Kateryna Zemskova, CEO and Co-Founder:
Kateryna is a New York City resident, has a backround in software development, business and real estate. With a degree in Computer Science from the University of Santa Cruz (California), she worked as a software engineer/application developer at several startups, and then joined Keller Williams and Spire Group, leading New York City real estate firms. Kateryna also co-founded a travel agency, specializing in trips to Nepal.
Just before the earthquake Kateryna was developing plans to build sustainable, socially-responsible hotels in Nepal, with her Kathmandu partners. She brings this experience, combined with her technical and business expertise, to her current non-profit work with Good Earth Global.
Baris Tuncer, Co-Founder:
Baris of New York City, has an extensive experience working as a program manager and systems engineer for Texas Instruments. He holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and an MBA (emphasis on finance and accounting) from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Baris is also co-founder of an travel agency specializing in trips to Nepal, and in addition to his non-profit work for Good Earth Nepal conducts real estate transactions in the New York City area.
Roshan K. Jha, Managing Director:
Roshan K. Jha has extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Roshan has worked on maximizing employment opportunities for young adults in the environmental, alternative energy and sustainable agriculture sectors. Roshan has also worked as a Research Consultant for the United Nations International Labor Organization in Dhobighat, Lalitpur, and as a Program and Project Coordinator for the Forum of Economic Studies in Bagbazar, Kathmandu. Since the earthquake, Roshan has consulted with the Nepal Technical Office of Registered Engineers For Disaster Relief India (RedR India) and is now Managing Director of Good Earth Global. He has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies and a Master's Degree in Economics from Tribhuvan University in Nepal.
Colin Hill, Co-Director:
Colin comes to us from Canada, he has an extensive background in business management, having taken on lead management roles for companies across the globe. Colin started young, as an owner/operator of a successful business that he ran till his mid 20's. Since then he has contracted his services out to numerous small businesses and start-ups, helping them refine processes and organize projects. Colin has extensive travel experience, crossing the globe numerous times.
Subash Gurung, Construction Supervisor:
Subash’s passion for building and architecture was sparked in the eight grade, when he began spending time at the office of sustainable architect Prabal Thapa. Inspired by Thapa and later Nader Khalili, the father of Earthbag technology, Subash received a diploma in Architecture from Asian Engineering College in 2015.
While still studying Subash built his first Earthbag house, and has since built and supervised Earthbag structures all over Nepal.
Durga Tamang, Earthbag Builder:
Formerly a farmer, learned Earthbag construction while working on his own family’s house at a Good Earth Global project. Since then he’s worked for us on multiple projects, and become an expert Earthbag builder.
Sangita Adhikari, Architect:
Sangita has extensive experience planning and designing buildings and has worked as Chief Architect on a variety of projects, including banks, schools and commercial complexes. She’s been Principal Architect at Nytapole Construction Company, Pvt. Ltd, and prepared Detailed Project Plans and Physical Project Plans for major infrastructure projects.
Sangita has a Masters in Urban Planning from Pulchowk Engineering Campus in Lalitpur, and a First Division Bachelor of Architecture from Kathmandu Engineering College in Kathmandu.
Jennifer Dahlem, Fundraiser:
Jennifer is an environmental scientist with a diploma from the University Koblenz-Landau. She has worked in several conservation programs focussing on biodiversity and geoecology, and worked with multiple NGOs around the world. Jennifer co-sponsored an Earthbag learning center in Nuwakot, Nepal and was Vice-President of Garden of Hopes-Nepal, a German non-profit.
Dr. Owen Geiger (02/27/1956 - 11/06/2018) - Dr. Geiger was the world’s leading Earthbag builder and our project partner, technical consultant and guiding light.
Dr. Geiger founded the Geiger Institute of Sustainable Building, was former Director of Builders Without Borders and worked closely with Habitat for Humanity, the United Nations Institute of Training and Research and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Owen helped develop our current Earthbag training curriculum, and assisted in Good Earth Global project planning and design. His genius and generosity towards us and others greatly advanced the cause of sustainable building around the world. He is greatly missed.