mentor the next generation of visionaries in water, sanitation, and hygiene.
As I prepare for this transition, I am working closely with Doulaye and the WSH leadership team to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. I have full confidence in the team’s ability to continue driving this critical work forward with the same passion and excellence.
I am profoundly grateful for the communities I’ve been fortunate to build and be part of. The friendships and partnerships we’ve created will always hold a special place in my life, and I hope to maintain those bonds for years to come.
I would love the chance to connect in the coming months, so please reach out. The WSH team is graciously planning a celebration in my honor on October 15 in Seattle. You will receive an invitation soon. I hope you can join us.