Bijaya Pokharel
Executive Director
Bijaya is a dedicated professional in the not-for-profit sector, with a particular focus on youth. His passion and people-centric approach have made him a successful leader in the sector. With more than two decades of senior leadership experience in various organizations, Bijaya has honed his skills in youth empowerment, good governance, stakeholder engagement, and community engagement. His friendly demeanor, accessibility, and deep understanding of the non-profit sector have led to significant advancements in youth empowerment, particularly through meaningful engagement with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
Previously, Bijaya served as the Executive Director at the
Neighbourhood Empowerment and Resource Centre Inc. (NEARC Inc.), a not-for-profit organization based in Winnipeg. He played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and managing its operations. His primary focus was on establishing the
Youth Reconciliation Hub through the Pathways to Reconciliation (P2R) initiative, engaging Black, Mainstream Canadian, Indigenous, and Newcomer Youth.
He built a strong brand identity, primarily by creating and championing the TRC Calls to Action. He also successfully executed the Enabling Workforce in Manitoba (ENWIN) initiative, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Taking a challenge Bijaya had announced the
Future 2025 initiative, where NEARC will be entirely governed, led, and served by youth by the year 2025. His leadership style, marked by enthusiasm and practicality, actively seeks to empower youth while promoting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly CTAs #66 and #93.
Bijaya has had the honor of addressing the Ministerial Level Delegates from the Member States of the United Nations as one of the Global Youth Panelists during the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. His international presence is evident through his participation in international conferences and training sessions across 17 countries, including the USA, UK, and Israel. He has also been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Global 500 Youth Environmental Award and the Rolex Awards for Enterprises.
Bijaya has also volunteered eight months in the Indigenous Dene community in Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. He represented the Degah Gote’ Dene’ Council (First Nation’s Office) at the hearings for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project (MVPP). He was also invited as a Guest Speaker at the 5th International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) event in New York, an event organized by the Ford Foundation and IFIP.
In his role at Youth in Action, Bijaya is instrumental in strategic planning and operational oversight of the projects. He closely monitors the progress of YIA projects to ensure they are on track and within budget. He frequently communicates with both the internal team and stakeholders to align expectations and project deliverables. His responsibilities also include critical decision-making, particularly in relation to project governance processes.
Bijaya welcomes connections and collaborations with youth, professionals, and organizations that share his vision. To contact Bijaya via email, please Click Here
Bijaya Pokharel
Executive Director