PROGRESS - Key Persons
Bibeka is a dedicated and resilient professional with over a decade of experience in the field of social science. As a Research Officer at Progress Inc, she is on a mission to delve into diverse areas of research that deeply connect with society. Bibeka's research approach is dynamic, with a strong emphasis on integrating gender perspectives into her work, making her a valuable asset to the organization.
Her expertise lies in qualitative research, and her keen observational skills enable her to uncover intricate details and her passion for feminism and feminist theories permeates her academic and development research, adding a unique dimension to her work.In addition to her role at Progress Inc, Bibeka also contributes to the academic world as a part-time lecturer at TU's Department of Gender Studies. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Gender Studies, building on her already impressive academic background, which includes a Master's degree in Gender Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Her commitment to feminism goes beyond the confines of her professional life; it is a fundamental aspect of who she is as a person.
Bibhav is a visionary and impactful business person and M&E expert with over 19 years of experience in diverse fields. Bibhav's expertise spans business management, education, disaster risk reduction, gender equality, child protection, and livelihood. His leadership has spearheaded transformative projects and business globally. He holds a PhD in social impact leadership and has numerous op-eds and publications enrich the professional discourse. Bibhav's business leadership is characterized by his exceptional ability to strategize and innovate globally across multiple domains. His years of management experience, spanning international projects and diverse thematic areas, highlight his adeptness in driving impactful initiatives and fostering sustainable growth.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Associate
Fabiha is working as a senior research associate in Progress Inc since January 2022 and she has been performing different duties including research proposal scouting and writing, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, report and summary writing, social media content development, sharing findings with stakeholders, field researchers' training, project coordination, regular communication with clients etc. She has been part of more than 20 research projects till date. She specializes in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, report writing, translation, content development and design, monitoring and evaluation, training, presentation. On the technical side, she is efficient in using data collection and analysis applications.
She obtained her B.Ed and M.Ed degree from University of Dhaka. With 3.5 years of experience, her research interests include primary education, GESI, ECD, child protection, EiE, child rights, humanitarian context, women empowerment, climate change, health technology, TVET etc. In addition to being a researcher, Fabiha is a language enthusiast and she wholeheartedly believes when Dr. Seuss said "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
As an Admin and Finance Associate ,Habibul handles general office duties such as managing phone calls, emails, scheduling appointments, maintaining office supplies, and coordinating meetings, and also maintaining financial records, processing invoices, tracking expenses in Progress Inc. Bangladesh office since March 2023. He has over 2 years of experience in accounting, HR, procurement, office management and general administration, able to prioritize workload, address clients concerns , manage sales ledger, collect manage bills, and resolve administrative issues. He was an Executive in Billing and Credit Control for M2M Communications Ltd. in the past.
He has completed Knowledge level from The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) and He has completed both a Master in Social Science (MSS) and Bachelor in Social Science (BSS) degree, majoring in Social Work, from National University Bangladesh. He is fluent in English and native Bangla.
Indu is a social science researcher with over 4 years of experience in this field. She holds Master's degree in International Relations with the focus on "Kashmir and South Asia Studies" from University of Kashmir, India. She is the recipient of "South Asia Foundation" (SAF) scholarship for her master's course. She is also the Law student, pursuing LLB with major on gender, child rights and juvenile justice system, cyber law and refugee law from Nepal Law Campus Kathmandu. She has strong background in qualitative research and her interest lies in the issue of Gender, Migration, and Child protection. She was involved in labor migration research in her previous organization, where she conducted numerous studies on migration and gender inequalities. She is keen on exploring the different dimensions of social concerns. As a researcher, she believes in result-oriented performance.
Lucille is a Gender, Equality, and Social Inclusion Specialist with 10 years of experience integrating gender and diversity in programs and operations within development contexts in civil society, international organizations, and government.
She is a specialist in; SRHR, Energy, Climate Change, and Agriculture. Experienced in conducting research, capacity building, advocacy, gender analysis & gender mainstreaming, public policy analysis, gender-responsive budgeting, and gender audits & evaluations.
In addition to her extensive expertise in gender, equality, and social inclusion, Lucille is deeply committed to fostering meaningful collaborations and partnerships to drive positive change. Through her years of experience, she has cultivated a strong network of professionals, activists, and policymakers dedicated to advancing gender equality and social justice.
