Our Team

Khenpo Nima Shar is the founding Lama of the Pelden Drukpai Choetshog Inc., North America and is from Wangduephodrang. He is a monk with the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan. He began his basic monastic education from Dechenphodrang Monastic School and completed his studies in Buddhist Philosophy with a MA in Buddhist studies from Tango Buddhist College in 2001. He also completed his three-year retreat at Chari Meditation Centre and following that, served as a lecturer at Tango Buddhist College. He was appointed as the principal of Sewla Shedra, Punakha in 2012 prior to his most recent past role as the Vice president and research head of Dorden Tashithang University, Thimphu. With the aim to pursue English studies, he came to New York in 2022 and is currently undergoing studies at the New York English Academy. He has published numerous books related to Buddhist philosophy and is a keen Yoga practitioner. He has also bestowed numerous discourses on Buddhism at various educational institutions such as schools and universities in Bhutan. During his free time, he dabbles in writing, giving discourse on biographies, and research. 

Sonam Leki Dorji serves as the President of the Board for the Pelden Drukpai Choetshog (Bhutan Center Inc.) since its founding in 2023. Born and brought up in Bhutan, Sonam came to the US for her undergraduate education and now lives in New York with her family. She finished her dual undergraduate degrees in Computer Science & Engineering, and Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at UPENN in Philadelphia, PA. Professionally, Sonam has been in Finance for 18 years, working at various time in the hedge fund industry, Credit Suisse and most recently as a Portfolio Manager at AllianceBernstein, a global asset management firm. She has a deep interest and enthusiasm for community service and is excited to have the opportunity to serve the Bhutanese community through the Pelden Drukpai Choetshog.

Sonam Wangchuk is the Vice President/Treasurer and a founding board member of Pelden Drukpai Choetshog. He is deeply passionate about contributing to both our organization and community. His extensive skill, with over 20 years of experience as a Business Technology professional and leader in the United States, uniquely positions him to spearhead strategic initiatives.

He is currently serving as an Agile Product Management Senior Advisor for Evernorth/Cigna. He has made significant contributions to Fortune 500 companies such as Wells Fargo Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Merck, Medco Health Solutions, Express Scripts, Cigna, and Evernorth. His proficiency encompasses a wide range of areas, including Finance, Management, Strategy, Planning, Design, as well as the Transformation and Implementation of Business and Technology Solutions.

Sonam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with Four majors in Finance, Management, International Business and Marketing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, In addition to this, he earned a MBA with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from the University of Texas.

Sonam’s values and guiding principles are right inline with our mission at Pelden Drukpai Choetshog which prompted and inspired him to contribute to both our organization and the community we serve.

Tashi Yoezer hails from the beautiful region of Shar Bjena Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang.

His journey in life took an interesting turn at the age of nine when he made the decision to join the monkhood at Dechen Phodrang Monastery. Prior to this, he had completed his formal schooling up to the 5th grade. At Dechen Phodrang Monastery, Tashi completed his basic monastic education before being transferred to Pung-Thim Dratshang. There, he dedicated several years to the extensive practice of Gar-Thik Yang-Sum.
Eventually, Tashi decided to venture into a different path and resigned from his monkhood. He embarked on a business venture, successfully running his own shop in the bustling city of Thimphu, Bhutan. However, his journey did not end there. In the year 2001 Tashi made the life changing decision to travel to America.

Currently, Tashi plays a vital role as one of the founding members at Pelden Drukpai Choetshog in North America, where he serves as the General Secretary and handles Public Relations. With his passion for community work and his extensive range of experiences, Tashi brings valuable insights and dedication to his role within the organization.

Pema Tango is from Kurtoey Ney Pema Choeling in Gangzur, Lhuntse. Pema’s journey began as an ordained Buddhist monk. Throughout his tenure as a monk, he dedicated himself to studying Buddhist Philosophy, culminating in the achievement of his master’s degree. His academic pursuits followed a comprehensive path, encompassing Ngatsang Shedra from 1990 to 1994, Dodedra from 1995 to 1997, and Tango from 1998 to 2002. 

Relocating to America in 2002, he earned an associate degree in general studies from Baltimore City Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Sojourner Douglass College. 

Pema Tango’s professional endeavors have been equally diverse and impactful. He has previously served as an enforcement officer for the city of Baltimore, additionally he brought his organizational acumen to the role of Operations Manager at the MJ Morgan Employment Agency. Pema’s passion for healthcare led him to work as a Nursing Support Tech (NST) at Mercy Hospital. Currently, he holds the prestigious position of Senior Site Director with Randstad USA, a major corporate employment agency. 

Pema has also explored creative pursuits. He is the author of the book “Reflections on My Humble Beginnings,” Furthermore, he is a talented composer, producer, lyricists, and singer, showcasing his artistic abilities and athletic prowess in various realms.   

Currently, Pema plays a vital role as one of the founding members at Pelden Drukpai Choetshog in North America, where he serves as the media/ Communications Director. 

With his passion for community work and his extensive range of experiences. Pema brings valuable insights and dedication to his role within the organization.  

Pem Namgyal is from Bjee, Trongsa and is one of the founding board members of the Pelden Drukpai Choetshog. He serves in the capacity of Event Coordinator/Internal Affairs Director with sincerity and dedication. 

Kendor is one of the founding board members of the Pelden Drukpai Choetshog. He is from Eusakha, Punakha. He joined as a monk at the age of 13 and holds a MA in Buddhist Philosophy. He is enthusiastic about community service and currently serves as the board member responsible for Ethics/ Religious affairs with utmost dedication and commitment. 

Tsokey Lhamo is Fundraising/ Program Director and a founding board member of Pelden Drukpai Choetshog ( Bhutan Center Inc.)

Tsokey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities (Honors in Sociology) from Punjab University, India; a Diploma in Tourism & Hotel Management, Tourism School Klessheim, Salzburg, Austria; and has completed the Butler Training Program and Spa Therapiest with Taj Hotel Group.

She has contributed as a team member in the pre-opening of different hotels and restaurants working across multiple departments. Tsokey served in various capacities in 5 star hotels such as Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in India, Taj Tashi in Bhutan and Zuma in New York City.

Her hard work, dedication and passion in her responsibilities bestowed on her were always recognized and reward worthy.

She is most passionate about volunteering in community services and remains committed to render any task selflessly. Tsokey believes strongly in giving back to the community and does so through her selfless service to the community throughout the year.