Dr. Anya Sharma is the visionary leader at the helm of the RICE Initiative. With over 20 years of experience in international development, public health, and rural community empowerment across Southeast Asia, Anya brings a wealth of strategic insight and compassionate leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in Development Studies, her work has consistently focused on sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation, with a particular emphasis on gender equality and child welfare. She previously served as a senior advisor for UN development programs in Vietnam and Laos, where she championed grassroots initiatives and forged impactful partnerships. Anya's deep understanding of ASEAN's diverse cultural landscapes and her unwavering belief in local-led development are the guiding principles of RICE.

Keyanna is the heart of our food security and community health programs, deeply rooted in the realities of rural life. With a background in agricultural economics and community nutrition, Keyanna has spent 15 years working directly with farming communities across the Philippines. She previously managed large-scale food security projects and spearheaded sustainable agriculture training for local farmers. Her expertise lies in identifying cost-effective, culturally appropriate food sources and developing community-based solutions for malnutrition. Keyanna's genuine connection to the people of Mindanao and herpractical approach ensure that RICE's nutrition initiatives are not just effective, but truly sustainable and empowering.

Sophy is the driving force behind RICE’s educational and digital inclusion efforts, particularly our connectivity projects in Cambodia. With a Master's degree in Educational Technology and a decade of experience in NGOs focused on youth development and digital literacy, Sophy is passionate about bridging the digital divide. She has led innovative projects to establish learning centers and introduce digital tools in underserved areas across rural Cambodia, understanding firsthand the challenges of infrastructure and digital literacy. Sophy's dedication to ensuring every child has access to global learning opportunities, regardless of their location, is critical to our mission in places like Thpong District.

Naomi brings a unique blend of corporate social responsibility experience and grassroots community development expertise to RICE. With a career spanning over 18 years, including roles in major international NGOs and foundations, Naomi is adept at forging strategic partnerships – from local village leaders to international donors and technology providers. Her work is driven by a belief in authentic collaboration and capacity building within communities. Fluent in several languages and deeply respectful of local customs, Naomi ensures that all RICE initiatives are co-created with the communities they serve, fostering trust and ensuring long-term success.

Devi Purnama is the meticulous force ensuring that every resource at RICE is utilized effectively and transparently. With extensive experience in non-profit financial management, compliance, and logistical operations across Indonesia and Malaysia, Devi is crucial for the smooth running of all our initiatives. She holds an MBA and has a proven track record of optimizing resource allocation, ensuring accountability to donors, and building efficient operational frameworks in challenging environments. Devi's rigorous approach and dedication to ethical practices guarantee that RICE's impact is not only profound but also sustainable and responsible.

Chantelle brings a fresh perspective and a robust background in mass communications to her role in overseeing RICE's outreach efforts.  A recent graduate, she's driven by a passion to create tangible impact in her hometown in the Philippines. Chantelle is adept at using various tools to connect with diverse audiences and amplify community voices. Her work is guided by the principle of authentic storytelling, ensuring that RICE's messaging resonates deeply with the people it serves. Fluent in both English and Tagalog she builds genuine connections and fosters a sense of shared purpose, making sure every outreach initiative is a true collaboration.