Medhavi Shrestha is the content creator behind the scenes at Progress Inc, where she passionately curates creative content and brings innovative ideas to life. Currently, she is pursuing her education in Journalism and Literature, reflecting her commitment to staying at the forefront of storytelling and communication. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, Medhavi possesses the blend of skills to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences.
Micah Chebus is a graduate of Chuka University in Kenya, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics. He is a results-driven researcher with a deep-seated passion for conducting quantitative research, particularly within the realm of social issues. Over the past two years, Micah has diligently refined his skills in data collection and analysis, making substantial contributions to various research objectives. His belief is firmly rooted in the idea that comprehensive research processes and thorough exploration can serve as potent tools for solving societal issues, ultimately empowering communities and fostering positive societal change and lasting social impact.
With a strong commitment to the transformative potential of research, Micah Chebus envisions a world where complex societal challenges can be unraveled through meticulous inquiry. He believes that research is a beacon of hope, a means to empower societies, and a catalyst for positive change. His aspiration is to continue his journey, shaping a future where the intricacies of social issues are unveiled, and societies are equipped to embrace a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. Micah's dedication and passion make him a valuable asset in the pursuit of knowledge and societal betterment.
Milan Poudel works as a Research Officer for Progress Inc. He has a dynamic background spanning 6 years in development sector with career marked by roles demanding diverse skills in research, monitoring, evaluation, administration and communication. He is passionate about social activism and evidence based policy making. He is a communication enthusiast and strives to bridge gaps between research findings and actionable strategies. He is currently on a exploratory journey within the realm of social science research, harnessing a multidisciplinary education with undergraduate in civil engineering, graduate in International Relations and Diplomacy, and ongoing legal studies.
Job Titles:
- Intern - Research and Program
Md. Abdur Rahman has recently joined as an Intern- Research and Program in Progress Inc. Bangladesh office. As a recent graduate with a degree in sociology from Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, he developed a comprehensive understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Job Titles:
- Intern - Research and Program
Mohammad Baki Billah Khan joined Progress Inc. Bangladesh as an Intern-Research & Program in September 2023. Khan's expertise in field research, surveys, data management, and strong written and verbal communication skills will undoubtedly contribute to the success of research projects at the organization. Khan has earned his master's and bachelor's degrees both in Urban and regional planning from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and is well-versed in urban and regional planning principles and methodologies. Khan brings a solid academic foundation in Urban and Regional Planning, with a keen interest in various aspects of sustainable development. He has a dedication to research and enthusiasm to contribute to societal progress. His research interest includes Sustainable Urban Development, Climate-Induced Development, Disaster Management and Affordable Housing, and Transportation Management. Along with the academic qualification and knowledge in the research field, Khan is a musician and also has proficiency in social media content management. Motivated and ambitious, Khan is eager to utilize academic knowledge and practical experience to contribute to Progress Inc. Bangladesh's research initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Associate
Omar has been contributing in carrying out research, training, communication, business development activities, among others, at Progress Inc. since December 2022. He has 6 years of experience in research, consultancy, training, communication and project management. He completed over 20 research projects with different UN agencies and INGOs covering DRR, WASH, GESI, migration, education, health, emergency response, protection and other cross cutting issues. Further, he worked with International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to develop ‘Loss and Damage Toolkit' for 12 countries in the global south.
Omar has completed MA in International Relations from South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi, India, under the SAARC Silver Jubilee Scholarship. He is familiar with different languages and cultures in South Asia and beyond. As a research and development professional, Omar aims to contribute in making the world a better place for marginalized and disadvantaged people. He believes that research and accordingly evidence-informed policy making is o
Pooja is an experienced Global MEAL Expert with work experience in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan and Northern Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. With over a decade of hands-on experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, She is at the forefront of driving impactful research initiatives as the Founder/Director of Progress Inc. She has been actively engaged in over 100 research and evaluation projects, leading more than 80 of them, and her expertise spans across diverse development sectors, including GESI, education, livelihoods, WASH, DRR, shelter, food security, human trafficking, health and nutrition, relief and recovery, protection, and GBV.
