Overview
Sumana Shrestha (सुमना श्रेष्ठ) is a prominent member of the second federal parliament of Nepal, representing the indigenous community as a proportional representative through the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). She has an impressive educational background, holding an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a BA in Economics and Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College. Sumana is not only a politician but also a management consultant, entrepreneur, and activist, focusing on tech jobs, engaging the Nepali diaspora, and fostering the next generation of political leaders.
Education
- MBA: MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, USA
- BA: Dual Majors in Economics and Mathematics, Bryn Mawr College, PA, USA (magna cum laude)
- A-levels: Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu, Nepal
- School Leaving Certificate: Saraswati Boarding Higher Secondary School, Chhetrapati, Kathmandu, Nepal
Professional and Voluntary Work
- Head of Global Operations and Strategy: Fusemachines Inc, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Founder and Community Moderator: Carpool Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Founder and Community Moderator: Medication for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Consultant: Boston Consulting Group, Maryland, USA
- Project Coordinator: Antenna Foundation Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Analyst: Citigroup Inc., Municipal Securities Structuring Division, London, UK
- Member: Startup and Innovation Committee, FNCCI, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Board Member: USEF Fulbright Commission in Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Chairperson for Office Management: Kasthamandap Reconstruction, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Initiator: COVID Alliance for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Initiator: Save Nepal Heritage, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Initiator: Alliance for Disaster Relief
Political Career
Member of Parliament: Elected to the House of Representatives in December 2022, Sumana has actively engaged in legislative activities. She made headlines with her inaugural speech advocating for a Parliamentary Calendar and addressing gender bias against women MPs. As a member of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee, she has focused on reforms in education and public accountability.
Key Initiatives:
- Parliamentary Calendar: Advocated for a structured legislative calendar to improve parliamentary efficiency.
- Education Reform: Addressed student concerns regarding the Non-Objection Certificate and equivalence certificates.
- Bill Hackathon: Proposed public involvement in the legislative process.
Ministerial Role
On March 6, 2024, Sumana was appointed Minister of Education, Science and Technology, continuing her commitment to educational reform and public service.
Philosophy
Sumana believes in acting out of dissatisfaction with the status quo, striving to bring about change through community engagement, innovation, and accountability.
Jurisdiction
Sumana represents the districts of East Rukum, West Rukum, Rasuwa, and Kathmandu. Her grassroots activism and leadership in various movements reflect her dedication to improving her community and the nation.
Conclusion
With a rich background in management consulting and a strong commitment to public service, Sumana Shrestha continues to make significant strides in Nepalese politics, advocating for reforms that enhance governance and empower citizens.