As a Program Manager for Hope Nepal Association for Social Welfare (HNASW), Upaj designs and implements community sensitization projects the promote youth rights, gender equality and anti-trafficking initiatives. Upaj is an expert in community mobilization, awareness raising of issues related to gender-based violence (GBV), and project management. During his fellowship in the United States, Upaj hopes to learn about gender mainstreaming strategies, empowering socially excluded people and transforming communities while also developing his skills in community mobilization and creating communications materials. Upon returning to Nepal, Upaj plans to educate his community about gender-related issues, and will work to minimize violence against women by promoting women’s education, skills, and empowerment.