Her commitment to innovation and utilization-focused practices has led her to successfully implement approaches like Utilization Focused Approach (UFA), Outcome Harvesting, and Process Tracing in evaluations.
Meet Pratisha Joshi, an avid believer of hope and hardship. As a Research Associate at Progress Inc. Nepal, she dives deep into the realms of knowledge, unearthing valuable insights to drive positive change.
But that's not all; Pratisha is also pursuing her Master's degree in Sociology at the Central Department of Tribhuvan University. Her academic journey started in the world of Physics, but her heart led her to a different path - one focused on social campaigns, research, and advocacy.
Pratisha also identifies herself as a public speaker and debater, who strongly believes in the promotion of healthy discourses. In the future, Pratisha envisions a world where her work touches the lives of even more young individuals. Her mission? To empower, collaborate with, and inspire youths to address pressing socio-economic issues via Research, with a special focus on Climate Action and Economic Empowerment.
Puran Shahi, holds a Master's degree in Rural Development from Tribhuvan University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from the same institution. With a diverse skill set spanning administration, procurement, finance, fieldwork, and research, Puran is a versatile expert ready to make a significant impact. His proficiency in logistic management, coupled with a passion for entrepreneurship development and SIYB Training, showcases a dedication to holistic development. Puran's unparalleled ability to resolve administrative issues with a pragmatic approach underscores their reputation as a trusted problem solver.
In addition to academic excellence, Puran Shahi's hands-on experience in various fields positions them as an invaluable asset to any organization or project. Their commitment to rural development, coupled with a knack for optimizing operations, ensures a positive influence on both individuals and communities. With a strong track record of delivering results, Puran continues to excel in the realms of administration, finance, and procurement while making meaningful contributions to socio-economic growth.
Shanti Thapa Magar is our invaluable office helper who has been with us for an impressive three years. Shanti takes care of various essential tasks, including managing our office kitchen, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring our office space remains in impeccable condition. Her workable nature and charming demeanor make her an integral part of our team. Shanti's attention to detail and commitment extend to taking care of all our eateries, ensuring that everyone enjoys a well-organized and pleasant workspace.
Shreeya is a research enthusiast with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Psychology. She has made significant contributions where she tackled critical issues spanning gender, public health, sanitation, and hygiene. Shreeya excels in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, making her a versatile researcher. Her proficiency in field monitoring and team leadership has been invaluable to project success.
Her true passion lies at the intersection of gender, sexuality, inclusion, and youth rights. She is deeply interested in how popular media influences the culture, identity, and beliefs of young people, a topic she actively explores. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shreeya's zest for learning shines through as she dedicates her free time to mastering new languages. Additionally, her creative side comes to life through reading and writing fiction, adding another layer to her dynamic personality.
Shreeya is a driven and multi-talented researcher with expertise in diverse fields, a passion for social issues, and a penchant for continuous learning and creative expression.
Til Bahadur Saru, serving as an Administrative Assistant, plays a crucial role in streamlining internal operations and enhancing workplace satisfaction. With a focus on making work easier and fostering a joyful atmosphere, Til Bahadur Saru diligently manages logistics to ensure a seamless workflow. His dedication aims to simplify tasks and create a more enjoyable work environment for all. Til carries out management, documentation, inventory management and field work related activities. He is equally passionate about Agriculture Development, Gender Equality, and the Environment.
As a Program Manager, Tohura has been managing the overall operations of Progress Inc. Bangladesh office since January 2022. She is also the founder of a start-up named Upgrade Bangladesh, which is mostly focused on coaching, training and capacity development on technical and soft skills that includes but is not limited to leadership, team building, communication.
She has completed both a Master in Social Science (MSS) and Bachelor in Social Science (BSS) degree, majoring in International Relations, from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her research interests include the following thematic areas: education, women empowerment, agriculture & livelihood, environment and climate change, human and gender rights, WASH, health etc. She has 9 years of work experience in the field of research, consultancy, training and project management. She has proven expertise in the field of training/coaching, training curriculum development, facilitating and arranging training and workshops, project proposal writing, research & training project management, quantitative and qualitative research, data collection tools development, data analysis, report writing, and policy review. She strongly believes in knowledge sharing and growing together.